The contemporary problems of chip manufacturing process in particular for small series are briefly reviewed. The costs optimization methods used for the preparation and launching of chip manufacturing are described in detail. New organization structures for the chip design and production are proposed. The implementation of the manufacturing process of this new type (i.e. “intelligent” production) is reviewed. The main feature of the “intelligent” production is that it takes into account not only essential technological steps but also involves design center and customer service support into the entire scheme describing the whole cycle of manufacturing. The real examples of manufacturing process modification and appropriate recommendations are given.

Keywords: chip for small series, “intelligent” manufacturing process, chip production standard route, MLM route, MPW route, production costs, modification of production route, united order.