Roll With the Punches

I remember back when QiSOFT purchased QCS, we also acquired an earlier version of QR2 software. Originally intended for use by the containerboard industry, QR2 was designed to give customers, who use paper in the production of containerboard, a graph of product indices grading thickness (caliper), weight and moisture.

These graphs were the product of high-resolution data obtained from scanners and trim information to then produce an average of the three grade standards. The results were placed directly on the rolls in an easy-to-identify label. By looking at these graph labels, the manufacturer receiving the paper could determine which rolls met specification and which did not and effectively minimize changes to processing machines.

Who would have thought that sometimes, software works too well?

As it turns out, the suppliers were none-too pleased with the results of this labeling system because it clearly identified when product was not to customer specifications. So, they simply stopped labeling them.

We knew, however, that QR2 was a valuable tool and its benefits could not be denied. So, with a slight shift in its intent, we refined QR2 to be an application with mutual benefits to both the supplier and the manufacturer. This was achieved by making the graph-average data available directly to the winder operators who actually cut the reels into rolls before sending them out.

With QR2, now the winder can quickly and easily assess thickness, weight and moisture before he cuts, so he can make an immediate “go” or “no go” decision. Say, for example, one reel shows greater thickness, then it is cut for a customer who requires that grade. If another reel shows lighter weight, it is likewise cut for a customer who has that need. By simply doing as the machine says, the winder will always be right, ensuring products meet customer specifications before leaving the plant floor.

I love it when a plan comes together, don’t you? Sometimes when you just roll with the punches, you come across an even better solution.

Allen Caughran
With QiSOFT Since 2003