A method for developing production standards for a fourdrinier paper machine producing specialty paper grades

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore a method for developing production standards for a low-production fourdrinier paper machine producing a wide range of specialty paper types. The approach was based primarily on noted historical deviations of actual production from production indicated from the use of formulas or nomographs describing the theoretical production possible. Using FORTRAN IV on an IBM 360, a program capable of accepting and analyzing historical data in order to develop production standards was developed. The program is also capable of comparing production runs on a particular day with the historical standards. A similar approach could be applied in both specialty mills and in high-production mills using the fourdrinier paper machine. The production standards developed from such a method would provide a basis for standard cost accounting by product and by production run, would permit evaluation of changes in the machine, and would provide a means to evaluate machine and crew performances. Quality control chart methods incorporated in the computer program would also aid in pointing out production runs with extreme deviations from the historical standards of production in order that checks could be made for assignable causes.