An information management system developed at a coated specialty mill ensur
es that all quality decisions are made at the time of paper manufacture. A
relational database is the basis of a program that acquires all paper and p
rocess testing data and presents it directly to operating personnel. Output
is customized to satisfy the basic requirements of paper machine quality c
ontrol. Statistical features are provided for the detection of outliers and
process capability analysis. A case study involving rough, grainy edges il
lustrates the use of this system to improve the quality of coated strippabl
e wallcovering base.