Learn papermaking on the Net

One of the paper industry's most effective tools in competition, aside from know how, is making prompt use of new knowledge and experience. The need f or training is further accentuated by the changing nature of jobs and the a rrival of a new generation of employees. To meet these challenges, VTT Auto mation has spearheaded the development of KnowPap, an Internet-based system designed to teach users papermaking, paper machine automation and the inte raction between the two. Employing multimedia, hypertext and simulations, t he system is suitable for both private study and use in class. It is simple to update and works with an ordinary browser (article on pages 518-520). Funding for the KnowPap project, which cost around FIM 7 million and took t hree years, was provided by the National Technology Agency (Tekes) and Finn ish forest products manufacturers. System maintenance has been entrusted to Licentia Oy, a company set up at the start of this year to market research results. Maintenance support will be provided by a team of users, who will meet once a year The system is now being translated into English.