Computer control of paper-making plant

The online computer control system at Wolvercote Paper Mill, Oxford, was the first of its kind in the UK. An account is given of the events leading to the installation in 1965. The papermaking process is seen as a problem of control and the application of the digital computer to the process is described. The direct, practical approach and the low cost of both hardware and software are considered to be important factors. The benefits from this installation have been considerable. The computer has proved to be a completely reliable tool which can extend the operator´s skill. There have, however, been problems in taking measurements accurated and reliable enough to be used in an automatic control system.