The transformation tango.

Transformations make me nervous. Those words were spoken at a recent paper industry conference, and they are true for many people. While we are frequently told to embrace change, it is the familiar things that make us feel comfortable and secure. Unfortunately, there aren't too many familiar things to hold on to in the paper industry these days, as companies merge, mills dose, and jobs change.

As individuals, what can we do in times like these? The worst thing to do is nothing. Simply doing our jobs the same way we've always done them won't cut it. A better approach is to understand what is happening around us, what skills we need to survive, and how best to keep our facilities efficient and competitive.

Specific training on equipment and human skills development are, of course, vital parts of this learning process and most paper companies invest in this kind of on-site training. But many companies are neglecting another valuable training and development source: public conferences and courses. As a magazine editor, I attend many of these conferences and I am always surprised at how much general and specific information they generate. It's my job to understand the transformations taking place in the paper industry, and I typically get much of my understanding--and story ideas--from attending conferences.

For example, I recently attended the TAPPI Engineering/Finishing & Converting Conference in San Antonio. I sat in on formal presentations, roundtable discussions, and attended the receptions. Here are a few things I learned from just two interactive roundtables:

* New advances in thermographic imaging are helping maintenance personnel monitor many conditions, such as tank levels, roll cover conditions, and tank integrity. Several participants described in detail how they are finding new uses for this device every day.

* IR analysis of electrical systems is valuable but must be limited for safety reasons.

* Some mills are using "kickouts" on their forklifts so that if a driver runs into something, the forklift will not operate until a supervisor turns a control key. This makes investigating accidents and mishaps much simpler.

* Converting operations promising 24-hour delivery are using tactics such as dedicated sheeters, extra manning, smaller sheeters, and low-cost auto set slitters.

* Converters are having trouble finding replacement electronic parts on older machines.

* Ceramic slitters, once a hot trend in converting, have given way to carbide slitters.

This is just a very small sample of the detailed operating information available at the conference--the kind of information attendees could take back to their mills and plants. Unfortunately, in tough times, many companies cut back sharply on the conference attendance. This is extremely short sighted. Most conference programs are carefully planned by professionals from mills and suppliers who really know what information is needed and who can best deliver it. Vital information is there for the taking.

Some people have criticized the way conferences are run, complaining that there isn't enough mill attendance and that conferences are held in expensive locations. The first criticism, while true, is not the fault of the conference planners--most have done everything they can think of to develop well-targeted programs. The second argument is spurious--there are usually lower cost accommodations nearby any of these conferences. Also, dozens of mills are located close to conference locations such as Seattle or Atlanta--surely they could send people to programs at minimal cost.

The real reason for smaller turnouts is the lack of commitment by company and mill management to supporting the outside development of their people. Learning by association with your peers has always been a powerful development opportunity. In times like these, companies should be sending more--not fewer--people to conferences. Conference organizers like TAPPI are responding to industry needs by combining meetings to reduce costs and add value for participants. We are also experimenting with remote knowledge delivery through teleseminars. Remember that in these times of transformation, we all can still benefit from the time-honored tradition of associating with and learning from the people who do jobs like ours in other mills, regions and countries.

ALAN ROOKS Editorial Director; [e-mail]