A method of operating an off-line finishing device for fiber webs, in particular an off-line slitter-winder for winding fiber webs, wherein in operating the off-line device the running speed is automatically optimized to minimize cost of web breaks. The method considers the costs associated with a web break during unwinding in addition to the cost benefit of maximizing web unwind speed so as to maximize machine utilization. The method determines an optimal web break stopping time in a web break situation and how often a web break is predicted. Automatic optimization incorporates limitations including the maximum rotation speed of the parent roll, the maximum speed of the fiber web being unwound, the maximum positive torque which can be applied to the parent roll to accelerate the parent roll to a rotation rate which produces a desired web speed, and maximum braking torque.

A method of operating an off-line finishing device for fiber webs, in particular an off-line slitter-winder for winding fiber webs, wherein in operating the off-line device the running speed is automatically optimized to minimize cost of web breaks. The method considers the costs associated with a web break during unwinding in addition to the cost benefit of maximizing web unwind speed so as to maximize machine utilization. The method determines an optimal web break stopping time in a web break situation and how often a web break is predicted. Automatic optimization incorporates limitations including the maximum rotation speed of the parent roll, the maximum speed of the fiber web being unwound, the maximum positive torque which can be applied to the parent roll to accelerate the parent roll to a rotation rate which produces a desired web speed, and maximum braking torque.