The WinTXU™ Screw Configuration Manager software from PolyTech is a graphics program that is used to manipulate extruder barrel and screw element components for documenting screw configurations along with process parameters; these programs take the place of using spreadsheets and can accommodate multiple-OEM machines. Applications of the simulation program WinTXS™ from PolyTech will be shown for scale-up, screw design optimization as well as process troubleshooting. The cost for computer programs to improve productivity can be easily justified with the increasing cost of raw materials, energy and labor.