a material roll is transported to a roll changer by being arranged on a transport carriage . the material roll and transport carriage are placed on a transfer table which is moved into position between journal bearings of the roll changer . the transfer table is adapted to move the material roll transversely and along a longitudinal axis of the material roll and can pivot in a horizontal plane . an inclined position of the material roll , arranged on the transfer table , is determined by sensors . in this determined , axially aligned position , the material roll is axially aligned on the bearing journals . the roll size of the material is determined . an axially aligned position for roller support arms of a roll carrier of the roll changer is determined as a function of the determined roll size . an axially aligned position of the transfer table is determined as a function of the determined roll size and the determined inclined position of the material roll . the position of both ends of the sleeve of the material roll , upon insertion of the transfer table into the roll changer , is detected . the material roll is then inclined by a rotary drive which is arranged on the transfer table .