Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed to reliably utilize material as close as possible to the end of the primary supply wheel so to minimize the roll waste. An indicator material, such as tape, is positioned on the primary and standby supply wheels at a distance from the end of the roll so that a reader, such as a machine vision system, can detect the presence or absence of the indicator material on the rolls. If the indicator material is present, the machine vision system will initiate a minimal waste splice logic. If the indicator material is absent, the machine vision system will initiate a standard splice logic.