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.