The problem of alkyd reactor polycondensation kinetics has been addressed. This was enhanced through a novel mechanistic approach and discrete-delayed measurements. The predictor provides adequate empirical-analytical basis for evaluating and operating alkyd batch reactor based on the present performance in order to monitor, control, correct the reactor and ensure prompt termination of the batch such that the final product quality index is maintained within specification. The current proposal considers modification of the existing models to include certain adjustable parameters whose values must be computed numerically such that the error measured between the actual and the predicted results are adequately minimized. The new approach was tested and validated in a reasonable number of reactions. The results were found to be reliable than the conventional approach. Further detailed comparison of the results achieved through the error dynamics and RMSE revealed a significant overall improvement in the studied reactor calibration problems. (C) 2016 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.