Total quality management (TQM) refers to a collection of systems that organize quality control for businesses. Although many companies have simples ways to manage the quality aspect of their business, more advanced systems are being implemented to conform to more demanding customers and/or government regulations

Quality control software should be versatile to work within the current business practices. A configurable system ensures successful integration through user-friendly interfaces, a structure that reflects business culture and flexible reporting capabilities.

TQM encompasses quality control in manufacturing and other organizations. Some of the components include:

• Statistical control applications
• Defect tracking systems
• FMEA
• Six Sigma
• PPM (parts per million) reporting
• Document Control
• Customer portals for access to quality documents
• Quality assurance
• ISO 9000 data management
• Corrective action measures reporting
• Real-time corporate dashboards

Such applications provide easy access to the appropriate personnel from any location within the corporation. Optional customer portals provide access to applicable quality data to streamline communication. Trending in order to reveal quality issues over time allows a business to pinpoint the issues that are costing them the most money and/or causing the most scrap.