Many companies have extended and upgraded their quality systems in recent years. The impetus has quite often come from customers, because in order to become and remain a supplier to major merchanting houses or shippers it is essential to put in place competitent systems. Deficiencies tend to be found rather in the quality management system. Awareness of the subject has certainly improved but so far logical implementation is a rarity . All too often everyday business makes such demands on available time that too little time is left for important planning work. But examples from industry demonstrate that a dedicated quality management system is able to save a great deal of money whilst improving customer satisfaction, so the time spent is certainly worthwhile.