the new zealand wool testing authority operates eight objective measurement laboratories situated in each of new zealand's wool selling centres. a network of wang 2200mvp computers links the various laboratories and provides test result input, communications and printing facilities in the centre closest to where each client resides. the computer is also used for calculation, analytical, costing and online automatic accounting purposes. since its implementation in 1980 the current system has become an essential part of the authorities operation and has resulted in a significant increase in accuracy, efficiency and delivery. the paper describes the hardware configuration, reasons for its selection, the relative merits of the approach taken, the software and personnel requirements and comments on future upgrading and expansion. an exciting project involving direct input from laboratory balances with automatic test number identification is also covered in some detail