What is quality in the context of TQM - Total Quality Management?

In business, particularly in manufacturing, total quality management is the focus on quality from start to finish in the business stream. The quality of materials coming in the door from which the company's products are made is reviewed, and there are standards for everything that is received. Work and product in the work stream are looked at to ensure quality (functionality and adherence to requirements) at each step. Final tests verify adherence to specifications and product reliability. The effectiveness of the sales force and the support team is also reviewed to ensure quality service. Total quality management has standards or other methods which measure the quality of materials, workmanship, life-cycle costs, products, and services at key points in the business process. Indices are put in place to foster continuous quality improvement throughout the entire process.