This document discusses using cost of quality (COQ) accounting methods to identify waste and drive excellence in business operations. It provides examples of COQ analyses conducted on pharmaceutical documents that showed large reductions in wasted hours from increased prevention and coordination. While compliance is important, the document argues that focusing on managing quality through waste elimination can be more effective. It also notes some pitfalls to avoid when using COQ, as well as benefits like emphasizing a "do it right the first time" culture and improving resource allocation.