Andy Nichols, CQP FCQI
Program Manager
Andy Nichols, CQP FCQI brings 40 years of expertise in a wide variety of roles and industries, with a particular focus on management systems in manufacturing organizations. In his role, Andy trains, consults and creates content covering many topics, including quality systems, information security, practical aspects of cybersecurity and business development.
Prior to joining The Center, Andy held positions in Fortune 500 companies and small to medium-sized businesses. His experiences range from toolmaking, laboratory testing, product design engineering, sales, field service, manufacturing and supply chain.
Andy has authored three books, “Exploding the Myths Surrounding ISO 9000 – A Practical Implementation Guide” (published by ITG, April 2013), “A Guide to Effective Internal Management Systems Audits (published May 2014) and “Implementing ISO 9001:2015 – A practical guide to busting myths surrounding quality management systems” (published October 2022).
Previously, Andy was a consultant with Excel Partnership, Inc., for more than 15 years, developing and delivering world class training. Andy has held a number of quality management positions and was responsible for establishing and implementing quality systems to ISO 9001 and NATO AQAP1 for both hardware and software quality.
His experience includes a significant role at Chrysler Manufacturing (ISO 9001), Hyundai Motors Manufacturing Alabama (ISO/TS 16949), Arvin Meritor, Peterson Spring, ACH, GM, Timken Company, Valeo, GKN and Visteon.
Andy taught measurement systems to UL lab assessors, developed a learning program for calibration for Chrysler Manufacturing and developed and delivered ISO 17025 lead auditor training for USDA, USAF and Army labs.
Other clients he has worked with include Dresser, Caterpillar, Oce USA, River Run Press, UL, ANSI, the USA Navy, Army and Air Force and the USDA.
In addition to his ISO 9000 Management Systems experience, Andy has worked with ISO 14000, ISO/IEC 17024 and ISO/IEC 17025. He has extensive practical knowledge of ‘Quality Tools,’ including SPC, FMEA, Quality Circles, Problem Solving, Internal Auditing and Process Mapping.
Andy is a Chartered Quality Professional and Fellow of the United Kingdom’s Chartered Quality Institute (CQP FCQI). He is an IRCA Quality Management Principle Auditor and a certified ISO 27001 Lead Auditor (Information Security Management Systems).
BOOK REVIEW: CQI Quality World, Winter 2022 Issue
Implementing ISO 9001:2015 – A practical guide to busting myths surrounding quality management systems:
"I have to admit to being a little sceptical when I received this book as, in my experience, these things often just rehash and rearrange freely available information. However, while this book does cover a small amount of familiar ground, there is a lot of very useful information given, well supported by little soundbites or ‘myth alerts’. The structure of the book is such that technical information is delivered in an easy-to-read format, with the forementioned myth alerts providing welcome respite from the more in-depth elements of the book. I would suggest that the target audience for the guide are those within the profession who have some exposure to the standard, but perhaps not so much in relation to the implementation process. The book does a respectable job of cutting through the weeds and I think it would provide a very useful reference for newer members of the implementation team. I found it useful as a back-to-basics guide, since my role is much wider than standards management or, indeed, implementation. For me, it provided a useful and uncluttered guide to what is required under the standard, offset against what is not. I enjoyed flicking through the busted myths and even found a few that I thought were true. As the book demonstrates, there is a lot of misinformation out there, and I would recommend this book to colleagues on the basis that it is easy reading around a complex subject matter."
- Phil Brady CQP MCQI, Managing Director, Cheshire QHSE, UK
BUY THE BOOK HERE.
PUBLICATIONS
ISO 9001 Certification: Oh No! We Have a Non-Conformity!
ISO 9001 Certification: Selecting a Conformity Assessment Body
All You Need to Know About ISO Certification: The Audit Process
All You Need to Know About ISO 9001 Certification: Cost
ISO Certification: Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Planes, Trains, Automobiles & Quality?
Internal Audits? Bah, Humbug!
Myth Busters: Common Misconceptions of ISO 9001
Cybersecurity? You’re It!
Variety is NOT the Spice of Manufacturing Life!
How Often Do You Calibrate Your Internal Management System Auditors?
Learning About Internal Audits from Dr. Joy
Why You Should Never Use “For Reference Only” In Your QMS
Process Ownership? Yes!
Is Your Website Causing You "Daylight Robbery"?
Take Your Digital Sales & Marketing to the Next Level with LinkedIn
Industry 4.0 and ISO 9001 Quality Management (Part 2)
Industry 4.0 and ISO 9001 Quality Management (Part 1)
ISO 9001 – A Key to Cybersecurity? (Part 2)
ISO 9001 – A Key to Cybersecurity? (Part 1)
Is Your Quality Policy “Motherhood” or “Apple Pie-in-the-Sky”?
10 Tips to Prepare for Your Virtual ISO Audit
When the Pandemic is Over: Using ISO to Plan & Prepare
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)
Quality Document Control - What's in Your Wallet?
How LEAN Are Your Internal Quality Auditors?
QUALITY WORLD: Embracing Disruptive Technologies in Manufacturing
No Time for ISO 9001...
ISO: Leave the Pyramids to the Pharaohs
It Ain't What You Do, It's the Way That You Do It
Open Wide! It's Time for a Dose of MedAccred
Making Management Reviews Beneficial. Are We There Yet?
How Football Can Help with Auditing a Process-Based QMS
Achieving Competency in Quality. Manufacturing's Got Talent!
Quality Manuals - QMS "Quick-Start" Guide?
10 Things to Ask Your Certification Body Auditor Before Your ISO 9001:2015 Audit
A Year to Go…
ISO 9001:2015 Internal Audits
Using Your ISO 9001:2008 QMS to Implement the 2015 Requirements
Flight "AS9100D" Has Not Departed Yet
SMARTSHEET: Everything You Need to Know About Quality Management
SMARTSHEET: How to Implement Corrective Actions That Also Strengthen Your Team