LeaderSHIP OPPORTUNITy! Join ASQ EdmonTON Member Leader Team!!

Looking to enhance your resume? Serve your fellow Quality Professionals by volunteering as a Member Leader of the Edmonton Section. Check out the 2026 Nominations page for the listing of leadership opportunities available. New blood and fresh outlooks always welcome.


September Webinar

Thinking Different: The TRIZ Approach to Solving the Right Problem

Date:       Thursday September 25th, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – Online Webinar

Webinar Link: LINK

Price: ASQ Members: $Free
Non-Members: $Free

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Speaker:     Akhilesh Gulati

Widely applied across various industries, TRIZ offers a structured framework for overcoming obstacles and fostering innovative solutions. To remain competitive, organizations must align product quality and manufacturing processes with evolving demands for value, efficiency, and reliability. The complexity of products and processes, coupled with conflicting objectives, presents challenges in optimization. 

The efficacy of TRIZ hinges on pinpointing and solving the root problem rather than addressing symptoms. Akhilesh will shed light on problem selection, emphasizing the importance of identifying the core issue for effective solution development. Join the session to explore problem-solving strategies using TRIZ, ensuring optimal outcomes for projects, across different industries.

What is TRIZ?

TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) is a systematic problem-solving methodology developed by Russian engineer and scientist Genrich Altshuller in the mid-20th century. Grounded in the analysis of patents across various fields, TRIZ aims to generate innovative solutions to technical problems by identifying and applying patterns known as the "laws of technical systems evolution."

The core principle of TRIZ is that inventive solutions follow recognizable patterns. By leveraging these patterns, TRIZ offers a structured approach to problem-solving through a suite of principles, methods, and techniques.

Speaker Bio:

Akhilesh Gulati is a passionate advocate for operational excellence and a dedicated champion of quality improvement. With over two decades of experience in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, he has transformed organizations across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and energy. For Akhilesh, quality isn’t just a metric; it’s a mindset that drives innovation and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Akhilesh's journey into the world of innovation took a significant turn when he discovered TRIZ methodology. This powerful problem-solving tool has become a cornerstone of his work, enabling teams to identify contradictions and unlock creative solutions. His expertise in TRIZ has empowered organizations to approach challenges with a fresh perspective, resulting in groundbreaking advancements and enhanced performance.

As a sought-after speaker and trainer, Akhilesh has shared his insights on TRIZ and its applications at numerous conferences, inspiring audiences to harness this methodology to create meaningful change. His engaging presentations not only inform but also motivate professionals to embrace innovation as a pathway to personal and organizational growth.

Akhilesh is a founding partner of PIVOT Management Consultants, based in the Los Angeles region.  For over twenty years, his articles have been featured in The Quality Digest magazine (https://www.qualitydigest.com/author_content/38)

Join us at the upcoming webinar to explore how TRIZ can revolutionize our approach to quality & problem solving,  and drive sustainable success. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


 

October In-Person Event

Smarter Quality – AI-Driven Excellence from Data to Autonomy

Date:       Tuesday October 7th, 2025
Location: Millwood Seniors Center – 2nd Floor, 2610 Hewes Way NW Edmonton
Time: 6:00 pm – Networking, Light Dinner, presentation of Member Value Add Awards,
6:45 pm to 8 pm – Presentation

Price: ASQ Members: $Free
Non-Members: $Free

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Speaker:     Sanjay Upadhyay (Ph.D., PMP, ASQ-CSSBB)
Sr. Manager (System Services & Analytics), Canadian Mental Health Association

Artificial Intelligence is redefining what quality means in the age of AI. In this session, we’ll explore the Five Layers of Principle from rock-solid statistical foundations to fully autonomous Agentic AI and examine how these layers are transforming quality in manufacturing, services, and maintenance. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when quality principle (TQP, Lean, Six Sigma), and AI join forces, you’re about to find out in this presentation.

Speaker Bio:

Sanjay Upadhyay is an expert in computational modeling & simulation, process innovation, and data-driven strategy. With over 12 years of leadership experience, he brings together advanced analytics, precision project management, and Six Sigma mastery to streamline complexity and deliver measurable performance gains.

A Ph.D., in Computational Modeling and Simulation, certified PMP, and ASQ-certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Dr. Upadhyay helps organizations anticipate change, integrate technology, and sustain competitive advantage in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Join us in person to learn how AI and accelerate your quality journey. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


 

Akhilesh Manchanda named ASQ Fellow

ASQ Edmonton is thrilled to announce that Akhilesh Manchanda, a longtime Member Leader with ASQ Edmonton Section, has been named an ASQ Fellow. ASQ Chair, Daniella Picciotti presented the award to Akhilesh on May 7th at World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI) 2025 in Denver Colorado. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to quality and excellence in his field.

ASQ Fellow status is a prestigious recognition awarded by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of quality practices and principles. It is one of the highest honors within ASQ, acknowledging significant achievements and leadership in the field of quality.

Congratulations to Akhilesh on achieving this significant milestone and honour.

 
 

Section News

ASQ Edmonton normally holds approximately six in-person meetings annually. Scheduling is normally between January and June, with the summer off and then resume between September and December. Events are open to ASQ Members and Non-Members to attend.


Article: Managing Change in Fast-paced Construction Projects

A White Paper by Akhilesh Manchanda, P.Eng., CMQ-OE
Click here to download

 
 

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Section Member-Leader Meetings:

Occur normally 3 - 4 weeks in advance of the Section meetings.

If you're interested in volunteering, let us know and we'll send you the details.  Roll up your sleeves and help us plan out the next event. You'll get the most out of your membership if we know what interests you most.

Remember, you earn RU credits towards your certification renewals as a volunteer.