Debra Smith, CFPIM, CIRM , is a consultant with DLS Education and Consulting<, a firm specializing in operations and systems management. She has over 20 years' experience in automotive, office furniture, and other industries, having held positions of Production and Inventory Control Manager, Systems Manager, and Data Processing Manager in companies large and small. She received her B.S. degree from Michigan State University. Deb has served on project teams for the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and is a contributing author of the Society of Manufacturing Engineer's Handbook Material and Parts Handling in Manufacturing. An APICS volunteer for 14 years, Deb instructs CPIM and CIRM certification review courses, serves on two committees, and is a frequent speaker at APICS chapter and regional events.