# Machine Selection for Inventory Tracking with a Continuous Intuitionistic Fuzzy Approach
## 2 Literature Review  
Inventory management is an essential aspect of manufacturing systems, playing a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and satisfying customer demand. Traditional inventory management methods often depend on periodic assessments and manual tracking, which can lead to inefficiencies and delays. In contrast, digital systems harness technological advancements to provide real-time visibility and automation in inventory management processes [19]. Research has shown the substantial impact of IoT (Internet of Things) applications on inventory management within lean manufacturing systems [20; 21; 22]. By integrating IoT technologies with lean principles, manufacturers can reduce waste, optimize resource utilization, and improve efficiency. For instance, IoT devices can track material movement within a facility, eliminating unnecessary transportation and storage waste--critical concerns in lean manufacturing [23]. Furthermore, IoT systems enable predictive maintenance of inventory management equipment, resulting in reduced down-time and enhanced equipment reliability, aligning with lean and digital transformation goals [24]. For example, [PERSON] [25] considered the applications of IoT across different industrial sectors, outlining the key technologies, benefits, and challenges associated with its implementation. [PERSON] et al. [26] showed that sensor-based monitoring systems improve inventory accuracy. However, these studies were generally limited to a specific product type and did not propose an integrated system. [PERSON] [27] examined the potential of integrating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems as a digital solution with lean manufacturing principles to achieve a competitive advantage for manufacturers. The authors argued that modern systems could support lean principles despite traditional viewpoints that see ERP as a hindrance to these. [PERSON] et al. [5] investigated the impact of integrating digital systems and lean manufacturing practices on a company's sustainability performance. The main finding was that integrating both practices significantly improves overall sustainability performance. The fusion of digital transformation technologies and lean manufacturing principles generates a powerful synergy that significantly improves efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in modern production systems [28]. Lean manufacturing minimizes waste and maximizes value by optimizing operations and enhancing resource utilization. Digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), complement these objectives by addressing traditional challenges and facilitating more intelligent decision-making processes [29]. IoT devices play a vital role in waste reduction by providing real-time insights into inventory levels, material movement, and production status. This immediate visibility helps to minimize overproduction, waiting times, and unnecessary transportation, perfectly aligning with lean principles [30; 31]. Flexibility and adaptability, cornerstones of lean manufacturing, are further augmented by digital platforms and tools. This integration enhances responsiveness and enables the seamless coordination of resources, thereby improving overall system efficiency [32]. While digitalization has improved inventory management and lean manufacturing, there are still significant challenges in accurate counting because of the variety in technology [33; 34]. These advancements emphasize the need for decision-making frameworks incorporating digital capabilities in evaluating and selecting inventory management systems. Some studies focused on various decision-making models for lean manufacturing or inventory management systems as a part of lean principles. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [35] aimed to explain how companies make the strategic decision to choose lean manufacturing systems as part of their manufacturing strategy and on what basis managers make such strategic decisions.