# Machine Selection for Inventory Tracking with a Continuous Intuitionistic Fuzzy Approach
## 5 Case Study
### Stage 1: Preliminary Preparation  
The CINFU AHP&CODAS methodology was applied to the machine selection problem for inventory tracking in a small and medium-sized manufacturing company working in the Turkish market. Deciding on a suitable machine is critical for a business in terms of accuracy, operational efficiency, cost savings, and continuity in inventory management. The criteria utilized in this study were established through a two-step process: a comprehensive literature review followed by expert consultations. The literature examined provided an initial set of potential criteria for machine selection in lean manufacturing environments, which included speed, setup time, operational flexibility, cost, and sustainability. This initial list was subsequently refined and validated during consultation sessions with three manufacturing professionals, each possessing over ten years of industry experience. The criteria selected for this study incorporate both theoretical perspectives and practical requirements, ensuring their relevance to the specific context of decision-making. The six criteria for assessing the four machine options were derived. Each represents a particular facet of machine efficiency and compatibility with lean manufacturing and digital transformation objectives. Speed (C1) and Setup Time (C2) address operational efficiency. Ease to Operate and Move (C3) and Ability to Handle Multiple Operations (C4) evaluate flexibility and functionality. Maintenance and Energy Costs (C5) and Lifetime (C6) focus on long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Table 2 gives the criteria definitions. Various automated solutions offer distinct advantages tailored to different operational needs in inventory management. The High-Speed Automated Scanner (A1) provides sophisticated scanning capabilities for tracking inventory. It boasts state-of-the-art sensors \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l l} \hline \hline
**Linguistic Terms for Criteria** & **Linguistic Terms for Alternatives** & \multicolumn{1}{c}{**CINFUNs**} \\ \cline{2-3}  & & \(\mu\) & \(\xi\) \\ \hline Absolutely less important than (ALI) & Absolutely Low Value (ALV) & \(0\zeta-0\zeta^{2}\) & \(4\zeta-4\zeta^{2}\) \\ Very strongly less important than (VSLI) & Very Low Value (VLV) & \(0.5\zeta-0.5\zeta^{2}\) & \(3.5\zeta-3.5\zeta^{2}\) \\ Strongly less important than (SILI) & Low Value (LV) & \(\zeta-\zeta^{2}\) & \(3\zeta-3\zeta^{3}\) \\ Slightly less important than (SILI) & Slightly Low Value (MLV) & \(1.5\zeta-1.5\zeta^{2}\) & \(2.5\zeta-2.5\zeta^{2}\) \\ Exactly equal importance (EEI) & Medium Value (AV) & \(2\zeta-2\zeta^{2}\) & \(2\zeta-2\zeta^{2}\) \\ Slightly more important than (SIMI) & Slightly High Value (MHV) & \(2.5\zeta-2.5\zeta^{2}\) & \(1.5\zeta-1.5\zeta^{2}\) \\ Strongly more important than (StMI) & High Value (HV) & \(3\zeta-3\zeta^{2}\) & \(\zeta-\zeta^{2}\) \\ Very strongly more important than (VSMI) & Very High Value (VHV) & \(3.5\zeta-3.5\zeta^{2}\) & \(0.5\zeta-0.5\zeta^{2}\) \\ Absolutely more important than (AMI) & Absolutely High Value (AHV) & \(4\zeta-4\zeta^{2}\) & \(0\zeta-0\zeta^{2}\) \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Linguistic scale to weight criteria [17]. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l} \hline \hline
**Criterion** & **Description** \\ \hline Speed (C1) & Measures the machine’s inventory processing speed. \\ Setup Time (C2) & Time required to configure and initialize the machine. \\ Ease to Operate (C3) & Evaluates user-friendliness and mobility. \\ Multi-Operations (C4) & Assesses the machine’s ability to perform various tasks. \\ Maintenance Costs (C5) & Includes regular maintenance and energy consumption. \\ Lifetime (C6) & Expected operational lifespan of the machine. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 2: Criteria description. and barcode reading technology, enabling rapid counting and logging of inventory with exceptional accuracy. Its compact structure is well suited for fast-paced manufacturing environments where space is at a premium.