# The Use of the Internet of Things in the Distribution Logistics of Consumables
## 1 Introduction
### The Impact of IoT on Distribution Logistics  
Distribution logistics is an area of logistics that deals with managing the flow of goods from their place of production or storage to the place of consumption or sale. This process involves planning, organizing, managing, and monitoring the various activities associated with the distribution of goods to ensure their efficient and reliable transfer and delivery from one point to another. Distribution logistics includes activities such as warehousing, packaging, transportation, inventory handling, order management, inventory tracking, and delivery of goods to customers. The goal of distribution logistics is to optimize these processes in order to ensure fast and efficient delivery of goods, minimize costs, and maximize customer satisfaction. In the current business environment, where customer expectations are often high and competition is strong, distribution logistics plays a key role in the success of businesses. Effective management of distribution processes enables companies to achieve a competitive advantage through faster deliveries, lower costs, and better customer satisfaction. The development of distribution logistics has undergone major challenges in recent years. Consumers have high expectations of their suppliers. They require fast deliveries after sending the order, accurate information about its status, flexibility of delivery options, a simple and intuitive way of purchasing, up-to-date information about the stock status, flexibility and the possibility of exchanging or returning goods, and, finally, they expect that the offers they will receive they will be personalized to their requirements [32,33]. These requirements are often a key factor that suppliers must pay attention to in order to maintain customer loyalty and create a positive shopping experience [34,35]. IoT is having a significant impact in distribution logistics, transforming traditional practices and bringing new opportunities to improve efficiency, tracking, and management. It helps businesses meet customer expectations without the negative impact of these investments. With the help of the most modern technologies, in distribution logistics, we can monitor the current state of stocks, and predict the need for purchase in connection with the season and the expected behavior of the consumer [36; 37]. GPS modules help us optimize routes, and loading and unloading in real time, thereby increasing the efficiency of carriers. We can use them to track the location of the vehicle, traffic conditions, and other relevant factors, which can reduce the delivery time [38]. At the same time, the consumer can check and monitor the state of equipment and delivery of their shipment. We can predict the estimated delivery time almost exactly to the minute [39; 40]. Another important group of devices that use IoT technologies are robots and robotic systems that help us increase the efficiency and speed of distribution logistics and minimize the risk of errors. These are, for example, autonomous mobile robots that are able to independently navigate in warehouses and perform a whole range of tasks, such as transporting supplies within the warehouse and storing them, collecting goods in the warehouse for specific orders, completing and packing orders, and loading pallets on the distribution pickup. Robots can also help with the maintenance and cleaning of warehouses. These devices use a number of IoT technologies, such as ultrasonic sensors and infrared sensors used to detect obstacles around the robot and its navigation, pressure sensors used to measure pressure when handling objects, temperature sensors used to ensure the correct storage temperature, and sensors of volume, lighting, etc. In the future, a very promising form of improvement in distribution logistics is the use of drones, which use a large number of IoT technologies. They should especially help us in the final phase of distribution, by delivering the shipment itself.