## 5 Conclusions  
Online monitoring of pipe conveyor operation with the use of continuous measurement is a demanding but highly effective means for identifying unfavorable conditions and ensuring operational reliability. In the process, the discrimination method can be used effectively.  
The discrimination method was verified using simulated data (measured contact forces (CFs)), which characterized the properties of the used pipe conveyor test stand. The results confirm the suitability of the method for use in the practical assurance of a failure-free pipe conveyor operation.  
In further research, the authors assume:* Verification of the proposed discrimination method based on data obtained from real operations. For this, it will be necessary to set the frequency for scanning and evaluating the values of measured contact forces and the contact force (CF) variability in a failure-free operation.
* Verification of the possibility to identify other types of failures.
* Determining the impact of failures on other (adjacent) idler housings.
* Deriving a rule to determine on which idler housing, within the entire pipe conveyor route, the size of contact force (CF) needs to be monitored.  
This presented research was carried out on a specific type of continuous transport system (pipe conveyor). Due to its specificity, the conclusions obtained cannot be considered generally valid for other types of continuous transport systems. Our results were confirmed using parameters such as tension force, contact forces, etc., which differ in individual types of continuous transport systems. Based on this, further research needs to be carried out focusing on other groups of continuous transport systems, aiming to create universally valid postulates with general validity and usability for the needs of digital transformation in intralogistics processes.  
This presented research created basic prerequisites for digital transformation implementation. With its help, autonomous control algorithms can be created in the future, enabling automated control of continuous transport systems from the point of view of their standard operation, while at the same time identifying undesirable operating conditions to increase operational safety and reliability. The said solution will enhance efficient continuous transport system operation, and, thanks to digital transformation implementation, it will be possible to ensure that these intralogistics components meet the criteria of Industry 4.0. The created algorithm needs to be further refined and researched to achieve its universal application and subsequent use for other types of continuous transport systems.  
Conceptualization, V.M.; methodology, G.F. and V.M.; investigation, B.S. and D.K.; formal analysis, B.S. and G.F; writing--original draft preparation, V.M. and G.F; writing--review and editing, B.S. and P.M.; validation, P.M. and D.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This work is part of the projects VEGA 1/0488/23, VEGA 1/0101/22, VEGA 1/0264/21, VEGA 1/0600/20, KEGA 005 TUKE-4/2022, KEGA 018 TUKE-4/2022, and APVV-21-0195.  
Not applicable.  
Data variability statement: Data sharing is not applicable to this article.  
The authors declare no conflict of interest.