# The Use of the Internet of Things in the Distribution Logistics of Consumables
## 2 Materials and Methods  
The aim of this study was the implementation of new knowledge and discoveries of the use of IoT technologies in machines for dispensing consumables in manufacturing companies, which will make the dispensing of consumables more flexible and efficient, reduce the costs of material consumption for companies, and make the material more available to employees. At the same time, the distribution system of deliveries to the company is optimized and automated, thereby reducing distribution costs and the need for cash flow for the supplier of consumables. During the study, it was found that the issue had not been investigated by another author in the past, and therefore we consider its implementation to be beneficial. The research was carried out on a case study in the production company SkyBlue, which employs more than 1300 employees and has been operating in the Slovak market for more than 20 years. The company produces sheet metal bumpers for cars, which requires a high consumption of consumables such as protective gloves, glasses, cutting tools, and marking material. The company's total turnover is EUR 48 million and it produces more than 18,000 bumpers a year. The company was selected based on open communication by the company and an effort to participate in research by making data available. The research was carried out in cooperation with the company DistriLog, which supplies consumables to industrial enterprises in Slovakia. It employs 80 employees and its annual turnover is EUR 16 million. The company supplies businesses with various logistics solutions, where there is a high potential for optimizing distribution logistics using IoT solutions. Distribution logistics solutions are the company's main competitive advantage, and their development can further support its stable position as a market leader. In a specific case, we use the performance measurement method to analyze the current state of issuing consumables. Using the performance measurement method allows us to focus on specific research goals, using the selection of specific KPIs (key performance indicators) and metrics that are relevant for evaluating the effectiveness of IoT implementation in vending machines. In our case, the key performance indicators include the cost of expended consumables. The results of the measurement are thus objective, minimizing the subjective view of the research. We were able to collect and use the obtained data during the entire course of the research. They thus helped us in making decisions and evaluating the real impact on the project. This part also included the use of the method of time studies, with the help of which we measured the time required by an employee to issue consumables. Based on the results of the current state and the customer's requirements, we used the method of technological innovation and the subsequent method of technological demonstration to create a prototype vending machine using IoT technologies, which was implemented at the customer's location. We chose the technological demonstration method despite its financial demands. However, this method gave us a realistic view of how IoT technology might work in a real distribution environment. This is important when simulating practical conditions. The demonstration allowed us to verify the working efficiency of the IoT implementation, and we could watch over time how it affects processes and immediately reveals potential challenges and benefits. Interaction with stakeholders helped us solve problems on the spot. The above-mentioned performance measurement methods and the technology demonstration method gave us the basis for using the comparison method. We can compare selected KPIs before and after the introduction of IoT technologies, which provided us with measurable indicators of the impact of the technology.