Control of Warehouse System Model Using PLC and Multiplatform Mobile Application: Educational Case Study for IT and Automation Convergence

The digitalisation of production systems under Industry 4.0 emphasizes the convergence of information (IT) and operational technologies (OT) to enhance industrial processes and efficiency. This work addresses the educational gap in ITOT integration through a case study demonstrating the control of a virtual warehouse system using a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a mobile application. The study employs accessible tools like Codesys for PLC programming, Factory I/O for warehouse system simulation, and Node-RED for middleware communication, leveraging OPC UA and MQTT protocols for seamless data exchange. Operators can manage and monitor the system via a mobile interface developed using multiplatform framework, enabling both automated and manual control modes. This case study offers a practical framework for teaching Industry 4.0 concepts, bridging IT and OT, and advancing digitalisation in industrial automation.