How Mendix Makes it Easier to Integrate Multiple Systems

Joining me today to share our experiences with Mendix is my team member, Lai Jianye. He is mainly responsible for TEAMCENTER PLM customization and has also taken on Mendix development after being introduced to the platform.

MX: Before using the Mendix low-code platform, what development tools did you mainly use? What tools does your department/team primarily use?

Lai Jianye: Previously, I frequently used JAVA Eclipse IDE. When working on TEAMCENTER PLM system development projects, I started using Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, and C++ programming tools. These tools helped me with compilation and debugging during coding. Depending on the requirements, I also wrote Oracle SQL Procedures. Most of our department uses these tools for development.

MX: What were the limitations and challenges of the previous development tools?

Wu Jianlai: Traditional tools lacked collaborative development and visualization features, requiring significant resources for development.

Lai Jianye: Traditional tools required extensive time to configure or adjust UI. Collaborative development posed challenges with program coordination and merging. Development cycles were long, and the testing process was time-consuming and labor-intensive.

MX: How did you first learn about Mendix?

Wu Jianlai: Since our company is a Siemens Software channel partner, we became familiar with the Mendix low-code platform through this partnership. We started training and practicing with Mendix, eventually earning the Rapid Developer certification.

Lai Jianye: I participated in Siemens’ Mendix Workshop, where I gained initial knowledge and concepts about Mendix through discussions and hands-on practice.

MX: How long have you been using the Mendix platform for development?

Lai Jianye: It has been about three years. Siemens Software has continuously released Mendix courses and information, and our team has gradually entered the Mendix development field. I’ve had in-depth experience with Mendix for over a year.

MX: What are the main reasons for adopting Mendix as your application development platform?

Lai Jianye: The main reason is that Mendix allows rapid prototyping of systems, enabling users to visualize operational scenarios and make quick adjustments, aligning with iterative development concepts. Mendix also acts as a bridge between TEAMCENTER PLM and third-party systems, complementing each other. Additionally, Mendix supports Java actions and JavaScript for complex functionalities, and its modular features save time by avoiding redundant development.

MX: What applications have you and your team developed using Mendix? Are these applications used internally or by other business departments?

Wu Jianlai: We have developed several apps, including integrations with NX CAD/CAM, such as cloud-based 3D review and cloud-based 3D processing orders. Other applications include office automation tools like cloud-based calendars and punch-in systems. The cloud calendar integrates with TEAMCENTER PLM for project and change management notifications, reminding users to complete tasks before deadlines. These apps help our clients complete new product R&D and production tasks more efficiently. We are also actively developing more apps. Additionally, we showcase Mendix as a customization platform during presales for new TEAMCENTER PLM customers to meet their personalized needs.

MX: Which Mendix components/modules have you used in these applications, and what are your thoughts and feedback?

Lai Jianye: I primarily used modules like 3D VIEW, Calendar, Email Connector, AnyChart, Community Commons, Excel exporter, and REST Service. Reusing these pre-configured modules significantly reduced development time and complexity.

MX: Where do you typically seek help when facing challenges during Mendix development?

Lai Jianye: I usually refer to Mendix’s official documentation or search the Mendix Forum for answers to similar issues. The Mendix Learning Path website also helps me quickly understand how to use modules. These resources have been incredibly helpful.

MX: Which of your Mendix applications are you most proud of? Could you describe it in detail?

Wu Jianlai: I am most proud of the cloud-based calendar. It offers features like task scheduling for individuals and teams, leave approvals, document management, and task reports. For TEAMCENTER PLM customers, it integrates project and change management notifications. The calendar provides a user-friendly interface for workshop staff, who often lack direct TEAMCENTER PLM access, ensuring timely material updates and reducing production risks and costs.

Lai Jianye: The cloud-based calendar was the most challenging project. It integrates multiple modules like Calendar, RESTful, and Email Connector. We customized the Calendar module by modifying JavaScript to meet UI requirements.

MX: What benefits have these applications brought to users/clients?

Wu Jianlai: For example, the cloud-based 3D processing order app, integrated with NX CAM, allows CNC operators to view complete 3D models and toolpaths on their devices. This eliminates the need for printed documents, reducing risks of loss or damage. Operators can also provide feedback on the process, minimizing communication errors and processing mistakes.

MX: What feedback have business departments or clients given about these applications?

Wu Jianlai: Clients find the applications very convenient and often request additional features or integrations with other systems to broaden their usability. Integrating AI into these apps is one of our major ongoing projects, aimed at addressing various workplace scenarios more effectively.

MX: Compared to traditional development, what do you think are Mendix’s main advantages?

Lai Jianye: Mendix significantly shortens development cycles and allows quick adjustments to UI and logic, all within the same IDE. Its pre-built components reduce development complexity and limitations.

MX: Compared to other low-code platforms, what do you think are Mendix’s main advantages?

Lai Jianye: Mendix excels in providing system integration components, making it easier to integrate with other systems or databases, especially Siemens products like TEAMCENTER PLM.

MX: What are your thoughts on using the Mendix Pro IDE?

Lai Jianye: It is similar to traditional IDEs, allowing experienced developers to adapt quickly, while providing modular interfaces for streamlined development.

MX: Are there any upcoming application development plans using Mendix?

Lai Jianye: I’m currently developing an application integrated with Open AI APIs, enabling clients to utilize their language models effectively. This AI-driven solution aims to address practical workplace challenges more efficiently.

MX: Would you recommend Mendix to other developers? How would you recommend it?

Wu Jianlai: Absolutely. I would especially recommend Mendix to enterprise managers for accelerating application development. Its visual microflow interface makes it easy for non-programmers to understand and validate application logic, reducing communication errors and shortening development timelines.

Lai Jianye: I would recommend it to IT professionals as an excellent development tool for quickly building business-critical applications. Mendix’s modular approach allows rapid adaptation to business needs, making it a valuable tool for any department or field.