I currently work at Pacific Telecom Co., Ltd., specializing in applied research on AI large models, model fine-tuning, multimodal integration, IIoT visualization and digitization, smart agriculture, and smart factory solutions.
MX: What tools did you and your team primarily use before adopting the Mendix low-code platform? What were the limitations and challenges?
Dengkui Tang: Since our core business is closely tied to IIoT and digitalization, we mainly focused on data processing. Before encountering Mendix, we relied on tools like Codesys, Wago, and Node.red for editing data logic and displaying dashboards.
When presenting demos to clients, these traditional tools often required extensive documentation or PowerPoint explanations. Mendix, on the other hand, allowed us to quickly create demos or POCs. Additionally, it enabled us to build visually appealing UIs on top of data logic, improving product usability significantly.
MX: How did you learn about Mendix low-code?
Dengkui Tang: With the rise of the low-code trend, enterprises and teams are seeking ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. A robust low-code platform can greatly help developers and business personnel complete tasks more efficiently. After exploring several platforms, our team chose Mendix to integrate with IoT, which has yielded promising results.
MX: How long have you been developing applications with Mendix?
Dengkui Tang: I have been using Mendix for about six months. I am still in the process of exploring and improving my skills.
For someone like me who isn’t a traditional developer, Mendix is very user-friendly. Their official tutorials on platforms like Bilibili helped me get started, and the documentation solved many technical issues.
MX: What were the main reasons for choosing Mendix as your application development platform?
Dengkui Tang: For IoT data platforms and dashboard displays, our previous SCADA tools were quite limited in functionality and visual appeal. Mendix’s MQTT components made it easy to import edge ECU data, map entities, edit data logic, and style the UI using SCSS. This approach made industrial data more intuitive and visually engaging.
Additionally, Mendix’s agile development system improved communication efficiency within the development team.
MX: What applications have you and your team developed using Mendix? Are they for internal or external use?
Dengkui Tang: Our team mainly integrates Mendix with IIoT to create specific functionalities such as system backend management, personnel management, factory equipment and inspection management, central control systems, and dashboard displays.
Some key projects include:
- Smart agriculture digitization solutions: integrated water and fertilizer irrigation projects, standardized greenhouse production management, hybrid wind-solar-powered fishpond aeration, and the Maowusu Desert solar irrigation system.
- Green carbon neutrality 5G smart cloud platform.
- Industrial Internet talent training through a smart agriculture simulation.
MX: Which Mendix components/modules have you used? What are your impressions?
Dengkui Tang: The MQTT component is the most frequently used, especially for microflows that require MQTT’s publish and subscribe functionalities. Other essential tools include Import Mapping and JSON Structure, which are used in almost every project. From the Mendix Marketplace, we’ve utilized components like Excel Importer, Excel Exporter, HTML/JavaScript Snippet, and Database Connector.
These components save significant development time by reducing the need to write complex logic. However, for UI beautification and fine-tuning, high-code solutions are often still necessary, which doesn’t reduce workload compared to traditional development.
MX: Where do you typically go for help when encountering difficulties with Mendix development?
Dengkui Tang: For technical issues, I primarily consult the official documentation, which resolves about 80% of my problems. I also frequently visit Mendix’s Chinese community website or directly reach out to Siemens Mendix experts for assistance.
MX: Compared to traditional development, what are Mendix’s main advantages?
Dengkui Tang:
- For developers: Logical processing and entity relationships are simple and clear, reducing repetitive coding tasks and significantly boosting efficiency.
- For product teams: Mendix’s agile platform improves communication by allowing team members to view all roles and tasks, create stories and epics, and track versions easily.
MX: Compared to other low-code platforms on the market, what are Mendix’s advantages?
Dengkui Tang: Mendix offers more comprehensive functionality and supports a wider range of scenarios. Most low-code platforms are tailored to specific domains, whereas Mendix, with its vibrant community and rich Marketplace, provides numerous components and modules for diverse use cases. This is a significant advantage.
Additionally, Mendix’s learning resources are detailed and beginner-friendly, which is great for new users.
MX: What are your thoughts on the Mendix Pro IDE environment?
Dengkui Tang: Overall, it’s quite similar to traditional IDEs. The Toolbox and Properties panels on the right are particularly convenient to use.
MX: Would you recommend Mendix to other developers? How would you recommend it?
Dengkui Tang: Absolutely! Mendix is a comprehensive low-code platform that benefits both developers and business professionals. Its visual drag-and-drop interface allows for quick onboarding compared to high-code platforms. Additionally, its extensive library of components and modules reduces repetitive coding tasks, making it a highly efficient tool.