Powerful Equipment for the New Digital Generation
Hello, I am Mark Chen (Chen Hua). I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation from Wuhan University and earned my master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Centrale Nantes in France. At the end of 2022, I joined Siemens Numerical Control (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. (SNC) as a management trainee in digitalization. Currently, I am learning at Siemens Industrial Automation Products (Chengdu) Co., Ltd. (SEWC). I have been with Siemens for about a year and a half.
SNC is Siemens China’s first native digital factory, showcasing Siemens’ full-process digital solutions through the development and production of general motion control and motor products.
SEWC is responsible for developing and manufacturing SIMATICS industrial automation products, supplying both the Chinese and global industrial markets. My role at SNC is with the Lean Digital Excellence team, focusing on integrating OT with IT. Utilizing Mendix for project development has been a significant part of my work.
MX: What tools did you and your team primarily use before adopting Mendix? What were the limitations and challenges?
Mark: Before learning Mendix, my experience was limited to Python/Matlab/R and other tools used in university projects. These were purely academic and lacked a comprehensive IT perspective.
Mendix provided me with a holistic understanding of the software development process.
MX: How did you get introduced to Mendix?
Mark: My first project at Siemens was using Mendix to enhance an existing platform that tracked document approvals in the R&D process. It included features like email notifications, file uploads, permissions management, and UI design. We saw it as a great opportunity for learning and started exploring Mendix. Over time, I obtained an intermediate certification in Mendix and continued to promote its use, working on various projects. This journey has lasted about 1.5 years so far.
MX: Why did you choose Mendix as the development platform?
Mark: I believe Mendix has significant applications in BPM process automation and OT-IT integration. We chose Mendix for its ability to rapidly iterate and validate concepts. Its dedicated Team Server facilitates collaboration among multiple developers. Additionally, Siemens colleagues have developed reusable components/modules, which is another advantage.
MX: What applications have you developed using Mendix? Are they for internal or external use?
Mark: Our team has developed applications for internal use, such as the Review Tool and Blue-collar Shift Management System, as well as for external partners, including a Visitor Management System and a Supplier Vehicle Management System.
MX: Which Mendix components/modules did you use? What are your impressions?
Mark:
- Import/Export: This feature allowed us to transfer data from traditional Excel files into Mendix projects with one click. Coupled with built-in CRUD functionality, it avoided the hassle of inconsistent file sharing.
- Email Sending: Using a module from the Marketplace, we configured microflows to send emails through department accounts with customized HTML formats.
- SMS Sending: By integrating Alibaba Cloud’s SMS API, we expanded our mobile communication capabilities. This feature has been applied to two factory systems.
- Additional Components: Useful components such as LuckySheet and Calendar continue to broaden my knowledge and enable innovative functionality.
Mendix’s drag-and-drop development style allows for quick implementation of logic flows and UI design without requiring extensive technical expertise.
MX: Which application are you most proud of? Could you describe it?
Mark: The Visitor Management System is my proudest achievement. It marked my transition from a Mendix learner to an innovator. Through exploration and collaboration, we successfully implemented SMS integration using Alibaba Cloud’s API. This project won second place in our factory’s low-code competition and was later reused in other projects.
MX: What benefits have these applications brought to users or customers?
Mark: The primary value lies in clarifying and standardizing processes, enabling innovation opportunities, and delivering functional enhancements. This has streamlined operations and fostered efficiency.
MX: What feedback have you received from business departments or customers?
Mark: We uphold a philosophy where business stakeholders are central to digital projects. Collaborative efforts have led to shared success and mutual growth.
MX: What are Mendix’s main advantages compared to traditional development?
Mark: For someone with an engineering background, Mendix offers a manageable learning curve with powerful functionality. Its modular, low-code environment accelerates development while reducing the need for extensive coding expertise.
MX: What sets Mendix apart from other low-code platforms?
Mark: As a Siemens employee, one advantage is free access to development licenses. Additionally, Mendix’s ecosystem—including deployment support, learning resources, and community engagement—solidifies its leadership in the low-code sector.
MX: Would you recommend Mendix to other developers? How would you promote it?
Mark:
- Reason 1: Mendix serves as an excellent entry point into digitalization for newcomers. It provides opportunities to quickly develop projects, build trust with business colleagues, and achieve a sense of accomplishment.
- Reason 2: As a cutting-edge tool, Mendix is a promising platform that complements traditional development methods and aligns with current technological trends.