Mendix Makers｜Mendix empowers the auto parts industry: reshaping the architecture, accelerating practice and digital transformation

Hello, I’m Tao Ye. I majored in Information Management and Information Systems at university and started working in the IT field after graduation. I joined Panhan Information in 2021. Currently, I am serving as a Technical Architect for a Mendix implementation project at one of the world’s leading automotive parts manufacturers. Over the course of this year-long project, I deeply experienced the transformative power of Mendix. This project was particularly challenging for architects as it required viewing from multiple viewpoints, such as:

• High data integration complexity: Parts manufacturing involves multiple systems and data sources, making efficient data integration a major challenge.
• Real-time monitoring and management complexity: Real-time monitoring of dynamic data during production processes is crucial to identifying and resolving issues promptly.
• Flexibility and scalability: Systems need to be highly adaptable and scalable to meet diverse market demands quickly.
• Energy consumption data complexity: Real-time statistics and analysis of energy consumption during manufacturing are critical for reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Fortunately, the project was successfully delivered, and we cultivated many Mendix enthusiasts among the client’s team, whom we call Mendixers.

MX: Before using the Mendix low-code platform to develop applications, what development tools did you and your team primarily use?

Tao Ye: Before using the Mendix low-code platform, we primarily used traditional programming language-based IDEs, such as IntelliJ IDEA and VS Code.

MX: What limitations and challenges did the previous development tools have?

Tao Ye: Traditional development methods required extensive manual coding. From requirement analysis to system design, implementation, testing, and debugging, every stage consumed significant time, leading to lengthy project cycles. When dealing with frequent requirement changes, traditional methods were inefficient.

MX: How did you first learn about the Mendix low-code platform?

Tao Ye: My company is a partner of Mendix, and most of our projects are developed on the Mendix platform. Through participating in these projects, I gradually learned about the features, advantages, and capabilities of Mendix.

MX: How long have you been developing applications with the Mendix low-code platform?

Tao Ye: I started learning and developing applications with Mendix in 2021, so it has been almost four years.

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

Tao Ye: The main reasons are Mendix’s efficiency, accessibility, and agility. With its visual development environment and pre-built modules/components, it significantly reduces manual coding requirements, shortening development cycles and improving efficiency. For non-professional developers, Mendix is user-friendly, lowering the dependency on technical personnel and programming skills. Additionally, Mendix allows quick adaptation to changing business needs and requirements.

MX: What applications have you and your team developed using Mendix? Are these applications for internal use or supporting other departments?

Tao Ye: Let me quiz you first—do you know if automotive parts manufacturing belongs to discrete or process manufacturing? 😄

After a year of working closely with production line colleagues, I was struck by the complexity of parts manufacturing, as explained through various aspects:

• Highly complex production processes: Parts manufacturing often involves multiple steps and detailed process management, requiring precise coordination and control.
• Frequent product updates: The diversity of market demand drives continuous new product launches and updates to existing ones.
• Detailed multi-step processes: Unlike vehicle assembly, parts manufacturing emphasizes detailed processing for each component.
• High production frequency and variety: Frequent product demand changes require robust inventory and logistics management to ensure production continuity.
• Short production cycles: Rapidly changing market conditions demand swift adjustments to production plans and processes.

Using the Mendix platform, we have successfully developed multiple applications for the client:

Epaper Digital Management System: This system promotes paperless operations by automating data processing, reducing employee workloads, and improving overall efficiency.

EnMs Online Energy Management System: This system integrates real-time monitoring and calculation of energy consumption, efficiency, and output, providing graphical visualizations to help companies track and address energy use effectively.

Workshop Digital Hub: Focused on the digital management of workshop production processes, this application enables real-time data collection, intelligent production scheduling, and remote equipment monitoring.

MX: What components/modules of Mendix have you used in these applications, and what are your impressions?

Tao Ye: We frequently use components like Database Connector and REST Service for data integration and external service interactions. Echarts components greatly enhance data visualization. Most client needs are met with Marketplace components, and for custom requirements, we develop components or use JavaActions or JS for implementation.

MX: Where do you usually seek help when you face challenges while developing applications with Mendix?

Official Documentation: This is our first choice, as it provides comprehensive and up-to-date guidance for all features.

Mendix Forum: For technical issues, the forum is a great resource where experienced developers and the Mendix support team provide valuable insights.

Team Collaboration: Regular knowledge-sharing within the team is another effective way to resolve challenges and grow collectively.

MX: Which application are you most proud of? Could you elaborate?

Workshop Digital Hub is a standout application we developed on the Mendix platform. Tailored for the automotive parts industry, it integrates SAP master data, work orders, and production data with Zeno energy system data, addressing the complexities of production workflows, inventory, logistics, quality tracking, and product variety.

The application allows real-time data extraction and intelligent scheduling, enhancing production flexibility and efficiency. It also monitors energy consumption at the equipment level, providing actionable insights for energy optimization.

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

Tao Ye: Through real-time monitoring and data analysis, companies can quickly identify and resolve bottlenecks, improving production efficiency. Digital management reduces reliance on paper and manual processes, minimizes inventory risks, and lowers operating costs. Mendix significantly shortens development cycles and reduces costs.

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

Tao Ye: Absolutely. For all developers, building accurate and stable applications quickly is a constant challenge. Mendix provides the perfect platform for achieving this.