Efficient application development: The Power of Mendix as a Low-Code Platform for IoT-Applications
Today, we face lots of pivotal change, not only in work ethos, but in technological approach: this is the rise of low-code platforms.
In the era of IoT and smart devices, the demand for web and mobile applications is steadily growing. While software development has evolved from waterfall models to agile processes, we are now witnessing another significant shift: the rise of low-code platforms. Mendix, a pioneer in this field, offers a user-friendly, visually oriented environment that simplifies application development and integrates seamlessly with Siemens technologies. Discover how Mendix tackles the challenges of modern software development and helps you create more efficient and innovative solutions.
Challenges in Traditional Application Development
The current landscape of application development is marked by two primary challenges. The first challenge lies in the extensive technical knowledge necessary to become a full-stack developer, a skill set that often takes many years to master. This includes proficiency in C# and PHP for the backend, SQL for database management, and expertise in HTML and CSS for frontend development, along with various other technologies essential for creating visually appealing applications. The second challenge pertains to the low compatibility between various technologies and libraries, often necessitating the use of different editors for different parts of the application.
The Low-Code Revolution
In contrast to this scripted, versatile development, low-code environments offer a more intuitive, visual-based approach. Here, you can work with predefined, preconfigured modules and templates to accelerate development and ensure compatibility with other systems. Mendix is just such a platform under the Siemens banner. It offers a unified editing interface from the database to the frontend, allowing us to apply the same structure and logic to both web and mobile applications. This approach helps us avoid parallel developments, ultimately saving time and costs.
Seamless Integration with Siemens Technologies
Thanks to our close relationship with Siemens, we can effortlessly establish connections with industrial hardware, such as PLCs or IPCs. Additionally, we have numerous opportunities to integrate with various Siemens software environments, such as Mindsphere, Industrial Edge, and more.
Exploring the Capabilities of Mendix
When we initially started working with Mendix, we never imagined the extent of capabilities it offered. The platform provides numerous out-of-the-box solutions, such as data connectors. While there might be instances where specific low-code modules are not available for our needs, we have the flexibility to write custom Java or JavaScript code, although this is rarely necessary. The development of applications has been remarkably swift with minimal routine. Thanks to the robust features of Mendix, including efficient user management and permission settings, we can swiftly handle basic functions that are common to most apps. This allows us to concentrate our efforts on the core aspects of application development.
Advanced Connectivity and Data Processing
We can establish connections between Mendix and industrial devices using MQTT or OPC UA, or link different applications through REST API or Web Services. Data typically arrives in JSON or XML format. Mendix provides a built-in tool for decoding, easily configurable with just a few clicks. We can implement various logic to process the data, detect failures, and send notifications. For displaying the collected data, we have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of charts. Additionally, we can define the underlying logic to retrieve the necessary data from the database.
Real-World Applications and Case Studies
We have incorporated these functions into the apps we developed. One of them operates in our showroom, showcasing a miniature production line controlled by PLCs, along with a connection to an Industrial Edge Device. Our app collects consumption and production data from these industrial devices, storing and displaying the information using various types of charts. For instance, consumption data is presented in a bar chart with selectable time divisions. This project marked our initial venture into more complex applications, providing valuable learning experiences. Through this process, we gained insights into the optimal use of Mendix, knowledge that proved invaluable in subsequent developments.
Summary
Mendix represents a significant shift in application development, offering a powerful low-code platform that simplifies the development process, enhances compatibility, and reduces time and costs. Its robust features and seamless integration capabilities make it an ideal choice for developing both web and mobile applications. As we continue to explore its potential, we anticipate even greater innovations and efficiencies in our development processes.
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