Welcome to the December edition of our Ask an Applied Engineer series! Each month, our engineers answer your most pressing questions. Whether you’re troubleshooting software challenges or seeking industry advice, our team is here to help you succeed.
Submit your questions here and get a response from an Applied CAx engineer.
This month, we’re answering questions about Mendix integrations and how to learn the basics of NX.
Question #1
Q: Can Mendix integrate with existing enterprise systems like PLM, ERP and CAD tools?
A: Yes. Mendix is designed to sit alongside existing systems, not replace them. It has built-in support for external APIs, plus connectors for common enterprise platforms. In practice, that means I can connect Mendix applications directly to PLM and ERP data and extend their capabilities without disrupting what’s already in place.
Answered by Chris Ochs, Software Engineer at Applied CAx
Question #2
Q: What’s the best way for a new engineer to start learning NX beyond the basics?
A: Start with Applied CAx’s YouTube training playlist and Siemens Learning Advantage (if your company provides access). Then focus on:
- Modeling workflows – Learn how to sketch, extrude, and build features with strong design intent.
- Assemblies and constraints – Practice aligning coordinate systems and managing reference sets.
- Drawings and PMI – Understand NX’s approach to model-based definition (MBD).
- Teamcenter basics – Even if you’re not using it daily, know how NX integrates into managed environments.
Finally, don’t just replicate SolidWorks workflows. NX’s structure allows you to automate, reuse, and link designs in ways that SolidWorks can’t—that’s the real productivity gain.
Answered by Michael Grant, Design & Manufacturing Services Manager at Applied CAx
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