DragonPass: Enhancing Resource Management with Jmix

DragonPass, established in 2005 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a leading provider of premium travel services. The company offers a comprehensive digital platform that enhances travelers’ airport experiences by providing access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, dining options, limousine services, and meet-and-greet arrangements. With a global membership exceeding 30 million, DragonPass aims to make airport journeys more enjoyable and convenient for its users.

The Challenge

As DragonPass continued to expand its operations in digital platform development and delivery, it faced significant challenges in the scope of management and resource allocation. The unpredictability of project requirements and frequent changes led to inefficiencies in time management, budget control, and software adaptability. The company needed a solution that could quickly handle complex business logic while remaining flexible and cost-effective.

Why Jmix?

To select the right development platform for its digital services, DragonPass evaluated several key factors:

• A standardized and unified data model;
• A low-code-like approach to enhance development efficiency;
• Cost-effectiveness without compromising customization.

After assessing multiple platforms, including OutSystems, Appian, Mendix, Salesforce Lightning, and Microsoft PowerApps, DragonPass chose Jmix for its Java-based flexibility, enterprise-grade features, lower costs, and strong community support.

Key Reasons for Choosing Jmix

1. Familiar Java Environment– Enabled easy onboarding for Java developers.
2. High Customizability– Allowed deep modifications to the framework to meet evolving business needs.
3. Built-in Features– Provided robust tools like audit logging, access control, and multi-language support.
4. Cost Efficiency – More affordable than mentioned low-code vendors while offering extensive functionality and a flexible approach for scalability.
5. Strong Chinese Community– Ensured reliable technical support and peer collaboration.

Project Scope & Development

DragonPass undertook a core business platform upgrade focused on maintaining resource business data. The development team consisted of 2 Architects, 3 Senior Developers, 2 Product Managers, 1 DevOps & DBA

The project was successfully delivered through an iterative approach with monthly release cycles.

Key Features Developed

1. Resource Data Management– Improved data structure for better efficiency.
2. Advanced Access Control – Extended framework capabilities for role-based permissions.
3. Audit Logging – Used Jmix’s built-in tracking system for operational transparency.
4. Integration with LDAP – Enabled seamless user synchronization across systems.

Cost & Efficiency Gains

By using Jmix, DragonPass achieved significant development cost savings:

• Fine-grained pre-built access control & audit features gave the needed enterprise class functional.
• Jmix Studio integration with IntelliJ IDEA enhanced coding and UI modifications.
• Multi-database support allowed easy switching of data sources.
• Low-code-like features accelerated form generation, reducing manual effort.

Compared to alternative platforms, Jmix helped cut development costs in the project by replacing two frontend and backend developers with one full-stack developer for the most of operations.

Project Outcomes & Business Impact

• Successful platform upgrade with improved data structure and business logic.
• Faster release cycles, allowing monthly product iterations.
• Reorganized business domain models, making it easier to support new business opportunities.
• Positive feedback from users.

Final Thoughts & Future Plans

DragonPass considers the project a success, achieving both business and technical objectives. Moving forward, the company plans to:

• Expand the platform to accommodate new business needs.
• Continue leveraging Jmix for future projects due to its rapid development capabilities.