iDempiere enthusiasts share many examples of how iDempiere changed people’s lives for the better. Here we present to you our hero of the month for his contributions during October.
Ray Lee has been incredibly active in the community lately, releasing two community plugins this month. Moreover, his extensive collection of blog posts and sharing of his knowledge of iDempiere, solidify him as a valuable and dedicated contributor.
Ray Lee
Topgiga Material Corp.
Senior System Analyst
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Ray Lee, a seasoned professional in industrial management, information technology, and financial management, holds a master’s degree from Taipei University of Technology. Passionate about assisting small and medium-sized enterprises, Ray serves as a financial consultant in Taiwan and is currently a Senior Systems Analyst at Topgiga Material Company. Since 2010, Ray has been involved with Adempiere, transitioning to iDempiere in 2012, and has been dedicated to the iDempiere project. Specializing in user interface enhancement, Taiwanese market localization, and ERP integration with production systems, Ray contributes significantly to the seamless integration of technology in business.
Tell us a little bit about your childhood and where you grew up.
During high school, I worked part-time to save up and buy a computer. However, I primarily used it for gaming.
How did you get into programming?
I got into programming during my college summer break when I interned at a factory. I discovered that many tasks could be efficiently completed using computers. So, after graduation, I began working in the field of information development.
How long have you been part of iDempiere?
I have been part of the iDempiere community since its inception in 11 years.
How and why did you get involved with iDempiere?
When I initially entered the workforce, the company I joined was heavily reliant on commercial software. However, I quickly realized that these solutions imposed limitations and constraints that hindered our ability to meet the dynamic and evolving needs of the business. The challenges in system integration were particularly pronounced.
Discovering iDempiere Open Source was a game-changer. Its distinctive features addressed the integration issues that had been plaguing our systems. The flexibility and adaptability of iDempiere not only resolved our immediate problems but also opened up new possibilities for tailoring the system to our specific business requirements. This experience led me to actively engage with iDempiere, driven by a desire to contribute to a solution that not only addresses current challenges but also provides a foundation for future growth and innovation.
What is your experience in other OS projects?
I have experience as a user in various open-source projects, including WordPress, Node-Red, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. I leverage these platforms for integration with iDempiere, enhancing the functionality and adaptability of the systems involved.
Is there something that makes you passionate about open source in general and iDempiere in particular?
Connecting with exceptional individuals globally is a key reason I’m passionate about open source, including iDempiere. Engaging in these projects not only expands my professional network but also provides opportunities for collaboration with diverse backgrounds. In iDempiere, contributing to the development of an open, flexible ERP system is both exhilarating and fulfilling. The spirit of mutual assistance and knowledge sharing in the open-source community fuels my passion.
What does your typical day look like?
My typical day involves utilizing ERP data to gather insights into the company’s operational status. I focus on identifying weaknesses in the business operations and optimizing them to enhance overall efficiency. The goal is to continuously improve the company’s competitiveness through strategic analysis and data-driven decision-making.
If you have your customers for whom you implement or customize iDempiere, what are they like and what do they typically want?
My customers typically fall into two categories: management and end-users. Management is often concerned with risk management and overall business strategy. They look for features in iDempiere that provide comprehensive insights, help in decision-making, and contribute to effective risk management.
On the other hand, end-users prioritize user-friendly interfaces and streamlined operational processes. They seek customization and features in iDempiere that make their day-to-day tasks more convenient and efficient. Balancing the needs of both management and end-users is crucial to delivering a successful implementation or customization of iDempiere for my clients.
What are some of the things you would like to improve in iDempiere?
One area I’d like to improve in iDempiere is the integration capability, particularly by developing plug-ins for seamless API integration with other e-commerce platforms. Enhancing this functionality would enable smoother communication and data exchange, providing users with more comprehensive and interconnected solutions in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.
How does it feel to win the Hero of the Month title?
Winning the Hero of the Month title is an incredibly humbling experience for me. Every month, when I see the individuals recognized as heroes, I hold them in high regard, feeling that their achievements are distant and aspirational. Little did I anticipate that today, I would become one of them.
What would you like to say to other community members?
To fellow community members, I’d like to express that iDempiere is akin to the treasure of One Piece, gathering the wisdom of countless individuals. Once you engage with it, you can truly sense its greatness. Let’s continue to contribute our collective knowledge and efforts to make iDempiere an even more powerful and valuable resource for everyone. Together, we can achieve remarkable things.
I am a systems engineer with a great passion for open source, software development, and technology in general. I have been part of the iDempiere community since 2012. I believe the enterprise world is one of the most aggressive environments out there. Companies tend to ruthlessly compete against each other. That is why seeing competitors co-exist and cooperate in harmony in iDempiere (and OSS communities in general) is so interesting to me.
