Our Work

Modernizing Shipping Operations with a Predictive Dashboard for Merlin Industries

Overview

About Merlin Industries

Merlin Industries manufactures pool safety covers, liners, and other swimming pool-related products. Their operations rely on accurate, efficient production and shipping workflows to keep orders moving swimmingly – on time and to the right destination.

Industries

Manufacturing, Logistics, ERP Modernization

Technologies

Web-Based Dashboards, Data Grid Filtering, Shipment Tracking Tools, Digital Signature Capture

Services

Custom Dashboard Development, Workflow Optimization, Legacy System Modernization

Challenge

Merlin had relied on a legacy FoxPro system to manage their shipping processes. Their tools included a mix of printed reports and a basic on-screen interface to identify which orders were ready to ship and to create shipments. While the workflow functioned, it was outdated and rigid, with limited visibility. The interface was clunky and static; lacking interactivity, real-time filtering, and predictive functionality based on production schedules.

Designing the Solution

As part of the overall FoxPro modernization process, Ticomix set out to replace Merlin’s fragmented shipping workflow with an interactive, modern dashboard combining everything users previously had to print or check manually. The design goal was to allow users to view, create, and manage shipments via a single interface, while also gaining visibility into upcoming, near-ready orders.

Key design features included:

Ready-to-ship dashboard: Replace the need to run static, printed reports with a dynamic, sortable, filterable dashboard of all orders ready or nearly ready to ship
Interactive shipment creation: Allow users to create new shipments or add multiple orders to existing ones
Predictive shipment planning: Highlight orders that are near completion to help users plan outbound shipments more efficiently

Developing the Solution

The upgraded solution included two key modules:

Shipping dashboard: A live, filterable grid displaying orders that are ready or nearly ready to ship. Users can quickly see shipping details, assign handlers, choose freight terms, and select which orders to bundle into a shipment.
Shipping log: A secondary screen that tracks all completed and in-progress shipments. Users can view statuses, scan boxes, and digitally capture the signature of the individual taking the shipment.

Additional enhancements to the process include:

Digital signature capture for verified handoff
Scan-to-verify workflow for ensuring all boxes are included before a shipment leaves
Responsive interface that scales from small single-order shipments to batches of 50 or more

Results

One-stop shipment management: Replaced fragmented reports and screens with a unified dashboard
Improved accuracy: Real-time scanning and signature capture reduce the risk of missed shipments or documentation gaps
Predictive planning: Operations staff can now identify and prepare near-ready orders before they hit critical deadlines
Faster workflows: A more responsive, filterable interface speeds up shipment creation for teams handling dozens of orders

Ticomix helped Merlin transform a static, paper-heavy process into a dynamic shipping dashboard tailored to their needs. With better visibility, predictive planning, and real-time verification built in, Merlin’s shipping team is now more informed, more efficient, and better equipped to deliver on time.

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