Before Merlin Software Pty Ltd, there were few options for rural, automotive, and hardware supply businesses to manage their inventory, sales, and accounting. Most of the available software was generic, off-the-shelf, and designed for general retail or hospitality businesses.

The available software solutions could not address the unique challenges and requirements of the rural, automotive and hardware supply industries, such as:

• Handling complex pricing structures, discounts, and promotions
• Managing multiple sites, warehouses, and stock transfers
• Integrating with industry-specific suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers
• Tracking serial numbers, warranties, dangerous goods identifiers, and service histories
• Complying with regulatory standards

These businesses needed a software solution that was tailored to their specific needs and could help them streamline their operations, increase their efficiency, and grow their profitability.

Kev realised there was a gap in the market for a software solution that could cater to these industries, so the business decided to create its own.

Meanwhile, Microsoft Windows had just been released. Windows enabled Kendle Computer Services to write a well-organised, user-friendly program that could be installed on desktop computers without forcing clients to purchase additional proprietary hardware.

Kev decided to name the software program the Merlin Business System, after the legendary wizard known for his wisdom, magic, and unbounded computational ability.

Success factors of the Merlin Business System

 
The Merlin Business System was designed as a result of a few factors that contributed to its success:

1. The success of Breeze Software, a product for point-of-sale that Kev had the right to distribute across Australia. Breeze POS was simple, easy-to-use POS software that had gained popularity among fuel stations and rural merchandisers, but in 2001 was acquired by a North American firm that would focus exclusively on fuel stations and convenience stores. Kev used similar principles to create the Merlin Business System, but added more features and functionality to suit the rural, automotive, and hardware supply sectors.

1. The introduction of GST in Australia in 2000, which created a need for businesses to update their software and accounting systems. Many POS providers were unable to cope with the new legislation and had to re-write their central processes. The Merlin Business System was one of the first software solutions that was fully compliant with GST and integrated natively with its own accounting module.

1. The consultation with Kev’s clients and industry experts, who provided valuable feedback and insights into the needs and challenges of the rural, automotive, and hardware supply sectors. Kev incorporated their suggestions and requests into the Merlin Business System, making it a truly customer-centric and industry-specific software solution.

1. The insights into the sector, which Kev had gained from his years of experience and research. Kev understood the trends, opportunities, and threats that these sectors faced and designed the Merlin Business System to help them overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.

The future of Merlin Software Pty Ltd

Today, Merlin Software Pty Ltd is a trusted and respected name in the rural, automotive, and hardware supply markets. The Merlin Business System, and its successor: the Cobalt Retail Management System, has been installed by 1,000 businesses across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and the United States of America. The company continues to improve and update its software, adding new features and functionality to meet the changing needs and expectations of its customers and the industry.

Merlin Software Pty Ltd remains an independently owned, Australian family business that is committed to providing the best software solutions to small businesses. We have grown from a consulting service to a software development and distribution business, but we have never lost sight of our original vision and mission: