MVTec
MERLIC- YOUR EASY-TO-USE MACHINE VISION SOFTWARE
MERLIC 26.03 / Intuitive GUI / easyTouch / No-code machine vision
MVTec MERLIC is a no-code software for industrial machine vision. With MERLIC, complete machine vision applications can be created quickly and intuitively – without programming. The software combines MVTec’s many years of machine vision expertise with reliability, performance, and a clear, image-centered operating concept. MERLIC supports the entire workflow of a vision application and helps significantly reduce development time from initial setup to productive operation.
>MERLIC 26.03 New Versioning And Licensing
With MERLIC 26.03, the transition to the unified MVTec versioning nomenclature in the format Year.Month (YY.MM) takes place. Additionally, customers benefit from a new licensing model. It is simpler and more flexible, as there are now only two packages available: "MERLIC" and "MERLIC Professional." The "MERLIC" package offers an ideal entry point into the machine vision world. It includes all rule-based features and functions of MERLIC, as well as the two tools “Read Text and Numbers with Deep Learning” and “Count with Deep Learning”. With MERLIC Professional, users gain access to all remaining deep learning functionalities, as well as all features included in the base package. Additionally, MERLIC Professional allows for the integration of custom MERLIC tools. For even more customization, MERLIC 26.03 offers two add-ons that can be added to the "MERLIC" package as needed: "MERLIC Deep Learning Add-On" & "MERLIC Custom Tools Add-On". This allows users to select exactly the features they need. The previous limitation on the number of cameras has been removed. Both packages now support an unlimited number of cameras, within technical limits. For users, this means maximum flexibility, easy scalability, and complete future-proofing – regardless of how the application evolves.
Frontend Observability
MERLIC 26.03 introduces a new feature that enables complete observability for certain user interactions in the MERLIC Frontend. Users benefit from seamless traceability, knowing who made which changes and when. This ensures secure and transparent operation during ongoing processes and provides all information required to create an audit trail. MERLIC provides an open interface through which activities like parameter changes or user logins can be automatically transferred to existing observability or audit systems. This not only enhances transparency but also supports compliance and quality requirements in regulated production environments.
Frontend Observability
MERLIC 26.03 introduces a new feature that enables complete observability for certain user interactions in the MERLIC Frontend. Users benefit from seamless traceability, knowing who made which changes and when. This ensures secure and transparent operation during ongoing processes and provides all information required to create an audit trail. MERLIC provides an open interface through which activities like parameter changes or user logins can be automatically transferred to existing observability or audit systems. This not only enhances transparency but also supports compliance and quality requirements in regulated production environments.
Improved "Write Access" Widget
MERLIC 26.03 makes working with write permissions in the Frontend easier and more secure. The write access widget now clearly indicates whether changes are permitted and whether unsaved changes are pending. This ensures users always maintain full visibility. Additionally, two new approval actions are available: automatic saving or a save dialog to confirm or discard changes. In combination with user management, different roles can be configured with appropriate approval options – ideal for professional and regulated production environments. The result: greater usability, enhanced transparency, and controlled, traceable change management during ongoing operations.
Beckhoff® TwinCAT® ADS Plug-in
As part of the MERLIC 26.03 release, a communication plug-in for data exchange and device control via the TwinCAT Automation Device Specification (ADS) protocol will also be introduced. The plug-in enables MERLIC applications to seamlessly and efficiently interact with TwinCAT systems. The plugin is provided as a separate installation package for MERLIC through the MVTec Software Manager (SOM).
New Concept Tool „Tile Images“
MERLIC 26.03 introduces the new concept tool “Tile Images.” It allows users to tile two images with the same number of channels into a single composite image – either horizontally or vertically. By applying the tool multiple times, larger image compositions can be created step by step. This helps structure image data clearly and supports efficient downstream processing.
In combination with acquisition sequences, images acquired from line scan or area cameras can be combined into a continuous overall image.
As a concept tool, “Tile Images” is still in an early stage of development. Users are invited to test the functionality and contribute feedback to help shape future MERLIC versions.
Further Tool Improvements
Improvements For Deep OCR
The tool "Read Text and Numbers with Deep Learning" now provides a compact, high-performance, and memory-efficient deep learning model. In addition, models optimized for one of MVTec’s AI² interfaces can be used. Advanced parameters provide users with more control over recognition and reading behavior.
The 2D code tools in MERLIC now support the latest international quality standards ISO/IEC 15415:2024 for printed 2D codes and ISO/IEC 29158:2025 for direct part marking (DPM). This enables more precise and standard-compliant quality inspections.
Newest features of MERLIC 5.8
Improved process stability through enhanced error handling
MERLIC 5.8 improves process reliability of the entire machine vision application by extending the Image Source Manager (ISM) with advanced error detection. It now monitors for missed trigger signals, detects when images are dropped or when the device connection is lost. Depending on the used trigger and processing mode, MERLIC will now handle these events accordingly.
Centralized recipe information for easier setup and deployment
MERLIC 5.8 makes it easier to set up and manage machine vision applications through a redesigned “Recipes” tab in the MERLIC Runtime Environment Setup. Users now have quick access to detailed recipe information, including image sources, parameters, results and dependencies such as files or custom tools. With everything available in one place, users can configure applications more easily and deploy them on other systems without missing components. New options for setting default recipes, removing unused ones, and preserving window geometry further streamline handling.
Improved visualization of recipe management
MERLIC 5.8 strengthens the new “Recipes” tab in the Runtime Environment Setup with improved error handling and performance. The software now validates additional error cases, such as missing files, and displays issues directly at the affected component together with hints for possible solutions. This makes error detection and handling more straightforward than before. At the same time, internal improvements speed up recipe loading and importing, while providing a stable foundation for future deployment-related enhancements.
New Communication Plug-in "Siemens IE Databus"
MERLIC 5.8 introduces a new communication plug-in for the Siemens IE Databus, enabling seamless connection to the Siemens Industrial Edge (IE) platform. Through Industrial Edge Connector apps such as the “SIMATIC S7 Connector,” MERLIC can now communicate directly with PLCs and other hardware. The plug-in uses the Industrial Edge “Databus” app for communication and supports all Connector apps based on the “Industrial Edge Common Databus Payload Format” API. This integration simplifies connecting MERLIC applications to Siemens ecosystems and broadens deployment options.
Faster and easier remote connections for MERLIC Frontend
MERLIC 5.8 makes connecting a MERLIC Frontend to a remote server both simpler and quicker. Instead of relying on command-line input, users can now open a connection dialog directly in the graphical interface to select the desired server. MERLIC automatically detects available servers on the network and remembers recently used hosts, so connections can be established in just a few clicks. This streamlines setup in distributed applications, saving time while reducing complexity.
