March 03, 2026 | Press Release | MERLIC
“In recent years, we have increasingly invested in PLC interfaces and features designed to improve process stability as part of MERLIC’s ongoing development. This has enabled us to position MERLIC as a machine vision framework that is more than just a pure machine vision software. We are continuing along this path with the new version. One example is the Frontend Observability feature, with which we support users in creating audit trails,” explains Ulf Schulmeyer, Product Manager MERLIC at MVTec. Specifically, the feature helps ensure traceability of changes within the machine vision system and enables their documentation.
In addition to further technological innovations and improvements, such as code reading based on deep learning, the new version also introduces a change to the MERLIC versioning system. This will be aligned with MVTec’s standard nomenclature. The new version number is therefore MERLIC 26.03. Furthermore, the licensing and pricing model has been simplified. Going forward, there will be two packages: “MERLIC” and “MERLIC Professional.” MERLIC Professional includes all functions of MERLIC, including deep learning tools and the integration of custom MERLIC tools.
A benefit for users of both packages is the removal of the previous camera limitation. Starting with MERLIC 26.03, any number of cameras can be connected to your systems within the limits of what is technically feasible. This increases the flexibility and scalability of MERLIC systems.
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.
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.
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 control, traceable change management during ongoing operations.
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).
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.
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
Published on: March 03, 2026
