Case study
Ahlmark Shipping
Ahlmark Shipping
An End-to-End Operational Transformation, Built from the Docks Up
About The Client
Ahlmark Shipping has been moving sawn timber and other materials around the world since 1847, with a UK logistics operation at its core and a fleet of ships delivering across continents and seas. But behind their dependable reputation was a system under strain. Day-to-day operations were held together by legacy software, disconnected spreadsheets, and heavy manual input. It was time for a better way: one that reflected the scale and ambition of the business.
When Ahlmark approach Unity Labs, they were open minded to the possibility that a purpose-built system could not only optimise their business, but revolutionise the way they work, trace accountability and earn revenue. They were highly engaged with the process from the very beginning and, today, Ahlmark uses a fully integrated purpose-built platform to manage inventory, shipping, and collections, with zero reliance on their former system and minimal requirement for spreadsheets. From discovery to deployment, every step of this project was led by one goal: design a solution so intuitive and robust that it becomes the backbone of the business.
Overview
Client:
Ahlmark Shipping
Location:
Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Industry:
Logistics
Capabilities:
MVP Creation
Design System
Scoping and R&D
Improvement Cycles and R&D
UI/UX & Prototyping
Software development
Hosting & Management
Technologies:
Laravel 9.x
Livewire 2.x
MySQL
PHP 8.1
Impact
45,000+
Packs migrated to new system
50+ hrs
of Admin saved every month
12
New report types including automated reporting
With a platform they now fully own and control, Ahlmark has gained more than just efficiency — they’ve unlocked a powerful asset: their data. For the first time, the team has real-time visibility into operations, stock levels, and collections across their network, allowing them to make decisions faster, act on trends earlier, and plan with confidence. This level of control has also opened up new commercial opportunities. With accurate, granular data at their fingertips, Ahlmark can now implement usage-based storage tariffs, generate precise customer reports, and explore ways to monetise
logistics services in a way that wasn’t previously possible.
Operationally, the results speak for themselves: over 50 hours per month saved across warehouse and office teams, a 60% reduction in manual admin, and a system that’s dramatically reduced the scope for human error. Processes that once relied on workarounds and spreadsheets are now streamlined, scalable, and ready to support growth — in the UK and beyond.
The Challenge
Ahlmark’s previous system was no longer fit for purpose. It was inherited, inflexible, and slowing the business down. What Ahlmark needed was control, clarity, and confidence — a system built around their business, not the other way around.
❌ No system ownership
Tied to legacy software (ET Morris) from a haulage partner
❌ Slow, manual workflows
Reliant on spreadsheets and double-entry tasks
❌ Limited visibility
Reliant on spreadsheets and double-entry tasks
❌ Disconnected processes
Teams working in silos without a unified view
❌ Poor reporting
Rigid templates, limited insights, and delays in generating key info
❌ Lost time, rising costs
Every manual task increased the risk of error and cost of labour
Our Approach
From day one, our approach was grounded in partnership. We didn’t walk in with assumptions — we walked through their process. By spending time on-site, listening closely, and mapping every operational detail, we were able to design a system that felt intuitive from the very first click.
What made this project especially successful was Ahlmark’s deep engagement. Their team were active collaborators at every stage — from reviewing prototypes to shaping features. This wasn’t just a handover project; it was a shared build, powered by real insight and trust on both sides.
Discovery & Process Mapping
On-site workshops to understand every workflow, from manifest creation to yard coordination.
UX/UI Design & Prototyping
Interactive wireframes and click-through prototypes built in Figma, used to validate and refine the solution early.
Bespoke Software Development
A modular platform developed in Laravel & Livewire — fast, secure, and built to scale.
Data Migration & Deployment
Historic stock data imported seamlessly, with a structured switch-over from the legacy system.
Hosting & Support
Ongoing hosting, security monitoring, and system improvements via Think Cloud infrastructure.
Discovery & Process Mapping
On-site workshops to understand every workflow, from manifest creation to yard coordination.
UX/UI Design & Prototyping
Interactive wireframes and click-through prototypes built in Figma, used to validate and refine the solution early.
Bespoke Software Development
A modular platform developed in Laravel & Livewire — fast, secure, and built to scale.
Data Migration & Deployment
Historic stock data imported seamlessly, with a structured switch-over from the legacy system.
Hosting & Support
Ongoing hosting, security monitoring, and system improvements via Think Cloud infrastructure.
The Solution
Digital solution
A fully custom operational platform, designed around Ahlmark’s unique workflows — from inventory and shipping to collections - built to scale with the business and reduce reliance on outdated systems.
A fully custom operational platform, designed around Ahlmark’s unique workflows — from inventory and shipping to collections - built to scale with the business and reduce reliance on outdated systems.
Advanced Shipment Management
Revolutionary vessel and cargo tracking system that provides unprecedented visibility and control:
Real-time vessel tracking with port information
Voyage number and loading date management
Automated status monitoring (pending, waiting, arrived)
Integrated Bill of Lading document management
Multi-vessel support with comprehensive tracking
Smart status transitions with audit trails
Intelligent Inventory Management
Sophisticated warehouse management system that eliminates manual tracking and maximises efficiency:
Package status tracking (in-stock, booked, archived)
Multi-location warehouse management
Inventory type classification (forward-sold, held-stock)
Complete package history and audit trails
Bulk operations and mass imports
Real-time location tracking across buildings and units
Smart Collection Management
Automated collection scheduling and tracking system that streamlines logistics operations:
Intelligent collection scheduling and booking
Haulier and vehicle management
Customer account integration
Real-time status tracking (booked, on-site, collected)
Time tracking and detailed instructions
Automated notification system for stakeholders
Comprehensive Reporting Suite
Powerful analytics and reporting engine that provides deep business insights:
Real-time dashboard with live statistics
Stock reports with inventory summaries
Collection performance and tracking reports
Cargo movement and status analytics
Financial balance and location reports
PDF and Excel export with custom date ranges
Intelligent Search & Filtering
Advanced search capabilities that make finding information effortless:
Global search across all entities
Multi-criteria advanced filtering
Status-based filtering system
Date range and time-based filtering
Real-time search suggestions
Saved search preferences
Bulk Operations & Data Management
Revolutionary bulk processing capabilities that transform data management:
Mass updates and bulk imports
Excel import/export with validation
Automated data validation and error handling
Complete audit trails for all changes
Batch processing for heavy operations
Smart data migration tools
Modern Support Center
Comprehensive support ecosystem that ensures users always have help when needed:
Real-time dashboard with live statistics
Stock reports with inventory summaries
Collection performance and tracking reports
Cargo movement and status analytics
Financial balance and location reports
PDF and Excel export with custom date ranges
Enterprise Security & Compliance
Military-grade security features that protect sensitive business data:
Two-factor authentication and email verification
Role-based access control with granular permissions
Business data isolation and segregation
Complete audit trails and activity logging
GDPR and data protection compliance
Encrypted data storage and transmission
Testimonials
"Working with Unovo has been exceptional from day one. They took the time to truly understand our operation and delivered a system that fits our business perfectly. The process was collaborative, transparent, and genuinely enjoyable.
What impressed me most was their ability to turn complexity into clarity — translating our needs into a platform that’s not only powerful but intuitive to use. It’s rare to find a team that blends technical expertise with this level of service."
Danny Carmichael
Managing Director
Ahlmark Shipping UK
"Working with Unovo has been exceptional from day one. They took the time to truly understand our operation and delivered a system that fits our business perfectly. The process was collaborative, transparent, and genuinely enjoyable.
What impressed me most was their ability to turn complexity into clarity — translating our needs into a platform that’s not only powerful but intuitive to use. It’s rare to find a team that blends technical expertise with this level of service."
Danny Carmichael
Managing Director
Ahlmark Shipping UK
"Working with Unovo has been exceptional from day one. They took the time to truly understand our operation and delivered a system that fits our business perfectly. The process was collaborative, transparent, and genuinely enjoyable.
What impressed me most was their ability to turn complexity into clarity — translating our needs into a platform that’s not only powerful but intuitive to use. It’s rare to find a team that blends technical expertise with this level of service."
Danny Carmichael
Managing Director
Ahlmark Shipping UK
What’s next?
Phase
AI & Machine Learning
Predictive analytics for demand forecasting
Smart routing optimization
Automated intelligent alerts
ML-driven efficiency improvements
Phase
Mobile Application
Native iOS and Android apps
Offline data synchronisation
Push notifications
Biometric security
Phase
Global Rollout
Rollout to European teams
Live container & shipment tracking
Region-specific workflows & language support
