Yasin Mert: A Journey of Innovation in Logistics Technology

Empowering Change: The Inspiring Journey of Yasin Mert

Meet Yasin Mert, a talented software developer at Mercury whose journey into the world of logistics technology is as inspiring as it is impactful. Drawn to the healthcare and life sciences shipping sector, Yasin thrives on applying his expertise in distributed systems to create secure, high-performance solutions that make a difference. His passion for innovation shines through in exciting projects like the Shipment Tracking System, where he leads the charge in transforming operational challenges into streamlined, automated processes. With a commitment to client obsession and a drive for continuous improvement, Yasin is dedicated to enhancing the client experience and making a meaningful impact in the logistics landscape. 

Can you share your journey to becoming a software developer at Mercury? What initially attracted you to this role?

My journey as a software developer at Mercury has been both inspiring and fulfilling. The Healthcare & Life Science Shipping sector’s impact on my career drew me to this role, along with the company’s focus on modern technologies and secure, high-performance solutions. It’s been an excellent opportunity to apply my expertise in distributed systems and high-throughput services.

Seeing how software engineering solves operational challenges in logistics motivates me to innovate. At Mercury, it’s more than a job—it’s a meaningful career focused on saving lives and improving processes through technology.

What are some of the most exciting projects you’ve worked on at Mercury, and what was your role in those projects?

One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on at Mercury was the Shipment Tracking System. The goal was to automate the tracking of almost every shipment type our company handles, replacing what was previously a manual and time-consuming process with an efficient, automated solution.

To make this happen, we integrated with several external systems, enabling real-time updates and seamless data exchange. Of course, building the tracking infrastructure wasn’t without its challenges. We faced issues like complex data handling and ensuring the system could scale. To tackle these, we came up with our own custom data structures and solutions, tailored specifically to our needs.

A big part of what drove us during this project was Mercury’s core value of client obsession. We wanted to give our customers a tool that didn’t just work but also allowed them to track every detail of their shipments with clarity and ease. This focus on the customer experience made a real difference in how we approached the project.

I was responsible for leading the design and development of the tracking infrastructure. From laying out the architecture to solving technical roadblocks and optimizing the system, I was deeply involved at every step. It was incredibly rewarding to see how this project improved our operations and made things easier for our clients.

"A big part of what drove us during this project was Mercury’s core value of client obsession. We wanted to give our customers a tool that didn’t just work but also allowed them to track every detail of their shipments with clarity and ease."

What challenges have you faced as a software developer here, and how have you overcome them?

A unique challenge at Mercury has been rebuilding systems from scratch, allowing us to design dynamic and flexible solutions tailored to our vision. Our focus on relentless improvement drives us to innovate and create scalable, future-proof systems that not only solve current issues but also anticipate future needs.

This requires forward-thinking and sustainable designs, which can be demanding but ultimately rewarding as they help us stay ahead and deliver greater value to our clients.

How do you stay current with the latest technologies and trends in software development? Can you share any resources or strategies that you find particularly helpful?

To stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends, I rely on a combination of reliable resources and hands-on practice. I make it a habit to read official documentation and technical blogs for tools like Java, Kafka, Docker, and Kubernetes, and I also spend time exploring how to integrate generative AI into my work. Blogs on platforms like Medium and DZone are great for learning new techniques and staying informed about updates.

I’m also active in online communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit, where developers share practical advice and real-world solutions. When I want to dive deeper into a topic, I turn to courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera. Finally, I set aside time to experiment with new tools and technologies so I can better understand how to apply them in my work.

How has working remotely influenced your collaboration with team members and your overall productivity as a software developer?

Working remotely has been a positive experience, thanks to clear communication, teamwork, and mutual support. Tools like Teams and Zoom help us stay connected and aligned, while being proactive fosters strong collaboration.

Remote work also enhances productivity by reducing distractions and allowing deep focus, balanced with regular team check-ins. With these strategies, remote work has proven both rewarding and effective for me.

How do you envision the Mercury Platform enhancing the client experience in terms of shipment tracking and insights?

The Mercury Platform is all about enhancing the client experience by offering a tailored and highly detailed tracking system that shows we’re genuinely invested in every shipment. This ties directly into one of our core values, client obsession, as it reflects our dedication to understanding and addressing the specific needs of each client.

What sets our approach apart is that we don’t just provide tracking—we take the time to analyze the challenges our clients face and work on solutions that genuinely help them. By doing this, we ensure that clients have all the insights they need to feel informed and in control throughout the entire shipment process. It’s not just about tracking; it’s about making the entire experience feel personal and problemfree. This focus on detail and client-specific care is what makes the platform truly impactful.

Can you share a specific instance where you implemented a solution that significantly improved a process or product? What was the outcome?

Before joining Mercury, I had the opportunity to work with my friends on the social media application, where we were responsible for building key infrastructure services. Our work focused on developing the Relevancy and Recommendation Service, Search Engine, and Timeline infrastructure. Each of these required us to create custom designs and data structures that could handle the specific demands of a social media platform.

One of the most important aspects of social media applications is ensuring speed and accurate data delivery, and we prioritized this throughout the project. One particular challenge we tackled was developing a dynamic, self-refreshing cache system. This system wasn’t just static storage—it was designed to constantly update itself, ensuring that the data it provided was both current and reliable.

To build this, we used custom Lua scripts and other technical solutions to optimize performance. We also made sure the cache system supported critical features like atomicity, which ensured data consistency even during high-demand scenarios. The end result was a fast, efficient system that not only improved the overall performance of the application but also provided a smooth experience for users. This project was a great learning experience and a chance to build something impactful from the ground up.

How do you approach problem-solving when you encounter a complex coding issue? Can you share a recent example?

When facing a complex coding issue, I follow a step-by-step approach: understanding requirements, analyzing impacts, and implementing a scalable solution using best practices while considering time constraints.

For example, I recently optimized a shipment data validation service by restructuring it with abstraction layers, enabling adaptability to new validation frameworks and handling varied requests. This methodical approach ensures effective, future-proof solutions.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in software development?

If I were to advise someone starting in software development, it would be: “If there’s a problem, solve it.” Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and commit to continuous learning—not just tools but the principles behind them.

Focus on simplicity; the best solutions are maintainable and scalable. Don’t fear mistakes—they’re valuable learning experiences. Collaboration and clear communication are equally crucial, as development is rarely a solo effort.

Finally, prioritize balance. Sometimes, delivering a good solution on time is more impactful than aiming for perfection. At its core, software development is about creating value and tackling challenges with determination and focus.

Outside of coding, what hobbies or interests do you have that help you unwind and recharge? How do they influence your work?

Outside of coding, I have a couple of hobbies that really help me relax and recharge. One of them is playing video games. It’s more than just fun for me—it’s a way to challenge myself and practice skills like quick decision-making and problem-solving. I’ve found that this translates well to my work as a developer, especially when I’m debugging or trying to come up with creative solutions.

Another thing I enjoy is going to the stadium to watch football matches. There’s something special about the atmosphere—the excitement, the strategy unfolding on the field, and the sense of community with other fans. It’s a great way to take a break from screens and clear my mind.

Both of these hobbies give me the balance I need to stay sharp and energized. When I come back to work, I feel more focused and ready to tackle whatever challenges are ahead.