What I Do Experience CADScan Contact

Jon Mercer, MBCS

Data, software & technology strategy that actually ships.

I help organisations make better decisions about data, software and technology strategy — whether that’s rescuing troubled migrations, auditing complex system landscapes, or charting a path through digital transformation. Practical recommendations grounded in delivery reality, not slide decks that gather dust.

Hands-on expertise, strategic perspective.

My background is hands-on: I spent 7 years as CEO of a software company, writing code, leading engineering teams, and shipping product to major infrastructure clients. That experience means I can sit in a boardroom and a codebase with equal confidence.

Data Strategy

Enterprise data strategy, governance frameworks, and target architecture definition. Helping organisations get control of their data landscape and make it work for them.

Technical Due Diligence

Auditing complex system landscapes, assessing technical debt, and providing honest appraisals of software estates — particularly in infrastructure and engineering environments.

Migration Rescue

Rescuing troubled migrations and systems integration programmes. Practical, delivery-focused intervention when things have gone off track.

Software Development

Full-stack .NET development, software architecture, and product delivery. C#, ASP.NET Core, WPF, SQL Server, Docker, and cloud infrastructure.

Engineering Software

Deep domain expertise in Oracle/Fusion ecosystems, Bentley/Autodesk data environments, rail electrification, and CAD automation.

Digital Transformation

Charting practical paths through digital transformation. Change management, stakeholder alignment, and technology roadmaps that balance ambition with feasibility.

Built companies, shipped products, led teams.

2026 — Present

Principal Consultant

Chimera Datalabs

Helping organisations develop and implement data strategies that actually work. Engagements span enterprise data strategy, systems integration, and technical due diligence in complex programme environments. Current focus areas include Oracle/Fusion ecosystems, Bentley/Autodesk data environments, and data strategy for major infrastructure programmes.

2024 — Present

Freelance Software Developer

Independent

Advisory engagements and selective software projects, including CADScan — automated CAD quality assurance for MicroStation.

2017 — 2024

Chief Executive

Zebraware Limited

Built and led Zebraware, the company behind Lineardraft — the only software globally for overhead line electrification design. Grew the business from startup to multinational operation serving major rail infrastructure organisations. Wrote the core codebase, led a distributed engineering team of 20+, and delivered a product that reduced design time by 75%.

2013 — 2017

Software Product Manager

Balfour Beatty plc

Led development of Rail Electrification Designer, Balfour Beatty’s overhead line equipment design tool. Managed the product end-to-end from concept through deployment, working across engineering and development teams.

2007 — 2013

Managing Director

Digital Parsnip Limited

Founded and ran a digital agency delivering web and software solutions for businesses of all sizes. Full-service offering from design through development to deployment and support.

CADScan

Automated CAD quality assurance

A MicroStation plugin that automatically checks engineering drawings against configurable rule sets. Drop in your DGN files, define your standards, and let CADScan find the issues. Works with local files and ProjectWise.

Visit cadscan.app →

Let’s talk.

Whether you have a project in mind, need a second opinion on a technical challenge, or want to discuss CADScan — I’d love to hear from you.