About the Creator
Muhammad Shahbaz
Import Operations Professional Building Practical Workflow Automation Tools
I am an Import Operations professional based in Karachi, Pakistan, with around a decade of hands-on experience managing end-to-end import activities in a commercial importing environment.
My work includes supplier coordination, review of import and shipment documents, payment and banking documentation, shipment follow-up, customs-clearance coordination, landed-cost preparation, and maintenance of operational records.
Alongside my core import responsibilities, I build practical tools that reduce repetitive work involving PDFs, Excel files, and import documentation.
Main focus
Import Operations first, workflow automation second.
Based in Karachi, Pakistan
Practical tools for PDFs, Excel, and office workflows
Creator of PhotonMR
Import Operations Experience
Practical import execution experience
My professional background is rooted in day-to-day import execution rather than theoretical supply-chain commentary. I have worked across the documentation and coordination steps required to move imported products from supplier confirmation to local receipt.
- Supplier coordination and shipment follow-up
- Review of Proforma Invoices, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading, and related import documents
- Preparation and checking of information used in payment and banking documentation
- Coordination with clearing agents and other parties involved in shipment clearance
- Landed-cost calculations, Excel-based records, and operational reporting
- Support for sourcing and onboarding new overseas suppliers
- Identification of repetitive documentation work that can be simplified through automation
From Import Workflows to Practical Automation
Software used where it helps the real workflow
Many office and import tasks still require information to be copied manually between PDFs, spreadsheets, banking documents, and internal records.
I started building PhotonMR tools to explore practical ways of reducing this repetitive workload. My approach is simple: understand the real operational problem first, then use software only where it can make the process faster or easier without removing necessary human verification.
The purpose of these tools is not to replace professional judgment. They are designed to assist with specific document and workflow tasks.
Tools and Projects
PhotonMR tools
PDF Eraser
A browser-based tool for removing visible unwanted text, marks, or areas from a PDF. Processing takes place in the user's browser, so the PDF does not need to be uploaded to the PhotonMR server.
Proforma Invoice to Excel
A tool designed to extract important information from Proforma Invoice PDF files and organize it into an Excel file for easier review and use in import-related documentation workflows.
PSW GD to Excel
A Pakistan-focused utility created to convert required information from Pakistan Single Window Goods Declaration documents into an Excel format, reducing repetitive manual copying.
Why I Created PhotonMR
A practical workspace for document tools
PhotonMR is a practical workspace for tools related to import documentation, PDFs, Excel, and office workflow automation.
It also serves as a working demonstration of how operational knowledge and software skills can be combined to solve small but recurring business problems.
The tools are developed from practical workflow observations. Each tool has its own limitations, and important extracted or edited information should always be reviewed before professional use.
Professional Profile
Import Operations remains the main focus
My main professional focus remains Import Operations. Automation is the supporting skill I use to improve repetitive document and office workflows.
Created by Muhammad Shahbaz - Import Operations professional and creator of PhotonMR.