I did something similar at my starting tech job at a callcenter. Part of my job was to process bulk RMAs that was so boring I automated it.

I didn't get a big merit increase but they created a new position to oversee the callcenter technology a few months later that was really my thing. Then the merit increases came too. This was almost 20 years ago and I still work there today. During this time I built custom reports, wall displays and even a basic call recording system when there was no budget to buy off the shelf :)

I'm sorry that company didn't appreciate you but a lot of them also do!