Review of Optilon, Supply Chain Planning Software Vendor

By Léon Levinas-Ménard

Last updated: April, 2025

Optilon, established in 2005 by Nordic engineers and operating from offices in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Lithuania, presents itself as an independent supply chain consulting firm that excels in integrating best‐in‐class digital solutions rather than developing proprietary software. The firm delivers a comprehensive ecosystem of digital supply chain design and planning, AI-driven predictive analytics, and process integration services. Its portfolio includes advanced modules such as predictive order monitoring that claims up to 90% precision and robotic data correction systems for automatic data cleansing, all while leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. Optilon’s methodology is rooted in rigorous assessment and customized solution design, employing digital twins, simulation tools, and process checklists to optimize client operations. Although technical disclosures remain at a high level, the firm’s market proposition is built on deep industry expertise and a phased, consultative roll-out that promises enhanced responsiveness, reduced lead times, and seamless end-to-end integration.

What the Optilon Solution Delivers

Optilon’s solution is an ecosystem of advanced supply chain tools rather than a single, monolithic software product. It comprises:

Digital Supply Chain Design & Planning: Utilizing digital twins to simulate and visualize end-to-end supply chain networks, Optilon enables clients to gain comprehensive insights into their operational flows (¹).
Predictive Analytics and AI-Driven Modules: Its offerings include predictive order monitoring—where machine learning models are employed to forecast delays with up to 90% precision (²)—and robotic data correction that automatically cleans erroneous data with high accuracy (³).
Customization and Integration Services: Rather than developing proprietary technology, Optilon emphasizes selecting, tailoring, and integrating industry-leading applications (as exemplified by its partnership with Optilogic and the Cosmic Frog optimization platform) to deliver end-to-end, bespoke supply chain solutions (⁴, ⁵).

Consulting and Technology Selection

Optilon’s process begins with a detailed assessment of a client’s supply chain challenges using established tools and checklists. By leveraging decades of industry expertise, the firm identifies inefficiencies and then selects the best available technologies—from digital twins and simulation environments to predictive analytics modules—to craft a tailored solution. This integration-centric methodology ensures that the implemented systems align with both existing IT infrastructures and operational objectives (⁶, ⁷).

How the Solution Works

AI and Machine Learning Components

Optilon embeds artificial intelligence into several aspects of its solution. Its Predictive Order Monitoring (POM) module utilizes machine learning models that continuously learn from transactional data to forecast delays, boasting a claimed precision of up to 90% (²). Likewise, the Robotic Data Correction (RDC) system employs ML algorithms to autonomously identify and correct data discrepancies, resulting in improved accuracy and operational efficiency (³). Although the technical details regarding programming languages or algorithmic frameworks are not extensively disclosed, the firm emphasizes innovative analytics methods such as frequent itemset mining to enhance inventory performance (⁸).

Deployment and Roll-out Strategy

Optilon adopts a phased roll-out strategy that focuses on a gradual scale-up—first testing solutions in receptive markets before full-scale deployment. This method reduces implementation risks and ensures smooth integration with existing systems. Emphasizing end-to-end integration and cross-functional collaboration, the firm also provides support for process optimization and change management, ensuring that the transition to digital supply chain management maximizes effectiveness from day one (⁹, ¹⁰).

Evaluation of the State-of-the-Art

Optilon positions its solutions as leveraging advanced digital twin technology, AI-driven predictive analytics, and comprehensive process integration to deliver measurable business outcomes such as reduced lead times and improved responsiveness. However, while these technology claims are aligned with industry trends, the available descriptions are predominantly high-level and focus on business impact rather than disclosing granular technical details. The emphasis on integrating proven tools rather than developing an in-house platform suggests that its competitive strength rests on deep consultancy and tailored implementation rather than proprietary technological innovation.

Optilon vs Lokad

When comparing Optilon with Lokad, two distinctly different paradigms in supply chain management emerge. Optilon operates primarily as a consulting and integration firm—it selects, tailors, and seamlessly integrates best-in-class supply chain applications to build customized solutions for its clients. Its approach is inherently service-oriented, with a strong focus on leveraging external technologies such as digital twins and third-party AI modules to drive operational improvements.

In contrast, Lokad develops its entire quantitative supply chain optimization platform in-house. It has built a proprietary, cloud-native SaaS product complete with its own domain-specific language (Envision) and cutting-edge methodologies like deep learning and differentiable programming. Lokad’s solution is deeply technical, enabling clients to program bespoke optimization “apps” that automatically generate decision recommendations. While both companies aim to enhance supply chain performance, Optilon’s strength lies in its consultative, integration-focused model, whereas Lokad’s competitive edge is rooted in technological innovation and a fully programmable, self-contained system.

Conclusion

Optilon offers a comprehensive, integration-driven approach to supply chain management that combines digital planning tools, AI-powered predictive analytics, and robust consulting services. Its methodology emphasizes careful technology selection and phased roll-out to deliver tailored solutions that address unique operational challenges. Although the firm’s technical disclosures remain high-level, its market proposition is founded on deep industry expertise and the ability to integrate proven digital solutions effectively. In comparison to the proprietary and highly technical platform developed by Lokad, Optilon caters to clients seeking expert consultancy and customized integration rather than a fully in-house, programmable optimization tool.