The Optilon journey:
20 years and counting
Our timeline: Past. Present. Progress.
Back in 2005, we had a simple goal: help companies plan smarter and grow sustainably. With a team of twelve and a big vision, we got to work. Fast forward twenty years, and Optilon has become a leading supply chain partner – not just through technology, but through people, purpose, and progress. Scroll through the highlights of our journey so far – and get a glimpse of where we’re headed next.
2005: Where it all began: Brains, belief & breakfast.
Optilon is founded by twelve senior consultants, united by a shared passion for supply chain and technology. Offices open in Stockholm and Malmö.
Early on, a key insight emerges: traditional ERP systems aren’t equipped for advanced supply chain planning. Advanced Planning Systems (APS), however, can address the complex challenges that ERP cannot, especially in areas like planning and optimization. This realization opens the door to introducing more sophisticated solutions to Nordic companies.
The first major breakthrough comes with a global furniture giant proving that cutting-edge technology can be successfully implemented in the Nordic region and deliver tangible business value.
Two lasting traditions also begin this year. In September, the first “Bragging Meeting” is held – an internal event where the entire team gathers every other Friday to celebrate project wins, great collaboration, and individual contributions. The tradition lives on to this day.
The much-loved Friday Breakfast tradition also starts, where colleagues take turns providing breakfast – sometimes classic, sometimes with imaginative themes – offering both camaraderie and glimpses into each other’s personalities.
2006-2009: Earning trust, one project at a time.
Optilon makes a strategic commitment: every customer project should become a reference case within six months. The goal? Build trust quickly, demonstrate value, and create ambassadors in the market.
The company focuses on delivering value not just through technology, but by combining deep supply chain expertise with process understanding and smart integration.
To stay ahead of the curve, the Application Board is established – an internal forum tasked with evaluating and selecting the best global technologies to ensure future-ready solutions for clients.
2010-2013: Growing fast, staying grounded.
Recruitment accelerates through existing networks and new collaborations with technical universities across Sweden.
A pivotal milestone is reached with a major project for a Nordic health and consumer products company. The project marks the beginning of a long-term, strategic customer relationship.
Optilon’s company culture begins to take clearer shape – defined by a balance of freedom and responsibility, high ambitions, and a strong emphasis on enjoying the journey together.
2014–2017: From supplier to strategic partner.
The product portfolio expands, enabling support for a broader range of supply chain planning challenges across the entire value chain.
Optilon evolves into a supply chain powerhouse – transitioning from a technology provider to a trusted strategic partner.
The launch of the Optilon Supply Chain Conference creates a key forum for Nordic clients, industry peers, and academics to come together, share insights, and shape the future of supply chain management.
By now, Optilon has built up an extensive portfolio of customer stories, showcasing real-world results and how companies have tackled complex supply chain challenges.
2018–2020: Thinking bigger: Code, curiosity & clever ideas.
To meet unmet market needs, Optilon begins developing proprietary software – complementing its existing partner technologies.
New teams and roles are introduced, bringing together seasoned experience and emerging talent – a combination that becomes essential to ongoing success.
AI, optimization, and sustainability become central themes in both solution development and customer dialogue, positioning Optilon at the forefront of intelligent, responsible supply chain transformation.
2021-2023: Navigating the unknown, delivering the essential.
As the world grapples with the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, customer needs evolve. Risk management, supply chain uncertainty, and sustainability rise to the top of the agenda for most companies.
Just as the world was dealing with the fallout from the pandemic, the Ever Given got wedged in the Suez Canal and brought global shipping to a standstill. Supply chains everywhere felt the impact — and suddenly, Optilon’s services became more crucial than ever.
Optilon responds by leading large-scale implementation projects that demand significant change from day one – efforts that require strong collaboration, deep trust, and long-term resilience.
2024-2025: 20 years in: Still hungry, still humble.
Optilon marks 20 years in business – still rooted in the same core values: competence, humility, commitment.
The company continues to grow its global footprint while maintaining its entrepreneurial spirit and close-knit culture.
The future points to an even stronger international presence, a broader portfolio of proprietary software, and a larger impact on the industry.
Optilon’s legacy is clear: helping companies become the most competitive in the world through supply chain – while creating a workplace where people thrive, grow, and make a difference.
The Optilon Timeline
Stories from the people of Optilon
What does it take to build something that lasts? For Optilon, the answer has always been simple: people. Over the past 20 years, we’ve grown from a bold idea into a trusted partner for some of the most respected companies in the world. Our journey is filled with milestones, but it’s the voices behind those milestones that truly tell the story. Here, we share reflections from the people who helped build Optilon – from early visionaries to those shaping the future.
Ready to shape the next chapter?
We’re always looking for curious minds, kind collaborators, and passionate problem-solvers.
