More than ten years ago, Orkla began a journey to simplify and strengthen their supply chain planning. What started as a technical challenge soon became a story of close collaboration. Today, Orkla’s planning process runs smoother than ever – supported by smart technology, strong teamwork, and a shared drive to keep improving.
About Orkla
Orkla is a leading industrial investment company with brands and consumer-focused businesses in over 100 markets worldwide. Orkla Health offers branded health products across Europe. Orkla Home & Personal Care develops cleaning and hygiene products, backed by strong brands and an integrated regional value chain.
CHALLENGE
A supply chain split across systems
The collaboration between Optilon and Orkla (Orkla Health and Orkla Home & Personal Care) goes back more than a decade. It all began when Cederroth – later acquired by Orkla – first started working with Optilon.
After the acquisition in 2017, however, Orkla found itself juggling several ERP systems (including SAP ECC and SAP S/4). As a result, processes became fragmented, costs were duplicated, and there was no clear overview of the business. Information was scattered across systems, making collaboration tricky and decision-making slow.
Therefore, Orkla knew they needed a way to connect the dots, and they turned to Optilon.
SOLUTION
Connecting systems, creating supply chain clarity
Optilon provided Orkla with a solution that could weave together their different ERP environments – creating a central hub for forecasting and planning. This way, Orkla gained full visibility of inventory, availability, and flows across companies, markets, and warehouses.
By integrating all systems into one solution, Orkla established a single source of truth and a unified way of working across departments.
Consequently, planning and forecasting became faster, more accurate, and less dependent on manual work – leading to improved collaboration, lower costs, and a stronger foundation for data-driven decisions and future growth.
Since then, Optilon has continued to be a trusted partner. Together, they’ve focused on making planning, logistics, and inventory management smarter and more efficient – not through big revolutions, but through continuous improvement.
Optilon feels like an extension of our own team. They’re attentive, proactive, and easy to reach. They have a customer-centric way of working, and together we’ve been on a shared journey of improvement.
In fact, that steady, step-by-step approach is what’s shaped the successful supply chain planning process Orkla relies on today.
The reason our partnership continues to thrive is the combination of having the right system and the right partner. We feel strong support from Optilon and can clearly see the progress over time.
RESULT
Long-term results built on trust and teamwork
When Orkla introduced Optilon’s supply chain planning solution, they quickly reduced inventory levels by around 20% – without compromising service levels. A clear sign that combining smart technology with the right way of working delivers real impact.
Even more impressive, however, is that those results have lasted. Orkla’s inventory levels have remained stable over time, proving that this isn’t about quick wins, but about building long-term sustainability.
Over the years, Optilon and Orkla have developed a close partnership grounded in transparency and continuous dialogue. The teams share insights openly and work toward the same goals.
Equally important is the way of working. Optilon and Orkla meet monthly to review progress, adjust priorities, and plan for upcoming changes in Orkla’s supply chain. These regular check-ins keep everyone aligned, creating both clarity and progress.
At the same time, the dialogue plays a central role. Optilon doesn’t just deliver what’s asked for. They challenge, recommend, and share knowledge.
Our main contact at Optilon, Erik Westlund, knows our business well and doesn’t just say “yes”. He asks why, suggests better alternatives, or advises us to wait when it’s in our best interest.
Ultimately, behind it all lies Orkla’s own strength in driving change. Their ability to embrace new ways of working has turned ideas into lasting results.
We’re committed to continuous improvement and open to change. Optilon consistently shows that they want what’s best for us. We feel valued and receive honest, constructive challenges.
MAIN BENEFITS
- 20% lower inventory levels – without lowering service levels
- Long-term stability and sustainability in supply chain performance
- Continuous improvements through structured follow-up and dialogue
- A trusted partnership driving smarter, more efficient planning
Looking to make your supply chain smarter? Let's talk.
With 30 years of experience and more than 1,000 successful projects, Optilon helps companies design supply chains that work – and keep improving.
Book a meeting with us to discover how we can support your goals.
