The supply chain management industry is at the forefront of innovation as businesses strive to adapt to an increasingly complex and interconnected global market. With factors such as geopolitical shifts, economic fluctuations, and technological advancements continuously shaping the landscape, companies must continuously evolve their strategies to maintain efficiency and resilience. Supply chain professionals are tasked with optimizing processes that span from raw material sourcing to product delivery, ensuring that goods and services reach their destinations in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Today, one of the most significant drivers of change within supply chain management is the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies enable companies to predict demand more accurately, optimize inventory, enhance forecasting, and automate decision-making processes, ultimately transforming how supply chains operate.
Roei Aviram, a leader in this field, has been instrumental in guiding organizations toward embracing these transformative technologies. As CEO and Co-Founder of Intelichain, he has spearheaded efforts to revolutionize supply chain planning by combining AI and ML with proven methodologies. His vision for leveraging data-driven technologies to address long-standing inefficiencies in supply chain management has positioned him as a key figure in driving the future of this critical industry. Through Intelichain, Roei continues to lead the charge in helping companies optimize their supply chains, ensuring they are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern business world.
Educational and Professional Background
Aviram’s academic journey laid the groundwork for his expertise in supply chain management. He holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management and an M.Sc. in Supply Chain Management. His academic achievements were further supplemented by a certification in Supply Chain Excellence from the Kellogg School of Management and Tel-Aviv University. These credentials provided him with a deep understanding of supply chain principles, equipping him with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex challenges of global supply chain management.
Throughout his career, Aviram has held leadership roles in major global organizations such as Teva Pharmaceuticals and A.L. Group. These positions exposed him to the complexities of global supply chain operations, including challenges like demand forecasting, inventory optimization, sales and operations planning (S&OP), and logistics. His ability to navigate these challenges became more refined during his consulting work at EY, where he served as a Supply Chain Operations Leader. This role allowed him to delve deeper into advanced strategies like S&OP best practices, OpEx (IWS), and Industry 4.0. Aviram’s exposure to hundreds of companies around the world in this capacity fueled his passion for leveraging technology to drive innovation.
“My experience highlighted the common pain points faced by businesses in supply chain management, which led to the creation of Intelichain. I saw an opportunity to address these issues through the integration of AI and machine learning,” Aviram explained.
Intelichain: Planning Decisions Made Easy
Intelichain was founded in 2021, driven by Aviram’s vision to revolutionize supply chain planning. His previous experiences, particularly his role at EY leading the Industry 4.0 practice, gave him the insight into the potential of AI and ML to transform the industry. During this period, Aviram recognized the significant impact these technologies could have on supply chain planning, especially when integrated with advanced methodologies. What truly inspired him to take the leap into entrepreneurship was his observation that many supply chain professionals were still relying on outdated tools, like Excel, for critical planning tasks.
“I saw the potential for today’s advanced technologies to drive significant value, even with small changes. It was evident that businesses needed more than just technology; they needed a holistic solution that combined technology with expert guidance and education,” he remarked.
Aviram’s realization of the gap in the market for comprehensive solutions in supply chain management led him to raise $5 million to start Intelichain. The company’s mission is to empower organizations to make data-driven decisions and achieve operational excellence through the seamless integration of AI, ML, and structured methodologies.
Intelichain offers a comprehensive approach to supply chain optimization. The company’s AI-powered platform delivers advanced tools for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply chain planning. However, Aviram emphasizes that technology alone isn’t sufficient. To achieve true supply chain transformation, businesses also need tailored consulting services and comprehensive educational programs.
“Many providers in the market focus only on technology, but we recognize that the key to successful supply chain transformation lies in a holistic approach that includes technology, expert consulting, and education,” Aviram explained. “At Intelichain, we provide not just software, but also the guidance and knowledge businesses need to maximize the value of their supply chain initiatives.”
Intelichain is set to launch new advanced supply planning features in early 2025. These features are aligned with the growing complexity of modern supply chains and are designed to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance overall supply chain performance. With the integration of AI and ML, the new features aim to revolutionize supply chain management by helping businesses predict and respond to disruptions faster and more effectively.
“We’re confident that our new supply management features will drive substantial improvements in the industry, helping businesses become more agile and resilient,” Aviram said.
Long-Term Vision for Intelichain
Looking ahead, Aviram envisions Intelichain as a company that will replace outdated planning methods like Excel with scalable, advanced solutions that enable real-time decision-making. His long-term strategic vision is for Intelichain to become a leader in AI-powered supply chain solutions, consistently delivering cutting-edge innovations that create lasting value for clients.
“We are working to empower businesses with systems that learn from data, adapt, and improve autonomously. This vision will allow us to lead the way in transforming supply chain planning and delivering measurable impact for our clients,” Aviram emphasized.
Key Challenges in the Supply Chain Industry
According to Aviram, the supply chain industry today faces several significant challenges, particularly when integrating AI and ML technologies. One of the biggest hurdles is dealing with frequent and unexpected disruptions, such as economic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters, which can lead to unpredictable demand, extended lead times, and fluctuating costs.
“AI and ML can play a critical role in addressing these challenges by analyzing large volumes of data and providing real-time insights to help organizations respond to disruptions,” Aviram explained. “However, the successful application of these technologies requires more than just the technology itself. It requires a deep understanding of supply chain processes and a collaborative approach that integrates technology with human expertise.”
Goals for Intelichain in the Next 3-5 Years
Over the next three to five years, Intelichain’s primary goal is to deliver a game-changing supply chain platform that is accessible, intelligent, and user-friendly for all industrial companies. Aviram and his team are focusing on building strategic partnerships, continuously innovating, and acquiring top talent to drive this vision forward.
“There is increasing competition in the supply chain space, and the technological landscape is evolving rapidly. But by staying agile and customer-focused, we believe we can overcome these challenges and continue to provide exceptional value to our clients,” Aviram noted.
Intelichain’s Strength and the Risks Taken
Aviram believes that Intelichain’s greatest strength lies in its holistic approach to supply chain optimization, which combines technology, knowledge, and methodology. This approach ensures that businesses achieve their goals from start to finish, not just by providing software, but also by equipping clients with the tools and expertise necessary for success.
One of the biggest risks Aviram took in his career was leaving his senior role at EY to start a company during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was unsure of how quickly Intelichain would succeed, but the results have been remarkable.
“I didn’t expect such fast success. We’ve already seen incredible adoption from leading industrial companies, which proves that the risk I took was worth it,” Aviram said.
Leadership and Company Culture
At Intelichain, Aviram emphasizes the importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership. These traits foster a positive, supportive environment where employees feel valued, which drives engagement and innovation.
“We believe in creating a culture where our employees feel empowered to bring their best selves to work every day,” he said. “Empathy and vulnerability are essential qualities that help us lead with integrity and inspire our team to excel.”
Ensuring Motivation and Customer Satisfaction
To maintain high levels of motivation and productivity within his team, Aviram fosters a collaborative work environment that values open communication and ownership. This encourages employees to take initiative and continuously strive for excellence.
“We believe that constructive feedback is crucial for growth. By providing opportunities for professional development and recognizing individual contributions, we keep our team motivated and engaged,” he said.
In terms of customer satisfaction, Aviram emphasized the importance of ongoing support and feedback. Intelichain offers tailored solutions, monthly C-level steering committees, and weekly guidance meetings to help clients address their challenges. By fostering strong relationships and continuously adapting to client needs, Intelichain ensures that its solutions remain relevant and impactful.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Roei Aviram’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in the supply chain field is to dream big, plan carefully, and stay focused on solving real-world problems. He emphasizes that it’s essential to deeply understand customers’ needs and pain points, while continuously adapting to the evolving market landscape. “By combining innovation, industry expertise, and a customer-centric approach, one can make a significant impact on the future of supply chain management,” Roei states.
He suggests that entrepreneurs should focus on knowing their customers, understanding their pain points, and recognizing their current stage in order to truly solve problems. According to Roei, “It’s important not to wait for a big product launch but to focus on providing incremental and ongoing value.” This approach, he believes, keeps clients engaged as they witness tangible progress and value being delivered right before their eyes.
Roei also advises starting the branding process early and engaging with clients even before a product is fully developed. He stresses the importance of “speaking the language of supply chain professionals rather than relying solely on technical jargon.” Lastly, he points out that technology alone isn’t enough to meet customers’ needs; “they are looking for solutions to their ‘Jobs-to-be-Done,’ rather than just a piece of software.”
