PLAIO

PLAIO is a specialized B2B software-as-a-service (SaaS) firm providing an AI-assisted decision support platform for the pharmaceutical industry. Founded in Reykjavik, Iceland, in 2021, the company was established by a team of industry veterans and academics to address critical inefficiencies in pharmaceutical supply chain planning. The founding team includes CEO Johann Gudbjargarson, a professional with over 25 years in supply chain enterprise solutions; Árni Hrannar Haraldsson, a pharma specialist; and University of Reykjavik professors Dr. Hlynur Stefansson and Dr. Eyjolfur Ingi Asgeirsson. This blend of extensive industry experience and academic research forms the foundation of the company's approach.

The company targets the mid-market segment of the pharmaceutical industry, serving companies with 30 to 10,000 employees. Its client roster includes names like Covis Pharma, Alvotech, and Camarus. PLAIO's business model is centered on its subscription-based visual planning platform, designed to displace the outdated spreadsheets that a significant portion of the industry still relies on for critical planning. The platform is engineered to sit on top of existing legacy ERP systems, enhancing them with modern AI-driven capabilities without requiring complex configurations, which streamlines implementation.

PLAIO's core offering is a visual planning platform that uses predictive algorithms and artificial intelligence to help planners and supply chain managers optimize the sales and operations cycle. The platform is comprised of several modules, including Demand Planning, Manufacturing Planning, and Purchase Planning. A key feature is the 'AI Coplanner,' which offers an intuitive natural language interface. This allows users to conduct 'what-if' scenario analysis, automate planning, receive predictive insights, and streamline the execution of manufacturing orders into campaigns. The system centralizes demand signals, provides real-time visibility, and enhances data accuracy for forecasting, procurement, and production scheduling, ultimately aiming to reduce waste and minimize stockouts.

Since its inception, PLAIO has achieved significant milestones, including a pre-Series A funding round of €2.7 million in 2021 and a subsequent €4.3 million oversubscribed round in August 2024. This funding is aimed at enhancing the AI Coplanner's capabilities and supporting the company's expansion into the U.S. and European markets. Keywords: pharmaceutical supply chain, AI planning, visual planning platform, demand planning, manufacturing planning, supply chain optimization, SaaS, enterprise software, pharma logistics, inventory management, production scheduling, procurement planning, AI coplanner, decision support system, sales and operations planning, S&OP, ERP integration, pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain visibility, predictive analytics