Based on an analysis of the role of industrial control and optimization technologies in the Industrial Revolution, as well as the current situation and existing problems of operational decision-making (ODM) for industrial process, this paper introduces the concept of intelligent ODM in industrial process, shapes its future directions, and highlights key technical challenges. By the tight conjoining of and coordination between industrial artificial intelligence (AI) with industrial control and optimization technologies, as well as the Industrial Internet with industrial computer management and control systems, an intelligent operational optimization decision-making methodology is proposed for complex industrial process. The intelligent ODM methodology and its successful application demonstrate that the tight conjoining of and coordination between next-generation information technologies with industrial control and optimization technologies will promote the development of industrial intelligent ODM. Finally, main research directions and ideas are outlined for realizing intelligent ODM in industrial process.