Oil and gas giant Shell has delivered one of the largest single SAP upgrade implementations in the world.

The project was referred to as a milestone in Shell’s downstream business IT infrastructure. It covers operations in 35 countries and impacts more than 29,000 users.

Improved functional capabilities will enable Shell businesses to work faster and more effectively, the company said.

It also referred to new functions that will allow for future business growth and expansion into new areas, including mobile enablement through apps and interactive self-service portals.

Shell’s “Downstream One” programme aims to simplify and standardise its downstream business processes around the world. Simplified business models, standardised processes, roles and responsibilities were implemented prior to the global implementation of SAP solutions across all countries in a phased manner.

Shell’s downstream staff are now able to access the same system, with common data, common processes and a uniform basis for reporting.

Working alongside the Shell business, both IBM and SAP were engaged to provide expert support for the upgrade implementation.

IBM provided business-consulting services to lead the analysis of the existing processes, whilst SAP provided an upgrade value assessment to identify areas of improvement.

IBM also led an IT asset refresh, which saw Shell switch to the latest IBM Power 7 Series (P780) servers.

“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for SAP, in that we helped Shell’s vision become a reality, in one of the largest SAP application upgrade projects in the world,” said Gerhard Oswald of SAP’s executive board.

“Our success was only achievable through the great teamwork among Shell, IBM and our own experts utilising the ‘near zero downtime’ approach to ensure that total business downtime criteria of 48 hours was achieved.”