How Business Intelligence helped Shell explore new boundaries
"A reduction in the reporting cycle from 10 to 3 days has freed up man-hours and also led to greater accuracy and use of HSE information across Shell Europe. Without this type of solution it is unlikely we would have met our internal reporting deadlines".
Ron Boyd, HSE Data & Knowledge Manager
Shell Exploration and Production
The Business Issue
The business issue was two fold:
At a local level, HSE at Shell Aberdeen had identified the need for an efficient reporting infrastructure. Too much time was being spent on the collation of reports rather than analysing results and investigating outcomes. There was also a potential for human error leading to inaccuracy of information.
At an international level, Shell was reorganising its Exploration and Production business. In Europe, eight national organisations were brought together as Shell EP Europe. Tasked with capturing synergies and standardising systems, the requirement for a co-ordinated reporting solution became paramount across Europe especially with the volume of data to be processed and presented back to the business on a routine basis.
The Solution
At a local level, the solution was to streamline reporting by pulling information from multiple sources. Business Objects was used to report against both the "Incident" and the "Environmental" databases on industry measures such as "Near Miss Ratios", "Lost Time Injury" and "Greenhouse Gasses". Already Business Objects users, this powerful reporting tool offered the simplest and most effective way of implementing a scalable solution with immediate results.
During the project, HSE at Shell Exploration and Production in Aberdeen, were tasked with the role to lead HSE reporting for Shell EP Europe. The flexibility of Maxima and the compatibility of Business Objects meant that the solution could be scaled up and rolled out across different countries with multiple systems to enable pan-European reporting. This involved creating a Business Objects universe for 6 databases and combining the results. This resulted in a quick, cost effective solution without replacing the host databases.
Results
First pan-European reporting solution
Established a uniform reporting framework which has led to collaboration, alignment, and a collective responsibility for overall performance across Europe.
Freed up man-hours
Monthly reporting cycle has reduced from 10 to 3 days. Replacing a previously manual process of collating a 60 page Excel workbook. Now automated, the process is streamlined with greater accuracy of data. Weekly reports can now be generated in under 10 minutes, providing flexibility and fast response times, where previously 4 hours were needed.
Improved access to information
Increased frequency, greater availability and easy to assimilate reports have led to a more informed workforce with wider adoption across Shell EP Europe. Reports are linked to corporate website.
Accuracy of information
Automated processes have limited human intervention thereby reducing opportunities for error. The ability to track any suspected errors in reports to source data has also placed further emphasis on data quality.
Operational efficiencies
Enhanced analysis capability has provided greater insight into route causes of incidents. Proactive prevention measures rather than reactive problem solving will help to contribute to a safer working environment and reduction of incidents.
Lateral learning
Uniform reporting enables off shore HSE staff to compare data and learn from other platforms through comparison of results.
"At a local level the project has significantly improved processes and successfully delivered flexible, accurate and immediate, weekly and monthly reports. More significantly, the solution has provided the foundation for a pan-European reporting solution. A reduction in the reporting cycle from 10 to 3 days has freed up man-hours and also led to greater accuracy and use of HSE information across EP Europe. Without this type of solution it is unlikely we would have met our internal reporting deadlines. Despite the project scope expanding and the deadlines shortening, Maxima's expertise and understanding of the potential of Business Objects have been essential in shaping a successful solution. Shell Exploration and Production Aberdeen, with the help of Maxima, are now progressing with further initiatives to drive change and push the boundaries of HSE effectiveness."
Ron Boyd
HSE Data & Knowledge Manager
Shell Exploration and Production
