06/04-11   -   Press releases

IBM training solution speeds learning at Shell

IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced a collaboration with Shell that has transformed the way the oil company trains employees on its new automated system for loading fuel onto trucks, barges, trains and pipelines.

IBM is working with Shell to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of training by helping 1,000 employees, in 13 countries improve their decision making skills while building their knowledge of the fuelling automation system, called the Global Terminal Automation System (GTAS).

The GTAS training solution is a new e-learning tool, designed to provide Shell employees with an on demand, interactive and hands-on environment that re-creates typical fuelling scenarios in a safe learning environment. The e-learning tool was built through collaboration between Shell experts, a team of IBM consultants and e-learning developers. It provides a long term learning solution for GTAS, eliminating the need to fly-in experienced users to provide training.

The tool tests staff by providing typical scenarios they may have to deal with – a truck driver’s pass code failing to lift a barrier for instance. The employee then goes into the system, checks available information and resolves the problem. User scores and response times are stored to provide Shell with data insight on the results that employees are achieving. This also enables Shell to identify which users require additional support and training.

“We predominantly used classroom training before the pilot," explains Jeroen Ravelli and Rivhu Khan, Shell Distribution. “However working with our partner IBM, we explored the cost and learning benefits of developing an online e-simulation – rather than flying trainers around the world to deliver face-to-face training. This had the potential to bring interactive learning direct to the terminal control centres and make the training more realistic and engaging."

The first phase of implementation began last year. The e-learning tool will be used in Brazil, UK, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Turkey, Italy, Denmark, Malaysia, & Oman. The tool has been translated into several languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, German, Italian and Turkish. The solution has also won a ‘Learning in Practice’ Gold award in the Excellence in Simulations and Games Award category from Chief Learning Officer magazine.

“The objective of the learning solution was to enable Shell to upskill its employees in a smarter and more efficient way," said Andi Britt, Organisation & People Lead, IBM Global Business Services, UK & Ireland. "The GTAS e-Learning demonstrates IBM´s commitment to deliver the highest quality services and the most advanced and innovative technologies to its clients."

Global Terminal Automation System
The GTAS programme helped Shell standardise TAS applications across Shell’s 150+ terminals and depots around the world. This has resulted in standard processes for terminal staff and drivers, enhanced safety controls and lower maintenance and support costs. Minimising the risk of any downtime, failure or terminal unavailability ensures satisfaction and reliability for Shell and its customers as well as saving outage costs. The system also interacts with Shell’s business and finance systems enabling increased efficiency of the loading, invoicing and financial processes.

About Shell
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 90 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects. For further information, visit www.shell.com.