How difficult is it to start a digital transformation within a company?
Digital Transformation for Axens has been smooth and easy. We started a little bit late (in 2016) with a clear objective to increase the added value to our customers. Digital solutions were defined as a brick to be added to our existing portfolio of services. Once the vision has been clarified, we step by step developed the Axens Connect’In platform together with our customers. Change management being the first challenge, we took this aspect into account from the beginning (Business Units, IT, Innovation, HR)

What benefits can digital technologies deliver to the downstream sector?
Downstream sector can reduce significantly operating expenses thanks to a leaner execution of the operation. Digital technologies can support it. In addition, through platforms, digital technologies can provide a clear overview of the different parts of the operation, allowing the downstream sector to take better decisions from trading to future investments.

How did you go about the digital transformation at Axens?
Since 2016, Digital Transformation started small with a first project focused on Axens customers. Step by step, this first project is creating more and more value to our clients such as MOL in Hungary. Since 2018, digital transformation has also been applied to Axens operational excellence within the different business units.

What benefits have you seen to date?
Thanks to Axens platform Connect’In, Axens is now able to be proactive regarding process and catalyst operation and support our clients in near real time with clear insight.

Does a transformation require a change of culture and buy in from all levels of the company?
To deploy Digital Transformation through the company, Axens CEO and his executive committee are clearly supporting the project.

What advice would you give to downstream companies looking to implement a digital transformation?
The main focus should be ‘back to user’. The data and the digital tools have added value only if they answers to clear and strong user needs. The User Experience (UX) approach is a first key step toward digital transformation.

Romain Roux will be talking about achieving operational excellence through smart infrastructure at Future Downstream conference on 4 December, London.