How Shell executed its supply chain transformation

More upstream, profitable downstream. In 2005, Shell used this mantra to distil its new strategy. With upstream initiatives, the energy and petrochemicals group searches and recovers oil and gas. Shell develops the way it refines and delivers products to customers via its downstream initiative. In short, Shell’s mantra means that if it boosts production, its income from refining will also go up.A supply chain transformation was key to realising this strategy. As a result, Shell restructured its supply chain, with various end goals. These include standardising practises and technologies, generating stable cash flows and putting demand-driven best practices front and centre of operations.