OREANDA-NEWS. October 5, 2012. A major milestone in the drive to transform the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, into a first grade national oil company was attained on Wednesday with the official cut-over (launch) to the System Application Products also known as SAP, to effectively launch the Corporation into the league of major globalcompanies that run the SAP business solution.

The Solution which came on live after rigorous user acceptance tests, internal and external quality assurance reviews is designed to help the Corporation standardize and streamline its systems and processes in line with global best practices.

Speaking at the occasion, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC Engr. Andrew Yakubu explained that after test-running the SAP in parallel with the existing SUN System for over 14 months, the Management is convinced that the Solution will help the Corporation achieve a seamless integration of its processes and systems.

``In addition, the philosophy of the SAP solution compels the adoption of a central procurement organization to enable seamless Process-to-Pay, engender transparency, drive value for money and process efficiency,’’ the GMD said

To midwife this process, Engr. Yakubu announced the formation of a supply chain organization for the NNPC Corporate Headquarters on a pilot basis. He also stated that procurement of goods and services in all NNPC Strategic Business Units and Corporate Service Units must be routed through the Supply Chain Organization.

Engr. Yakubu called on staff members to brace up for the minor teething problems which are expected in major technology initiative of this magnitude.

Aptly described by SAP Africa, representatives of the Patent owners in Africa, as the biggest public sector SAP deployment in the continent, the system will also help NNPC access information real time, maintain a single data source, facilitate integration and collaboration across operating companies, compare and analyze detailed financial performance across the organization, achieve visibility of hydrocarbon value chain, seamless reporting with international oil companies, skill development of NNPC among other benefits.

The Cut-Over to SAP event which also coincided with the 100 days in office of the current NNPC Management provided an opportunity for the Corporation to take stock of some remarkable milestones within the period.

The GMD noted that despite the myriads of challenges in the downstream sector, the NNPC has continued to sustain the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country even at great peril to its staff members and facilities.

He stated that the recent violent attack on NNPC pipeline repair crew at Arepo in Ogun State which resulted in the death of some personnel is of serious concern noting that Management is doing everything possible to prevent future occurrence.

``Also worrisome is the increasing cases of kidnap of staff members and families, piracy and other forms of harassment. The NNPC Management is however working with security agencies to ensure safety of personnel and family members,’’ he said.