THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF VOPAK

Leo Brand, CIO of Vopak, discusses how the company’s digital transformation has made it safer and more efficient, and shifted the focus from cost to value A successful digital transformation requires the repositioning of IT in the organisation; IT must evolve from a cost centre into an integral part of the value chain. Many asset-heavy companies transform into technology companies, where data drives customer experience and allows the creation of new business models. As a result, many formerly outsourced or bought-in IT functions and solutions are brought in-house. Vopak is a 406-year-old Dutch company which has grown into the leading independent provider of liquid bulk storage. Vopak is active in 73 terminals in 23 countries across the world and generates revenues of €1.2 billion (excluding joint ventures). When I joined Vopak in 2014 as chief information officer (CIO), I kickstarted an ambitious and successful digital transformation. Vopak has now become the poster child for digital transformation in the Netherlands, and for its industry globally. The company rolled out Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, automated its port operations with bespoke robot and...