The Client
A leading Canadian Oil & Gas major, known for its resilience in a volatile market, sought to enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risk. With diverse upstream assets—including oil sands, conventional production, and offshore developments—the company’s downstream operations span refining, upgrading, and commercial fuel services across Canada and the U.S.
The Challenge
As an integrated oil refiner, the client needed a fit-for-purpose Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM) system to centralize and streamline refined product marketing across North America. The key challenges included:
- Aging ETRM Systems – Existing platforms were outdated and unable to meet business needs.
- Unsupported Custom Technologies – Legacy systems were unsustainable and required retirement.
- Business Consolidation – U.S. and Canadian marketing operations needed unification for a cohesive go-to-market strategy.
- Operational Inefficiencies – Multiple disconnected systems created bottlenecks and hindered standardization.
capSpire was brought in to evaluate, select, and implement the most effective ETRM solution to support the company’s long-term success.
capSpire’s Solution
capSpire took a phased, strategic approach to deliver an effective, future-ready ETRM transformation:
- Assessment & Planning
- Conducted a comprehensive blueprint assessment to align implementation strategy across U.S. refined products, Canadian refined products, and NGL businesses.
- Developed a detailed roadmap, outlining project phases, timelines, resource allocation, and technology design.
- ETRM System Selection
- Performed a market evaluation and gap/fit analysis to identify the best solutions.
- Shortlisted options based on functionality, cost-effectiveness, and industry benchmarks.
- Recommended ION RightAngle as the most suitable ETRM platform.
- ETRM Implementation & Execution
- Currently leading the phased implementation of RightAngle, beginning with an upgrade for the U.S. refined products and NGL businesses.
- Transitioned the client from legacy systems to a modern, integrated platform.
- Managed a multi-phase program, ensuring transparency at the Steering Committee level and engagement across all stakeholders.
The Impact
- Tailored, Fit-for-Purpose Solution – Delivered an ETRM system designed to meet the client’s specific needs, ensuring alignment with business processes and budget.
- Strategic Implementation Planning – Provided high-impact recommendations on resource allocation, change management, data migration, and system testing for long-term success.
- Greater Operational Efficiency – Standardized and streamlined processes across U.S. and Canadian markets.
- Enhanced Integration & Visibility – Unified marketing operations, improving coordination, efficiency, and real-time decision-making. Scalable Technology – Replaced outdated systems with a robust, future-proof ETRM platform.
- Stakeholder-Centric Approach – Maintained transparency, ensuring business alignment and smooth change management.
- Expertise in Canadian Logistics – Leveraged deep industry knowledge of NGL and fuel logistics to design a tailored solution.
A Future-Ready Transformation
By partnering with capSpire, the client is now on track to achieve seamless, efficient, and scalable ETRM operations—strengthening its competitive position in the North American energy market.
About capSpire
We solve complex business and technology challenges for energy and commodity organizations. Our mission is to deliver transformative solutions that empower businesses to grow, scale, and succeed.
With three integrated services—Advisory, Delivery, and Operations and Support—capSpire offers holistic solutions that start with strategy and carry clients seamlessly through to scale. What sets capSpire apart is our ability to connect every stage of the value chain, delivering tailored solutions that integrate technology, processes, and industry insight. From strategy consulting and technology implementation to operational excellence, we strive to ensure that every solution drives measurable impact and uncovers new growth opportunities.
We empower businesses to maximize their investments and push forward—confidently and strategically—into the future. Together, we’ll power forward.
*All ETRM platforms referenced in this case study are the trade names and trademarks of their respective owners, including ION Group and its subsidiaries.
**CapSpire, LLC and the ION Group are unaffiliated entities.
