Sibur has signed a deal with SAP to implement an IT project which is claimed to be the largest in the petrochemical industry.

The deal follows a cooperation between the companies, which started with a project to introduce an ERP system at Sibur's enterprises and Moscow headquarters.

A uniform mechanism was developed for planning and collecting information at all of Sibur's enterprises, and over 400 scenarios were created to test the most critical operations.

Under the cooperation agreement, SAP will implement its system in all of Sibur's production plants. The project is expected to be completed by 2019.

Through the implementation of SAP's system, Sibur plans to increase the accuracy of its production planning models, lower the cost of repairs and maintenance, and perform general enhancement in the reliability of information.

Sibur CEO Dmitry Konov said: "A first-rate resource management system is a prerequisite to improving service for both customers and partners, increasing business efficiency through more rigorous planning and control, and making the most of production and financial resources.

"By implementing a modern, ERP-class global information system based on SAP, we'll enhance the efficiency, visibility and control over the company's business processes."

SAP has reportedly said that most firms in the worldwide petrochemical industry deploy its solutions in their operations. The company's customers include 98 of the 100 largest chemical firms globally.