Strategic business consulting for the railway and logistics industry

SCI Verkehr is an independent and highly specialised management consultancy focusing on strategic issues in the international rail and logistics business. We support our business partners in industry and politics by analysing markets and developing viable and tailor-made strategies for the future. This includes asset valuation, support for M&A activities, optimisation of portfolios and existing processes, as well as the development of new markets and business areas.

Strategic Management Consultancy Examples

Risk analysis transport authority

Customer: Transport authority local rail transport

A transport authority required a risk analysis concerning various tender models in local rail transport for its partners. SCI Verkehr compared various possibilities regarding their implementation probability and possibilities to reduce the risk for the transport authority.

The European leasing market for freight wagons

Customer: European freight wagon leasing company

On behalf of a big European leasing company, SCI Verkehr examined the European market for freight wagons with special focus on the leasing segment. Based on the three pillars- market analysis, competition assessment and survey of the demand side, various options were examined and assessed.

KPI benchmark for leasing company

Customer:

For a leasing company, SCI Verkehr prepared a benchmark analysis of the major competitors in the market. The basis for the analysis was companies' freely accessible KPIs.

Market Analyses Examples

Analysis of the global market for rail vehicles and wheels

Customer: International rail component supplier

On behalf of an international component manufacturer, SCI Verkehr has compiled a comprehensive database on the global rail vehicle market. The focus was on the segments of freight wagons, multiple units, passenger coaches, and high-speed trains. Regional market segmentation was based on the locations of vehicle production facilities. A five-year market outlook was provided. In addition, specific data on the European wheelset market were also prepared.

Compilation and updating of a project monitoring tool

Customer: Manufacturer of wheel sets and axles for rolling stock

For a global manufacturer of rolling stock components, SCI Verkehr is monthly updating a project monitoring tool. This monitoring tool presents the data and facts essential for success and decision making. The client receives information on relevant vehicle projects and can thus develop projects and initiate necessary product developments in good time. The latest results can be accessed at any time in a client-specific internet platform.

Price analysis current rail vehicle deliveries

Customer: Service Provider

On behalf of a client, SCI Verkehr compiled the deliveries of rail vehicle in six national markets since 2010 based on the SCI DATABASE and analysed the price development and differences.

Asset Valuations Examples

Freight wagon fleet valuation in intermodal transport

Customer: European leasing company

On behalf of a European leasing company, SCI Verkehr determined the current value of a modern fleet of intermodal wagons of various types. The valuation was carried out using the cost-based RC and income-based DCF valuation method and takes into account the results of a supply and demand analysis. Special focus was placed on the impact of the current crisis in the intermodal market.

Valuation of electric locomotives for Italy

Customer: International leasing company

On behalf of a leasing company, SCI Verkehr prepared a short assessment of electric locomotives for Italy with a view to a sales and lease back contract. The valuation was carried out using the income-based DCF valuation method, according to IVS 2022.

Valuation of used dual-mode locomotives

Customer: Investor

SCI Verkehr supported a private investor in the valuation of used dual-mode locomotives. The valuation was based on the cost-based replacement method, with the value development taking into account maintenance expenses.

Public Consulting Examples

Analysis of the fourth railway package

Customer: Leading TOC outside the EU

SCI Verkehr analysed the fourth railway package and its potential effects on European railway transport on behalf of a major railway company outside the EU. Particular emphasis was set on the impact of the fourth railway package on the German railway market.

Management LOG-IT CLUB

Customer: LOG-IT Club e.V.

Since the foundation of the LOG-IT Club e.V. in November 2002, SCI Verkehr has conducted the business of the association. This includes the support of the association committees, account management, budgetary control and acceptance of new members.

Circle Line / Public-Private-Partnership in public rail transport

Customer: Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr AöR (Transportation authority)

"Circle Line" is the first rail transport project in Germany to be realised primarily as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). In a consortium comprising DEPFA BANK, the law firm Kapellmann und Partner and the engineering office Vössing GmbH, SCI Verkehr is subjecting the plans to a "PPP suitability test" and preparing the realisation of the first construction phase up to the tendering procedure. SCI Verkehr is carrying out the project management and market research as well as addressing potential interested parties.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Supporting changes in a production company

Customer: Global player in the food industry

In the context of restructuring, a global enterprise in the food industry intends to close a logistics site and several production sites in Germany as well as to reorganise further core departments. SCI Verkehr surveys the plans and supports the process of negotiating a reconciliation of interests. Also, alternative scenarios are developed and moderated in this context.

Maintenance location and portfolio assessment

Customer: maintenance specialist

Definitions of the optimal location and performance for a vehicle workshop in western North Rhine Westphalia.

Feasibility study ? Alternative drives for buses

Customer: Transport company in Germany

In a feasibility study, SCI Verkehr has assessed the advantages and disadvantages of existing bus concepts for alternative drives (hybrid vehicles, plug-in vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) and the infrastructure required for this. Against the background of this assessment, SCI Verkehr has derived a detailed procurement proposal for buses with alternative drives on behalf of an international transport company.

Process optimisations Examples

Registration of railway companies in Poland

Customer: Industry

Working for an interested company, all corporate and administrative as well as technical preconditions for obtaining registration as railway transport company in Poland were ascertained. The information was analysed in terms of potential for action and risks and provided in the form of a structured guide.

Supporting the restructuring of a leading European rail freight company

Customer: European rail freight company

A leading European rail freight company has to reorganize itself completely in terms of profitability, efficiency and reliability. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to support the restructuring process actively and to bring in expertise in railway operation, processes and strategy. Focus is also put on close involvement in terms of co-determination .

Development of offer for line-related tender invitations of RPST services in the State Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Customer: Stadtwerke Schwerin / Mecklenburgbahn GmbH

Analysis of tender invitation, specification of performance profile and offer support for the public tender for several routes of the rail-bound passenger short-distance transport of the State Mecklenburg-Vorpommern within the scope of the regionalisation of the RPST; Start-up of operation of the Mecklenburg railways based on the 1st offer scheduled for June 2001.