Strategic business consulting for the railway and logistics industry

SCI Verkehr is a medium-sized, sustainability-oriented consultancy focussing on strategic issues in the international rail and logistics business. We support our business partners in optimising their processes and evaluating their assets. We help to analyse markets and develop sustainable and tailor-made strategies for the future. This includes, among other things: Accompanying M&A activities, realising climate targets, optimising the portfolio or existing processes, and opening up new markets and business areas.

Strategic Management Consultancy Examples

Investor discussions

Customer: European leasing company

In the context of a due diligence of a European leasing company, SCI Verkehr held discussions with investors on the current and expected future market situation in European transport and leasing markets.

Consultation of a navigation company

Customer: Navigation company

In summer 2000, SCI Verkehr was asked to examine the performance capacity of a navigation company, to which it provided strategic advice. The goal was to determine how results could be improved through optimizing performance, restructuring and the expansion of business areas. Emphasized were the development of new business areas and recommendations for alternative organization and financing models. The development of the project followed recommendations based on transport, tourism, business and organization.

Market analysis "Prospects in the Worldwide Market for Rolling Stock"

Customer: Internationally active component manufacturer

SCI Verkehr analysed and assessed the current and prospective dynamics in the market regions and portfolio segments of a globally active component manufacturer. Within the scope of a management workshop, SCI Verkehr derived and defined the sustainable and international potential for growth and strategic options.

Market Analyses Examples

Market Volumes and Projects for Track Components in Selected Countries

Customer: Consultancy

SCI Verkehr provided standard forecast data on the market volumes for a selected track component in the period 2008-2015 (year-to-year and divided by transport mode as well as into renewal, maintenance, and new development/upgrade) globally as well as in selected key markets. Contents and methodology were explained during a one-hour conference call with the client.

Demand analysis for drive components

Customer: Component manufacturer

On behalf of a manufacturer of chassis and drive components, SCI Verkehr analyses the current market development and competitive situation for selected components. In addition, the needs of customers and potential customers are recorded and measures for the strategic planning and orientation of the business are derived.

Portfolio analysis diesel locomotives

Customer: Rail vehicle manufacturer

On behalf of a rail industry manufacturer's work council, SCI Verkehr evaluated the current situation and future market development. By way of a portfolio analysis, demand and competition structures in the diesel locomotive business were analysed. At the same time, short or medium term demand projects were identified and their probability of implementation and success was evaluated. For this purpose, SCI Verkehr verified its own data base information with additional expert interviews.

Asset Valuations Examples

Fleet assessment diesel multiple units (DMUs)

Customer: Leasing company

On behalf of a leasing company, SCI Verkehr determines fair market value and future value-over-time of a new DMU fleet. Valuation is conducted by means of the DRC method. Special focus is put on the benchmark of the purchase and assessment of guarantees given by authorities. The results are summarised in a report.

Freight wagon impairment test

Customer: European leasing company

SCI Verkehr carried out impairment tests for various freight wagon types with a view on the value development of the vehicles taking into consideration the changing conditions in the rail freight market. The results of former value appraisals were analysed with a view on the real development. The focus was on the demand situation in the respective vehicle-related market.

Rolling stock assessment: Electric locomotives

Customer: Locomotive lessor

On behalf of a locomotive lessor, SCI Verkehr assesses current and future market value of electric single and multi-system locomotives. Income-based as well as cost-based valuation methods are applied.

Public Consulting Examples

Assessment of economic consequences of reducing regionalisation funds

Customer: Transport Association Rhine-Ruhr

The reduction of regionalisation funds for short-distance passenger transport will have far-reaching effects on the range of transport on offer. The consequences for companies and employees will be of particular significance. SCI Verkehr has assessed the economic effects of the reduction of regionalisation funds in the form of a brief expert opinion.

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.

Development of activities for opening new markets for small-business enterprises in Central and Eastern Europe

Customer: Ministerium für Wirtschaft und Mittelstand, Technologie und Verkehr des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (The Ministry for Economy and Small Business, Energy and Traffic of State North Rhine-Westphalia) Main contractor and project management: h.e.a.D. GmbH, D

Preparation of preliminary study ?Development of activities for opening new markets in Central and Eastern Europe for small business enterprises from Target-2-Areas in North Rhine Westphalia" with identification of market potential and individual projects and the establishment of contacts with project carriers in Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Consultancy service to and support of small and medium-sized enterprises from North Rhine Westphalia in market development in the chosen countries. Development of a catalogue of activities and servicing concept and of the corporate structure of PPP-Gesellschaft WIR.NRW GmbH with inclusion of State NRW and the enterprises for the sustained support of NRW companies when entering the market in the target countries. Installation of Beteiligungsgesellschaft (associated company) IN.NRW AG for NRW companies. Preparation of project structure for the implementation of the North Rhine-Westphalia ??????..for the Central and Eastern Eurpean countries.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Strategy development own fleet

Customer: Global player in the beverage industry

A global player in the beverage industry operates its own truck fleet in order to distribute its products in Germany. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to develop a strategy for the fleet´s further development, taking into account external influences (e.g. transport market) as well as internal structures. The process was closely coordinated with the customer and employee representatives and a joint implementation process was agreed upon.

Environmental criteria in short-distance passenger rail transport competition

Customer: Allianz pro Schiene

On behalf of Allianz pro Schiene, SCI Verkehr is analysing the importance of ecological-related decision-making criteria within the German competition market for short-distance passenger rail transport. For this, environmental criteria are going to be analysed with regard to completed awards of short-distance passenger rail transport services and their future importance.

Process optimisations Examples

Commuter Rail Berlin

Customer: State of Berlin

Comparison of specific cost types to those of other commuter rail systems in Germany by means of defined, meaningful benchmarks. Identification of cost reduction potentials, possible ways ans implications of their realisation. Support to the client in the design of the transport service contract. Coordination of a joint negotiation strategy and participation in the trials. Survey of arguments and recommendations to the client.

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 .