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

Appraisal sales organisation of a European rail freight company

Customer: European rail freight company

On behalf of a rail freight company active in the European market, SCI Verkehr appraised and developed the company's sales organisation. For this, market-based developments, benchmarks of exemplary companies as well as internal enforceability were taken into account.

Market potential for innovative track components in Germany

Customer: Industrial group

SCI Verkehr has been commissioned by an industrial group to analyse the market potential for innovative track components. The focus was on a market and competition analysis in Germany.

Customer satisfaction analysis

Customer: Manufacturer of rail vehicles

Within a commercial due diligence, SCI Verkehr analysed the market perspectives of the target in the light rail segment. In addition to identifying and appraising future projects in the target market, an interview-based analysis of customer satisfaction was carried out.

Market Analyses Examples

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.

Data delivery European freight wagon market

Customer: European freight wagon manufacturer and maintenance provider

SCI Verkehr supplied data on the freight wagon market in Europe to a European maintenance provider and freight wagon manufacturer. In addition to information on the fleet composition of individual fleet managers, data on the purchase price development for new freight wagons in Continental Europe was delivered.

Worldwide analysis of refurbishment of diesel locomotives

Customer: Rail supplier

On behalf of a rail supplier, SCI Verkehr prepares a market analysis of relevant refurbishment projects of diesel locomotives. A competitive analysis of DMU powerpacks is also included.

Asset Valuations Examples

DRC evaluation electric railcar fleet

Customer:

On behalf of an asset financier, SCI Verkehr determines the fair market value and future value-over-time for a new electric multiple unit (EMU) fleet. Value determination is conducted by means of the DRC method. Special focus is put on possibilities of reuse after 15 and 30 years. Results are summarised in a report.

Assessment of coil carrier wagons in continental Europe

Customer: European leasing company

On behalf of a European leasing company, SCI Verkehr assesses a fleet of new coil carrier wagons. Assessment of the wagons is conducted by means of the DCF and DRC methods and takes into consideration the supply and demand situation specific to these wagons.

Assessment of tank wagons in Continental Europe

Customer: European leasing company

On behalf of a European leasing company, SCI Verkehr assesses a fleet of new mineral oil and chemical tank wagons. Assessment of the wagons by means of the DCF and DRC methods takes into consideration the wagon-specific supply and demand situation.

Public Consulting Examples

Economic survey logistics Hamburg

Customer: Logistics initiative Hamburg

Since 2009, SCI Verkehr GmbH has carried out an annual survey of the members of the logistics initiative group "Logistikinitiative Hamburg" regarding the economic development of the logistics market in Hamburg. The data collected is then compared with the SCI/Logistics Barometer and therefore put in a national context. In 2015, members were surveyed again. The results were presented as part of the initiative members'€™ meeting.

Situation and Perspectives of the Railway Industry in North-Rhine-Westphalia

Customer: Ministry of Economy, Technology and Transport of North-Rhine-Westphalia

Analysis of trends within the railway industry in the German state of North-Rhine-Westphalia, empirical inquiry of the extensive qualitative and quantitative data of companies of the railway sector in NRW, profile of strengths and weaknesses of the branch, options for action for the Ministry of Economy, Technology and Transport of North-Rhine-Westphalia with regard to industry, traffic and region.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Benchmark for maintenance of freight wagons

Customer:

On behalf of an investor, SCI Verkehr prepared a comprehensive market analysis for the maintenance of freight wagons. This included a review of the basic principles of maintenance, an analysis of the main trends and drivers in the market, an explanation of new technological developments and an overview of maintenance companies and their locations. A focus of the analyses was also the benchmarking of prices of maintenance periods for different wagon types and components, as well as their development.

Maintenance location and portfolio assessment

Customer: maintenance specialist

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

Evaluation business plan leasing company

Customer: Financial investor

SCI Verkehr critically examined the business plan of a leasing company in the run-up to a possible due diligence. The focus was on the evaluation of the current portfolio and the management's assumptions regarding growth potential. For this purpose, a benchmark of current and expected future leasing rates and the occupancy rate was also carried out.

Process optimisations Examples

Optimization of the Land-Sea Interface as part of a maritime network group

Customer:

Investigation on behalf of the SH Technology Foundation

Supporting the joint works council in site changes

Customer: Global player in the food industry

Against the background of changing markets, production volumes and internal logistical flows, a short-term need for a reaction and restructuring arose for a leading company in the food industry, especially with regard to its site structure. SCI Verkehr GmbH supported the employee representatives as a professional expert in close consultation with management. The individual proposals for change were reviewed conceptually and carried out on site.

Supporting the reorganisation of the group strategy of a freight transport company

Customer: European rail freight operator

SCI Verkehr is supporting a leading European freight transport company in the reorganisation of its corporate strategy. In the process, all relevant internal and external factors for all forms of production in rail freight transport are examined and subjected to a strategic review. The aim is to redesign selected areas of the company in order to achieve greater economic efficiency and resilience.