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

Fleet strategy authorities

Customer: Supplier railway industry

On behalf of a supplier active in the rail industry, SCI Verkehr analyses fleet strategies of German regional and commuter rail transport authorities. SCI Verkehr assesses the general fleet strategy of the authorities as well as technical specifications in tenders for regional rail transport. The objective is to promote innovations in future tenders.

Commercial due diligence on a rail vehicle leasing company

Customer: Investor 

SCI Verkehr supported an investor in the preparation of a CDD in the run-up to the submission of a non-binding offer. Together with other consultants, fleet strategies, investment planning and corporate KPIs were reviewed.

Market analysis of freight transport and logistics

Customer: Freight wagon leasing company

In this project, the flow of European goods from important companies in five selected sectors were analysed in terms of sources, destinations, volumes and types of goods. A customer analysis regarding the transport process and transport demands was also carried out. Prognoses concerning market developments in specific sectors of rail freight transport were then compiled and, on the basis of the flow of transport, new potential customers for railway transport were identified.

Market Analyses Examples

Brief analysis of the Baltic locomotive market

Customer: Locomotive manufacturer

On behalf of a locomotive manufacturer, SCI Verkehr analysed the Baltic locomotive market with regard to fleet structure, competitors and market potential.

Procurement analysis passenger cars

Customer: Worldwide railway supplier

On behalf of a globally active supplier, SCI Verkehr analyses current and future procurement projects of passenger cars as basis for strategic corporate planning. Furthermore, SCI Verkehr outlines the contextual progress of these projects from tender to delivery. Data are used as basis for long-term corporate planning.

Analysis of future vehicle requirements until 2032

Customer: Supplier Group

For the strategic business field planning of a railway technology supplier, SCI Verkehr analysed the future vehicle requirements up to the year 2032 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Differentiation was made according to different vehicle segments as well as the type of drive - the latter is particularly relevant as some routes currently operated with diesel vehicles will be converted to alternative drives (fuel cell or battery) or hybrid drives (BEMU, bi-mode, etc.) in the future.

Asset Valuations Examples

Continuous evaluation of a rail vehicle portfolio

Customer: Refinancing credit institution

In a framework agreement, a refinancing credit institution commissioned SCI Verkehr to carry out initial and follow-up valuations for an extensive portfolio of passenger vehicles, locomotives and freight wagons in Europe and North America. The results of the calculation were used internally by the customer for the assessment of credit risks. These are reviewed every six months.

Valuation of tank wagon fleet

Customer: International vehicle financier

On behalf of a vehicle financier, SCI Verkehr determined the current value of a fleet of tank wagons. The valuation was carried out using the cost-based RC as well as the income-based DCF valuation method according to IVS 2020 and takes into account the results of a supply and demand analysis of the wagons with special consideration of the effects of the Russian war in Ukraine.

Survey hopper wagons North America

Customer: German financial institute

In the context of planned financing of hopper wagons (covered hoppers) in North America, SCI Verkehr carries out a residual value appraisal for a German bank. Fair market value and orderly liquidation value are determined based on asset and market analysis.

Public Consulting Examples

Employment Potential in Short Distance Goods Rail Traffic

Customer: Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (Hans Böckler Foundation)

Analysis of the importance of goods traffic on rail with regards to the employment situation with economically conscious options to secure employment. Suggestions offered by SCI Verkehr.

Feasibility study on alternative drives

Customer: Public transport authority

SCI Verkehr was commissioned by a public transport authority to prepare a feasibility study on the planned use of alternatively powered rail vehicles. The focus of the analyses was on the economic feasibility of hydrogen and battery-powered trains in terms of operation, energy and infrastructure. A life cycle cost (LCC) model from SCI was applied. The aim of the study was to determine the economically and operationally optimal drive technologies against the background of the existing and future infrastructure of various networks, for example with regard to charging and refuelling processes.

Environmental risk assessment of rolling stock financing

Customer: Allianz pro Schiene e.V.

SCI Verkehr developed a method for considering environmental criteria when valuating rolling stock. This is especially important for credit providers for the purpose of performing risk assessments when financing rolling stock. The method was developed within the scope of a project of the Federal Ministry of the Environment for Allianz pro Schiene e.V. in cooperation with HSH Nordbank and IZT in Berlin.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Workshop ECM Market

Customer: Maintenance company

SCI Verkehr has carried out a workshop on ECM services with a leading maintenance company for rail vehicles. Different business models were discussed and the company´s business plan was reviewed.

Process optimisations Examples

Supporting a work group on changes to the production and logistics infrastructure

Customer: Global player in the food industry

Changes in the client?s product and packaging mix led to an open discussion about the site structure in both production and logistics. Not only the future scale and location of the sites were up for discussion, but also the issue of the function of individual areas of production and logistics. SCI Verkehr hosted the dialogue between the employees and employer on these matters and incorporated its experience in supporting site changes into the discussion process.

Improvement of logistics processes at a site in Baden-Württemberg

Customer: Global player in the beverage industry

A global player in the beverage industry is looking to optimise its logistics processes at a combined production and logistics site in Baden-Württemberg. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to re-work storage processes and logistics interfaces with other divisions such as production, distribution and sales in a collaboration with the management, works committee and employees, and to document the results afterwards.