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

Market exploration for the sale of railway infrastructure

Customer: Ownership company of railway and terminal infrastructure

A publicly owned company that owns the railway and terminal infrastructure was given the political mandate to prepare the exit of the public owners from this area. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to provide comprehensive support to the management in an initial market survey.

Support cooperation negotiation

Customer: Asian rolling stock manufacturer

SCI Verkehr accompanies an Asian rolling stock manufacturer to meetings with Western European companies on order to prepare for market entry.

Efficiency increases of a locomotive fleet

Customer: European rail freight operator

On behalf of a European rail freight transport operator, SCI Verkehr increased efficiency of the locomotive fleet directly during operation within production. For this purpose, SCI Verkehr analysed the situation of the existing locomotive fleet of the company, on the basis of which, we created a strategy to increase efficiency during operation which could directly be implemented. Locomotive demand in transport performance, reliability and availability as well as maintenance requirements were particularly considered in detail.

Market Analyses Examples

Locomotive leasing market overview

Customer: International investment company

SCI Verkehr supports an international investment company with a market overview of rail freight transport in Europe, including a forecast of rail freight volumes. The report also includes a comprehensive study of the European leasing market for locomotives as well as a company-specific detailed analysis of players in the leasing market.

Demand analysis for rail vehicle leasing and competitive analysis of main lessors

Customer: Rail investor

On behalf of an investor, SCI Verkehr analysed the current and expected future demand for rolling stock with a focus on locomotives and the corresponding leasing potential derived from this. It also analysed the infrastructural requirements for the use of rolling stock and the most important leasing companies in this sector.

Compilation and updating of a project monitoring tool

Customer: Manufacturer of doors and components for rolling stock

For a globally active manufacturer of rolling stock components, SCI Verkehr created and is continuously 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.

Asset Valuations Examples

Vehicle assessment rail freight fleet

Customer: International bank

On behalf of a refinancing bank, SCI Verkehr determines the current vehicle value of a rail freight fleet. Value assessment of these vehicles operated on the Iberian Peninsula is built on the cost-based DRC assessment approach and considers results of a supply and demand analysis of locomotives and freight wagons.

Fair value determination of used DMUs

Customer: Vehicle owners

SCI Verkehr calculated the fair value and the future value development of used DMUs. Multiple units operated in German commuter transport were evaluated by the owner using the asset value method. In addition, an expert evaluated the technical conditions of the wagons and the reserves for the general inspection.

Valuation of future leasing rates for rolling stock

Customer: Leasing company

On behalf of a leasing company already active in the rolling stock segment, SCI Verkehr performed a regular analysis of the leasing revenues expected for the entire vehicle portfolio. Depending on the fleet structure and the market demand expected, the leasing revenues and downtimes of the vehicles were assessed. These served as the foundation for the business plan.

Public Consulting Examples

OSIRIS - Optimized System for an Innovative Rail Integrated Seaport connection

Customer: EU-Kommission GD Vll - Transport

An analysis of the operation of intermodal transport by rail shows that the integration and improvement of existing concepts and the set up of new concepts are required. The main objective of the OSIRIS concept is to improve the price- quality ratio of intermodal transport. The target of OSIRIS is to create new and competitive offers by integrating and connecting new into existing technical components and to innovate the operational and organisational issues. Operational experiences of the OSIRIS concept should be gained throughout selected pilot demonstrator in a future realisation phase.

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.

End of Runway Logistics - market targeting by suppliers

Customer: Company for economic development

In the future, air freight services will be provided more and more as complex logistical solutions within the scope of contracted logistics projects. For sites located near international airports this offers the opportunity for new settlements and therefore to generate new jobs. On behalf of a company for economic development SCI Verkehr GmbH is investigating the possibilities for bringing contracted logistics projects relating to air freight to the site. For the initial review of the situation SCI Verkehr carried out interviews with the leading providers of air freight services in Germany. From this review we will develop a strategy for the next steps for the company for economic development.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Due diligence on an investment in alternative propulsion systems for rail vehicles

Customer: Strategic investor

SCI Verkehr supports an investor in the preparation of a CDD on an investment opportunity in an alternative propulsion technology for rail vehicles. Specific target markets are analysed, procurement criteria of the end customers are evaluated and the business plan is assessed and adapted together with the client.

LCC-/Feasibility Study of Modern Freight Wagons

Customer: Federal Ministry

In the context of a research project, SCI Verkehr analyses the efficiency, i.e. Life Cycle Costs (LCC) of different freight wagons in operation. Therefore, a LCC model is designed which particularly assesses the use of innovative components in an economical manner. Not only investment and operating costs, but the entire freight wagon in operation is assessed. In doing so, the cost/benefit analysis is not restricted to wagon owners, and advantages for operators, shippers and the environment can also be taken into account and evaluated.

Support CDD to an Intermodal Terminal

Customer: strategic investor

SCI Verkehr supported a strategic investor in its commercial due diligence on an intermodal terminal (rail-road) in Germany. This involved accompanying the development of the investor's valuation approach, assessing operational benefits/opportunities and analysing development potential.

Process optimisations Examples

Reorganisation of logistical and administrative processes at storage facilities

Customer: Commercial company

An important German commercial company gradually bundled its storage structures (five locations) into one central company unit. Within the course of the integration of the fourth location into the new structures, administrative and logistical processes had to be standardised and prepared for a later ISO certification. SCI Verkehr has organised an operational excellence process with management, local managers and staff to develop the best possible solution for the organisation. In this process new standardised procedures have been developed, documented and then introduced as compulsory. SCI Verkehr has overseen the implementation of the new working methods at several locations on-site.

Assistance in realising a pilot project in the field of electronic ticketing

Customer: Midsized railway technology company

Our client had developed an innovative system for electronic fare management, which it wished to have tested in practice. In addition, the acceptance of the company was necessary as well as funding. SCI Verkehr took part in the project and assisted the client in quickly satisfying the necessary requirements for using the system in commercial operation.

Process and organizational consulting in IT

Customer:

A global player in the beverage industry is planning to restructure its IT and support departments and subsequently establish them in Europe. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to review and further develop this strategy, and to accompany the negotiations with the employee representatives.