EXPERIENCE FROM 30 YEARS

The goal of the consulting activities is the development of a location profile for the logistics region of Cologne/Bonn. The investigation focuses on the possible unique selling points of the planned end-of-runway logistics park in Troisdorf Spich, and its positive effect on the entire region?s economy. The competitive position of such a logistics park and the potential target company will be evaluated with a small strategic analysis of selected competing regions

SCI Verkehr investigated the market acceptance and market potential of a possible product innovation for two railway supply companies, which were planning a joint investment in developing high-quality components. As well as the additional potential achievable from the production innovation, the analysis took into consideration the risk of sunk costs as a result of uncertainty about the further market development and market success of the product.

In 2004, SCI Verkehr developed a ?logistics report for the food industry in NRW? for the social partner project Nordrhein-Westfälische ErnährungsWirtschaft e.V. (NEW.S). This includes a number of optimisation approaches and recommendations for action, which reflects the complexity of the demands on logistics in the food industry. Since 2005, NEW.S and SCI Verkehr GmbH have been carrying out a series of workshops entitled ?Optimisation in Logistics? with company representatives in order to intensify the dialogue about these issues in the sector. For two further workshops in autumn 2006, SCI Verkehr is taking over the entire content preparation and management. This includes concept development, detailed planning, acquiring speakers and the presentation of the workshops.

On behalf of an international credit institute, SCI Verkehr analysed an existing valuation model for rolling stock. The review took place with the aid of a general plausibility check of the input parameters as well as a calculation of the most important asset categories in the leasing company?s vehicle portfolio. The results of the valuation model were checked for plausibility using SCI?s internal valuation model and a number of potentials for improvement were identified.

On behalf of a bank, SCI Verkehr assessed the value development of a fleet of electric multiple units (EMU) using the cost-based DRC methodology. The analysis focused on market developments in German regional passenger rail transport, financing instruments of the awarding authority and long-term deployment prospects for the fleet.

SCI Verkehr carried out an annual valuation update for a European freight wagon fleet (intermodal wagons). The market value of the fleet was estimated based on the cost and income approach according to IVS 2020. In addition, SCI Verkehr prepared an extensive demand supply analysis for the market for intermodal wagons in Continental Europe.

Optimisation and strengthening of regional passenger and freight railway traffic, indication of obstacles and indication of possible solutions in two model regions for the regional rail traffic, implementation of coaching processes for overcoming the obstacles, transfer of experience.

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 2014, members were surveyed again. The results were presented as part of the initiative member´s meeting.

The situation for inland waterway crafts in Poland was researched and analysed for the BMVBW, which was examining the situation of inland waterway crafts in selected European countries. The report describes the waterway network, craft fleets, relevant inland waterway craft companies and transport services in Poland. The profitability of inland waterway crafts is generally represented on the basis of specific individual cases.

On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transport, SCI Verkehr investigated the applicability of innovative drives for rail vehicles that run on non-electrified lines. In addition to economic efficiency, changes relevant to the environment (e.g. emission reduction) were also evaluated.

SCI Verkehr supported a newly-founded leasing company by preparing a market study and analysing standard market input parameters for a business plan.

SCI Verkehr developed a cash flow model for a financial institution for a European leasing company. The model calculates the companys expected profits until 2030 under market-realistic assumptions. It also calculates ratios such as loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratio based on a valuation of the fleet.

The commissioning railway company active in European rail freight transport is in an economically strained situation with clearly decreasing market shares, declining transport services and unsatisfactory performance. Defined objectives of the company are to increase production stability, reorganise operations of sales and production as well as increasing productivity and economic improvement of selected areas of operation. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to monitor and accompany the process as expert consultant.

A leading company in the food industry is planning to close individual, independently operating logistics locations with storages and commissioning in Germany or to re-utilise them as pure cross dock storage. To this end, SCI Verkehr is carrying out a cross check, is providing important advice on potential risks of the planned concept and is suggesting possible amendments to the plan developed by the customer.

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.