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

Strategic approaches for the after-market business in components

Customer:

SCI Verkehr analysed various KPIs for the maintenance and repair of vehicles and the overhaul and reconditioning of components for a supplier. For individual components and markets, a more in-depth analysis of the profitability of the segment was carried out, to derive strategic approaches for the design of the business field in Europe.

Analysis of innovative drive solutions in rail freight transport

Customer: Investing company

SCI Verkehr investigated a concept with innovative drive technologies for mainline locomotives for an investor. In particular, the market background and the technical requirements were analysed in order to generate recommendations for a possible investment.

Freight wagon commercial due diligence

Customer: Infrastructure fund

SCI Verkehr supports an infrastructure fund on a due diligence process. SCI is responsible for the commercial due diligence report with focus on freight wagons. It provides the customer with market information and analysis, forecast, as well as analysis of the business plan, including verification of input parameters and suggestions for improvements in the calculation model. Intensive working sessions with the customer and other advisors are necessary to successfully conclude the process. Moreover, SCI has provided an independent valuation of the freight wagon fleet.

Market Analyses Examples

Provision of published purchase prices of modern locomotives in Europe

Customer:

On behalf of a European rail vehicle manufacturer, SCI Verkehr analyses the purchase price development of modern locomotives in Europe. Price points derived from public sources serve as the basis for evaluation - continuously updated and processed in the SCI/DATABASE.

Market assessment European leasing locomotive market

Customer: International rolling stock lessor

On behalf of a leasing company, SCI Verkehr analyses the locomotive fleets of various European countries, differentiating between electric mainline locomotives, diesel mainline locomotives and shunting locomotives. Fleet fleets and current and expected future procurements are analysed.

Original price and leasing rates of freight wagons

Customer: European banking company

SCI Verkehr investigated fair market prices as well as leasing rates for different types of freight wagons (for some types including safety equipment) in Europe. In addition, SCI Verkehr evaluated the freight wagon types regarding leasing opportunities.

Asset Valuations Examples

Portfolio evaluation European rail vehicle fleet

Customer: Rolling stock lessor

SCI Verkehr evaluated a portfolio of locomotives and passenger vehicles in Continental Europe and the UK for a leading leasing company. The valuation was carried out according to a cost-based and an income-based valuation methodology and was documented in a comprehensive valuation report.

Value analysis of modern electric locomotives for operation in Europe

Customer: International leasing company

On behalf of an international leasing company, SCI Verkehr assessed the asset value development of electric multi-system locomotives over their lifecycle. The examination used the ?Asset Value Tool? developed by SCI Verkehr and included both an analysis of the technical vehicle value as well as statements about the possible re-use of the locomotives in other countries. The expert appraisal was complemented by a detailed analysis of various types of vehicle with different power systems and country packages and a price benchmark for modern electric locomotives.

Assessment of steel transport wagons in continental Europe

Customer: European leasing company

On behalf of a European leasing company, SCI Verkehr assesses a fleet of new steel transport wagons. Assessment is based on the DCF and the DRC method considering the particular supply and demand situation.

Public Consulting Examples

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 an industrial main track

Customer:

A German municipality is in possession of extensive track facilities at a local industrial area (industrial main track). This infrastructure has not been used for freight services for many years. In the meantime, an investment backlog has arisen, and the track systems are currently not usable. In order to support a council decision on further action, SCI Verkehr is to examine the prospects of the industrial main track.

Market Entry and support of a network of nine regional railways and a logistics service provider

Customer: Logistic company

The first step is based on a master plan developed by SCI Verkehr. The plan outlines how single vehicle transport could be developed in North Rhine-Westphalia by creating a Network Organisation for Railway Logistics (O.N.E. North Rhine-Westphalia). The publication and market positioning are agreed upon in close cooperation with the participants and are presented at the 2002 VDV Annual convention. They are accompanied by the production of necessary presentation documents, a brochure, a topic-specific mailing to decision makers in the region and potential cargo transport clients in North Rhine-Westphalia. A customer drop-in center for the coordination of these activities is opened.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Price analysis of locomotives on the basis of indexing

Customer: Lessor

SCI Verkehr has analyzed the development of locomotive prices from order to delivery. In particular, existing contractual provisions on the indexation of purchase prices were taken into account.

Assessment of maintenance capacities in North Rhine-Westphalia

Customer: Medium-sized transport company and vehicle maintenance provider

A medium-sized transport company is looking to assess developments in the short-distance passenger transport market and their consequences for maintenance in North Rhine-Westphalia. The following targets are of paramount importance: 1) analysis and assessment of basic conditions of the short-distance passenger transport market; 2) processing market developments in the short-distance passenger transport market; 3) deduction of demand potential for maintenance work. With the available survey, SCI Verkehr GmbH is compiling the basis for these assessments in June 2006.

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 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.

Consultancy services for negotiations regarding follow-up infrastructure contract

Customer: Industrial company

The contract between DB Netz AG and an industrial company concerning the operation of a siding was unilaterally terminated and is going to be replaced by a new agreement to terms in line with the market. SCI Verkehr advised the siding operator on all technical and strategic issues, independently conducted the dialogue with DB Netz AG, reviewed all essential documents and took part in the official negotiations for the contract.