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 entry strategy passenger transport market

Customer: European railway company

On behalf of a railway transport company, SCI Verkehr prepares a growth strategy for the European market. In this context, specific potentials for the company in terms of PSO contracts as well as in open access are assessed with regards to feasibility and economic efficiency. All parts of value creation through transport services are considered. As a result, SCI Verkehr outlined different scenarios of market entry.

Consulting services for passenger rail transport

Customer: Eastern European State Railway

SCI Verkehr signed a framework agreement with an Eastern European state railway to provide consulting services. SCI Verkehr supported the company in its fleet strategy, restructuring and other issues with a focus on passenger transport.

Market Analyses Examples

Vehicle fleets in current PSO contracts

Customer: Consultancy company

On behalf of a customer, SCI Verkehr compiles an overview of all rail vehicles currently used in regional rail transport contracts. For each concession, the multiple units or series or locomotive-hauled sets are listed.

Update market potential of regional rail vehicles with hydrogen propulsion

Customer: International rail vehicle manufacturer

On behalf of an international manufacturer of rail vehicles, SCI Verkehr updated a survey of alternative propulsion systems for the regional rail sector. Special emphasis was placed on hydrogen propulsion systems.

Data on worldwide rolling stock fleets and globally active rolling stock manufacturers

Customer: Russian research institute

SCI Verkehr provides data on worldwide rolling stock fleets and globally active rolling stock manufacturers. Data is provided in form of rolling stock quantity as well as monetary presentation and is segmented by region.

Asset Valuations Examples

Vehicle evaluation E-locomotives

Customer: Rail vehicle financier

SCI Verkehr evaluated a fleet of electric locomotives under tender with various approval packages on behalf of a rail vehicle financier. A replacement procedure was used for the valuation. The value progression curves were presented as a result.

Value appraisal TRAXX locomotives

Customer: Leasing company

On behalf of a leasing company, SCI Verkehr performed a value appraisal for locomotives of the Bombardier TRAXX type.

Asset valuation locomotive portfolio

Customer: Investment company

On behalf of an investment company, SCI Verkehr carried out a valuation update for a portfolio of electric mainline locomotives and shunting locomotives. In determining the value according to the income-based capitalised earnings method, SCI Verkehr also relied on the expert results on the technical condition of the assets. These were determined in on-site analyses by a technical expert.

Public Consulting Examples

Support of the cluster initiative Rail NRW

Customer: Ministry for Construction and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia

On behalf of the Ministry for Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, SCI is supporting the cluster initiative Rail NRW. The aim of the initiative is to increase the competitiveness of companies in the railway sector in North Rhine-Westphalia. For the first time, it is planned that companies will have to cover a share of the costs for selected activities of this initiative.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Market entry strategy passenger transport market

Customer: European railway company

On behalf of a railway transport company, SCI Verkehr prepares a growth strategy for the European market. In this context, specific potentials for the company in terms of PSO contracts as well as in open access are assessed with regards to feasibility and economic efficiency. All parts of value creation through transport services are considered. As a result, SCI Verkehr outlined different scenarios of market entry.

Comparison of prices and performance in the maintenance of freight wagons

Customer: Operator

Comparison of prices, services and throughput times of selected providers of freight wagon maintenance in Germany.

Process optimisations Examples

Process improvements in production

Customer: Midsized producer in the food industry

A midsized company in the food industry had to generate significant savings in the production processes in order to remain competitive in the market. SCI Verkehr identified saving potential in production and hosted the subsequent dialogue between the works council and management.

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 .

Registration of railway companies in Poland

Customer: Industry

Working for an interested company, all corporate and administrative as well as technical preconditions for obtaining registration as railway transport company in Poland were ascertained. The information was analysed in terms of potential for action and risks and provided in the form of a structured guide.