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

Commercial VDD in the intermodal transport segment

Customer: Railway undertaking

SCI Verkehr supported an innovative railway undertaking in the field of intermodal transport in a VDD process. SCI Verkehr prepared documents for the data room regarding the company, business areas, current and potential customers as well as market definition, size and development, forecasts and drivers of the market. Regulations, as well as innovation and competition were taken into account. SCI Verkehr also analysed the business model and prepared the information basis, including key figures relevant for the process.

Support in restructuring process in rail freight transport

Customer: Market-leading freight transport company

Against the background of the global economic and financial crisis, a short-term need for a reaction and restructuring arose for a leading company in the freight transport sector. SCI Verkehr GmbH supported the client as a professional expert in close consultation with management. We reviewed the measures developed, compiled alternative scenarios and provided professional support in the negotiations.

Innovation Potentials for Freight Wagons

Customer: Component manufacturer

On behalf of a railway component manufacturer, SCI Verkehr analyses future potential for innovation for freight wagons in order to support the customer with regards to strategic positioning of the product portfolio.

Market Analyses Examples

Commercial Due Diligence for freight transport sector

Customer:

Commercial Due Diligence for freight transport sector SCI Verkehr supported a financial investor by performing a Commercial Due Diligence (CDD) in the freight transport sector. A full CDD report was prepared, in which locomotives as well as assets and relevant markets were considered.

Market and competition data

Customer: Antitrust authority

In the context of an examination by antitrust authorities, SCI Verkehr provides market and competition data on different segments of railway technology. These data will essentially serve to assess the current competitive situation.

Asset Valuations Examples

Brief evaluation of new EMUs for the UK

Customer: German credit institution

SCI Verkehr carried out a brief evaluation of opportunities and risks for new EMUs which will serve as a basis for financing decisions.

Asset valuation of new dual-mode locomotives

Customer: Financier of rail vehicles

In the context of a procurement of new locomotives, SCI Verkehr prepared an asset valuation using the cost-based RC method, taking into account the expected price development as well as supply and demand in the relevant market.

Vehicle evaluation multi-system locomotives

Customer: Investor

SCI Verkehr supported an investor in the valuation of modern multi-system locomotives in various European freight markets. The valuation was carried out using the cost-based replacement cost method.

Public Consulting Examples

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.

Logistical site expertise for an administrative district

Customer: Economic development agency

For the purpose of establishing expertise as a basis for site marketing in the logistics sector, data and facts on the site were collected and processed and competitive analyses were carried out with other regions. In addition to information already known, SCI Verkehr processed the average transport prices for six selected example routes and verified these in discussions with local logistics companies. The further processing of statistical indicators such as the labour market/skilled personnel, structure of the distribution of commercial industry in the administrative district, existing networks and procurement markets for industry and trade ultimately led to a derivation of the logistical marketing strategy.

Price indication logistics sites

Customer: City administration

A German city administration plans the new designation of logistics sites in its urban area. SCI Verkehr analysed the intended urban development planning and helped in pricing for the subsequent marketing of sites.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Further development of a rail infrastructure manager’s business model

Customer: Rail infrastructure manager

A public rail infrastructure manager (terminal and tracks) envisages further business development and better financial positioning. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to submit an application on increasing track fees - based on an in depth status analysis - to the federal railway authority on behalf of the company.

Commercial due diligence of an European Rail Freight Operator

Customer: Infrastructure fund

SCI Verkehr supported a potential investor with the analysis of a rail freight operator active in the intermodal segment. SCI Verkehr developed an outside-in business plan based on public information as well as in-house expertise about this business. SCI Verkehr provided detailed assumptions and parameters for three business divisions: container transport (rail and road), intermodal terminal operations (internal and external) as well as fleet management (locomotive and freight wagons)

Market overview test centre

Customer: Test organisation

On behalf of a company, which inspects rolling stock, SCI Verkehr analyses the demand for tests and examinations as well as the current competitive situation. Foci of the project include type tests, approval procedures as well as commissioning tests in test centres.

Process optimisations Examples

Preparation of a bid for commuter rail transport in northern Germany

Customer: Railway company

SCI Verkehr supported the railway company in the strategic and operational preparation of a bid for transport services in northern Germany. The objective was to submit an attractive, innovative and reasonably priced bid for rail services. SCI Verkehr performed the conceptual and technical planning, the editorial preparation and operational and organisational support.

Implementation of operational excellence project in logistics

Customer: Global player in the food industry

In autumn 2008, a client from the food industry carried out a wide-reaching operational excellence project at one of its sites. In this project, the production and logistics (warehousing and distribution) systems were examined and various changes resolved. One of the main changes to the logistics system was an optimisation of loading during the night. SCI Verkehr supported the implementation of the changes, also operationally, and held several meetings on location in order to ensure the sustainability of the process changes.