What sort of world are we living in? What will the future look like for us as individuals? What will happen to the transportation, airline and railway industries? Will people stop travelling?

I guess these are questions that we are all facing, working with and trying to find honest, positive and future oriented answers to.

Looking at the world from Carmen’s perspective we can obviously see and feel this turbulence but we view it optimistically. Why?

First of all this optimistic viewpoint is based upon some fundamental facts and figures.

We have a clear vision based upon a belief that we will add value to our clients in the transportation industry through our high-level optimization expertise. By being focused we have worked towards some very down-to-earth goals over the past few years.

One part of our vision has been realized via the major deal we recently completed with Deutsche Bahn. This proved to us that business critical optimization applications are paving the way into other verticals within the transportation industry and that as an organization we have the scalable technology and are capable of handling large projects in close relationships with our clients. We have achieved all this in one of the most turbulent eras of modern time. I am very pleased with this agreement. Now the important work starts – to deliver on our promises and add value to Deutsche Bahn by making Die Bahn more competitive and efficient.

The global downturn and current economic situation that we are all living in I see rather as an opportunity than threat for Carmen. All transportation companies have to cut costs, increase margins and create positive cash flows. All passenger and freight operators are under constant pressure to achieve lower costs, better service, and greater safety. This is an opportunity for companies that have the courage and guts to take market share and move their positions forward. It is not only a question of downsizing – it is a question of minimizing that downsizing so that when the economy changes a company has the opportunity of facing the increasing demands for travel and freight head on. The obvious answer to me is that it is only through optimizing and integrating your organizations that you can, and will, be a winner. Optimization matters even more today in a flat period than it did before.

Of course we are not foolish enough to think that all transportation companies will run to Carmen to buy new optimization applications, but the essence of that competence can help and support your efforts and hard work in getting your company to the top.

As a market player, we have a stable revenue stream, which is thanks to our business model and thanks to our strategy of growing under profit. We see ourselves as being a friend of the transportation industry. We are here to help you become more competitive and a strategic partner that supports your journey towards your vision and goals.

Through our Glocal (‘Think global act local’) strategy we are close to any client, and even support and challenge (as a true partner) whatever direction you intend to take.

If you are looking for a fruitful, long-term partnership Carmen has the vision, technology, methodology and people to support and create a bright future together with you.

Per Norén
Chief Executive Officer