Seilbahnen Schweiz Modernizing Its Data Collection And Reporting Processes

With the benchmark tool, Seilbahnen Schweiz (SBS) is modernizing its data collection and reporting processes: Using a direct interface, around 120 companies are currently aggregated in the tool and provide data on their first entries, which SBS communicates monthly via press releases. In addition, the benchmark tool records the key figures of around 350 companies.

The SBS benchmark project has undergone considerable development since its launch in 2022. Today, it is more than just a data comparison: it is an intelligent, practical tool for market positioning and strategic management – ​​for companies of all sizes.

Dynamic first-time admission data: Automated, differentiated, and broadly based

One of the greatest advances in the last two years has been in the area of ​​dynamic data. This data is imported directly from the access control systems (Skidata and Axess) via interfaces. This significantly reduces the data entry effort for companies while simultaneously increasing the timeliness and quality of the data.

Currently, around 120 cable cars actively participate in this daily or monthly data collection, and the number is increasing. This also enables a new level of analysis: The data can now be filtered according to relevant criteria, such as altitude, revenue category, or guest structure. A cable car company in a high-alpine destination with numerous international guests can now compare itself with similarly positioned companies. This massively increases the significance of the data.

Key figures: comprehensive, digital, user-friendly

Further progress was made in the area of ​​static data (key performance indicators). Starting in 2025, the most important business figures will be collected directly in the benchmark tool, with a fully digital process and clear user guidance. And: all approximately 350 SBS member companies will participate. This will enable comprehensive comparisons and analyses.

Financial figures from the balance sheet, income statement, operating data, or investments are collected. The survey tool was deliberately designed to be user-friendly: automatic plausibility checks, clear definitions, and a clear structure facilitate the process and reduce sources of error.

Additionally, investments were made in data validation and quality assurance—both system-based and with personal support. The goal: to create a reliable basis for both individual and higher-level evaluations.

Reports: individual, in-depth and practice-oriented

A novelty is the ability to compare not only the entire company, but also individual business units separately: transportation, catering, and accommodation. This separation is crucial, as these areas differ significantly in cost structure and customer behavior. A catering unit at the summit cannot be meaningfully compared with the cable car operation, but it can be compared with other catering businesses in a similar location.

A project with a future and exemplary character

With this triple enhancement (daily updated data, comprehensive key performance indicators, and user-oriented reports), the cable car industry's benchmark tool is unique in its form. It combines depth with breadth, automation with user-friendliness, and comparability with customization.

The more cable car companies participate, the more meaningful the benchmark becomes. The project is a good example of how data can be used effectively to identify connections, leverage potential, and further develop the industry as a whole.