Prioritize transit lanes and carrier access, WMS/ERP integration capability, scalability of space and labor, value‑added services (kitting, returns, temp control), SLA definitions (OTIF, lead times), inventory visibility, and transparent cost structures. Also review contingency plans for peak season and carrier disruptions.

Warehousing in Central Coast typically reduces last‑mile mileage to nearby coastal markets and can lower real estate and labor expense relative to major metros. That position often yields more flexible carrier options and improved pickup windows, though total transit time to distant inland markets should be modeled against intermodal and trunking alternatives.

Require a WMS with real‑time inventory, API/EDI connectivity, lot and serial control, barcode scanning, and reporting. Confirm capabilities for temperature control, secure storage, ASN/EDI compliance, and integration testing with your order systems to ensure transactional accuracy and traceability.

Track order-to-ship cycle time, inventory accuracy, on-time-in-full (OTIF) rate, pick-and-pack productivity, dock-to-carrier dwell time, return processing time, and cost-per-order. Set weekly milestones for data reconciliation, SLA adherence, and exception resolution to establish a reliable operational baseline.