Prioritise WMS functionality (real‑time inventory, cycle count), API/EDI integrations for order flow, temperature control for cold-chain SKUs, mezzanine or high‑density racking for storage efficiency, and cross‑dock throughput. Verify cut‑off times, pick/pack processes, and reporting capability to measure operational KPIs.

Transit times affect inventory placement and safety stock: longer linehaul can increase landed cost but lower warehousing rent. Use consolidation to reduce per‑unit linehaul, leverage rail for bulk moves, and measure last‑mile reach to key customer zones to model total delivered cost and service lead times.

Model lower facility and labour costs in regional sites against higher linehaul and last‑mile expenses. Include inventory carrying cost for added safety stock, frequency of replenishment, and peak season surcharges. Run scenario analysis on SKU velocity and order profiles to find the optimal balance.

Negotiate measurable SLAs for order accuracy, on‑time shipments, cut‑off times, lead time to ship, and inventory accuracy. Include chargeback and remediation terms for SLA misses, provisions for seasonal capacity, data access (real‑time reporting), and change‑order flexibility to scale during peaks.