Prioritize:

• Network reach and transit times to target markets (road/rail links).
• Facility capabilities (automation, temperature control, capacity).
• Carrier integrations and SLA performance for deliveries and returns.

Lower Austria typically offers lower land and lease costs than Vienna plus accessible labor pools in suburban and regional towns. That translates to lower fixed overhead for larger footprints, but evaluate labour skill mix for value‑added tasks like kitting or quality checks.

Assess multimodal access (trunk road A-network, rail freight terminals, river port proximity), regional courier partnerships for last‑mile, and cross‑border carrier capacity. Confirm provider TMS/EPC integrations to route across modes and control costs.

Look for warehouse management systems with real‑time inventory, API connectivity for order flow, pick/pack automation, returns processing, kitting, and temperature zoning. These capabilities reduce handling time and improve pick accuracy.