Prioritize a robust WMS with real-time inventory, proven pick-and-pack workflows, scalable labor and seasonal surge plans, value-added services (kitting, labeling), and a clear SLA for order accuracy and cycle time. Confirm integration ability with your OMS and carriers and request references for similar SKU velocity profiles.

Proximity to major highways and regional carrier hubs in Masally reduces linehaul costs and transit variability. Evaluate available LTL/FTL lanes, parcel hub connectivity, and consolidation options; closer carrier nodes lower last-mile legs, transit days, and zone-related charges that materially affect landed cost.

Key cost drivers include storage per pallet/cubic meter, pick/pack fees, receiving and kitting charges, labor surge premiums, and accessorials (rush, special handling). Negotiate volume tiers, capped surcharges for peak windows, and transparent monthly rollups to avoid unexpected season-driven cost escalation.

Track inventory accuracy, order cycle time, OTIF (on-time in-full), picking productivity (lines/hour), dock-to-stock time, and return processing time. Require daily inventory snapshots, exception reporting, and a regular governance cadence to remediate issues quickly during the transition window.

Assess contingency plans for labor disruptions, IT redundancy, alternate transport routes, and dual-sourcing options. Confirm insurance, disaster recovery procedures, and inventory split strategies across sites to maintain service levels if a single facility faces capacity or access interruptions.