Assess through service-level KPIs (OTD, order cycle time, shrink), slotting and WMS capabilities, IT integrations (API, EDI), billing transparency, and a sample cost-to-serve analysis. Include forecast variability and peak-season scenarios to compare true landed fulfillment cost.

Prioritize proximity to primary road corridors, dock configuration, trailer parking, and yard management. Evaluate local carrier density, LTL/FTL partner relationships, and transit-time maps to target business customers reliably.

Look for pick-and-pack flexibility, batch and single-order workflows, returns processing, kitting/assembly, multi-warehouse inventory synchronization, and channel-specific SLAs. These capabilities keep unit costs controlled across channels.

Build a comparative model including land/space rent, labor rates, inbound and outbound freight expense, inventory carrying costs, and expected service-level impacts. Factor reduced transit miles to target customers and peak-season surcharges to estimate net savings.

Establish an integration plan with milestones for WMS/API connections, test orders, SKU mapping, ASN and EDI templates, and role-based access. Run dual-fulfillment during ramp to validate SLAs, then execute a staged inventory migration to minimize disruption.