Prioritize measurable KPIs and system interoperability: order accuracy, on‑time ship rate, inventory accuracy, pick/pack throughput, and average handle time. Also evaluate WMS/TMS APIs, EDI or marketplace integrations, labor flexibility for peak volumes, and value‑added services such as kitting, returns processing, and ASN capabilities.

Verify dock door count and layout, cross‑dock lanes, trailer parking and staging, rail spur or intermodal terminal proximity, bonded status for international shipments, temperature‑controlled capacity if needed, and redundancy for power and connectivity to support continuous operations.

Key cost drivers include storage density and slotting efficiency, labor rates and productivity, pick/pack pricing and minimums, inbound unloading and handling fees, outbound parcel and LTL rates, IT integration and custom reporting, plus volume discounts and chargebacks tied to SLA noncompliance.

Include SLA targets for order lead time, on‑time shipment rate, order accuracy, inventory reconciliation cadence, claims and damage resolution timelines, and defined penalties or remediation for missed KPIs. Also define scale‑up clauses for seasonal labor, inventory buffer requirements, and change management for cutover periods.