Prioritize measurable SLAs: pick‑and‑pack accuracy, orders-per-hour, on‑time in‑full (OTIF), dock appointment reliability and lead time to end customer. Also evaluate average transit times to primary customer zones, minimum order quantities, and scalability for peak seasons to understand total landed cost and service risk.

Proximity to A13/A12 and regional rail shortens door‑to‑door transit windows and can reduce fuel and zone surcharges. Evaluate available parcel and LTL carrier lanes, frequency of pickups, and opportunities for zone‑skipping or hub consolidation when modeling landed cost and SLA commitments.

Confirm WMS features (real‑time inventory, API/EDI), scalability of labor and racking, automation options (pick‑to‑light, conveyors), dedicated returns processing, temperature control if needed, and cross‑dock capacity—these determine responsiveness during peaks and accuracy across channels.

Model total cost‑per‑order including rent and storage density, labor rates and productivity, inbound/outbound transport rates, fuel and congestion surcharges, pick/pack and handling fees, minimums, and accessorials (palletizing, long‑carry, returns). Compare scenario outcomes at target volumes to identify true cost drivers.