Prioritize order accuracy, on-time shipment rate, inventory accuracy, average order cycle time, cut-off times, returns processing time, and dwell time. Also review onboarding milestones, chargeback terms, and KPI remedies to ensure the SLA supports peak volumes and seasonal variability.

Map customer zones and transit times to cost-to-serve, including drayage, duties, and inland transport. Model inventory days of supply for each node, evaluate cross-dock vs DC strategies, and include indirect costs like buffer stock and expedited shipments in the total landed cost.

Require a robust WMS with real-time inventory visibility, EDI and REST API order and shipment flows, event notifications (ASN, POD), automated billing, and configurable reporting. Integration capability with your OMS/ERP and support for analytics is critical for continuous optimization.

Assess workforce availability, labor cost structures, peak staffing plans, safety records, and certifications. Validate throughput with capacity modeling, inspect racking and equipment, review contingency plans for labor shortfalls, and confirm temp agency access and training programs for scalability.