Focus on operational capabilities that directly affect customer experience and cost:

• Real-time WMS integration and API connectivity
• Pick/pack throughput and order accuracy SLAs
• Returns handling and reverse-logistics processes
• Carrier aggregation for parcel and surface freight

Patna's access to national highways and mainline rail reduces trunk transit times to eastern and central markets, enabling consolidation and lower surface freight rates. Proximity to regional air cargo and potential river transport options can create hybrid routings that balance speed and cost for time-sensitive SKUs.

Require transparent capabilities for inventory segregation, temperature-controlled storage where needed, automated picking, kitting and returns processing, plus label and packaging options. Verify scale-up availability, IT integration for omnichannel order routing, and documented security and compliance procedures.

Expect lower base rents and labor rates in Patna, but evaluate total landed cost including transit times, carrier access, and inventory carrying. Consider incentives in industrial zones, payroll skill levels for automation, and service-level impacts tied to local labor availability.

Include measurable KPIs such as order accuracy, OTIF, average pick-to-ship time, inventory accuracy, and returns turnaround. Add reporting cadence, chargeback triggers for missed SLAs, capacity guarantees for peak periods, and integration deadlines for WMS/ERP links.