Prioritize location (proximity to highways/rail and your customer base), WMS and API capabilities, storage type (ambient, bulk, racked), pick-and-pack performance, SLA terms for orders/returns, carrier integrations, security/compliance, staffing flexibility, and transparent cost models including putaway, storage, and fulfillment fees.

A Raichur-based facility reduces last-mile distance to regional consumption centers and enables consolidation on major corridors, lowering fuel and driver hours. Rail access and highway proximity improve modal choice and can reduce total landed cost by shortening transit legs and enabling more efficient multi-stop routing.

Look for an advanced WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI integrations, mobile scanning, batch/lot control, configurable pick strategies, returns processing, kitting/assembly, and reporting. Value-added services and transparent dashboards are essential for managing SKU mix, peak volumes, and omnichannel SLA differentiation.

Model fixed versus variable costs: include land, capex, depreciation, labor, utilities, insurance, and management overhead for in-house; compare to 3PL storage, inbound/outbound handling, pick/pack, returns, and integration fees. Factor in utilization, service levels, scalability, and opportunity cost—run a 12–36 month TCO scenario to quantify trade-offs.