Focus on dock count and door configuration, racked vs bulk storage density, WMS integration and API readiness, inbound/outbound throughput, and proximity to major carriers. Also assess multimodal links (rail/truck), average transit times to primary markets, and available value‑added services like kitting or returns processing.

Carrier access and transit windows determine drayage expense, delivery frequency, and inventory days‑on‑hand. Better rail and highway connectivity from Akola reduces long‑haul trucking costs and shortens lead times to regional hubs, enabling lower safety stock and faster replenishment cycles.

Prioritize flexible slotting, scalable labor pools, overflow storage options, and SLA guarantees for pick/pack throughput. Evaluate the 3PL’s ability to provision temporary labor, implement surge WMS rules, and manage a returns workflow to minimize processing time.

Negotiate rate tiers based on committed volumes, consolidate SKUs to improve storage density, agree on shared KPIs for dock scheduling, and implement inventory turns targets. Consider cross‑dock strategies and vendor‑managed inventory to lower handling and safety stock costs.