Evaluate dock-to-stock timelines, slotting and picking efficiency, connectivity to major ports/airports, IT integrations (WMS + carrier APIs), SLA guarantees for same-day/next-day fulfillment, reverse logistics capabilities, and scalability for peak seasons. Also verify local labor availability and compliance with customs if you handle imports/exports.

Transit times benefit from coastal ports and regional feeder services: ocean lanes to western Indonesia and transshipment routes to Southeast Asia are competitive. Domestic road and air links shorten inland transfers to Java and Sumatra hubs. Confirm carrier frequency, consolidation schedules, and cut-off times to model door-to-door lead times accurately.

Primary cost drivers include storage density and rent, pick-and-pack labor, inbound/outbound freight frequency, and value-added processing (kitting, labeling). Optimize by improving inventory turns, choosing co-loading or consolidation, negotiating regional carrier rates, and aligning service tiers to SKU velocity to avoid overpaying for slow-moving stock.

Specify WMS capabilities (real-time inventory, multi-channel order routing), dedicated returns processing, cross-dock capacity, minimum dock door counts relative to throughput, order accuracy targets (≥99%), SLA penalties for missed windows, and visibility tools for customers and carriers. Inspect security, cold-chain if needed, and contingency plans for peak periods.