Prioritize site connectivity (motorway/rail/port proximity), dock doors per shift, racking density, WMS integration and SLA performance metrics. Also assess labor availability, peak-season scalability, value-added services (kitting, returns) and local carrier partnerships that affect last-mile costs and delivery times.

Multimodal access reduces transit variability and can lower costs by enabling intermodal moves and shorter trucking legs. Strong carrier density in Alessandria improves tender acceptance rates and next-day potential across northern Italy, cutting transit days and lowering expedited fees in total landed cost calculations.

Require WMS/WCS integration, API-enabled carrier booking, inventory accuracy (target >99%), dock-to-outbound cycle times, order fill and on-time-shipment rates. Demand transparency via dashboards, EDI/API feeds and regular audit reports to validate SLA compliance and continuous improvement.

Model fixed and variable cost components: storage per pallet/m2, handling per pick/pack, inbound/outbound pallet handling, fuel and accessorials, labor surcharges for peaks, and returns processing. Include transportation lanes to final markets, minimum billing thresholds and any capital expenditure pass-throughs.