• Capacity and slotting flexibility to match SKU velocity.
• Systems integrations (WMS, EDI/API) for inventory visibility and order routing.
• Carrier network and transit-time reliability for domestic and cross-border lanes.

Model total cost-to-serve: lower land and labor rates in Houaphanh often reduce fixed warehousing spend but expect transport premiums and longer transit times. Include inventory carrying days, buffer stock, cross-border duties, and pick/pack labor in unit-cost calculations.

Primary considerations are road-dependent freight with seasonal variability, limited scheduled air or rail options, and sparser cold-chain and specialized handling capabilities. Plan contingency carriers, seasonal buffers and local consolidation to mitigate service gaps.

Integrate via WMS and API-based inventory visibility, designate the facility for regional replenishment or returns processing, establish SLAs for returns disposition and customs handling for cross-border flows, and use inventory segmentation to balance speed and cost.