Evaluate location vs. your customer density and carrier lanes, WMS/TMS integration and API maturity, available storage types (ambient, chilled, frozen), labor availability and shift flexibility, SLAs for pick/pack and cutoffs, and value-added services such as kitting and returns processing.

Direct access to highways, rail spurs, and nearby cargo gateways lowers transit time and fuel costs, increases carrier choice (LTL, FTL, intermodal) and reduces handling layers. That improves reliability, shortens lead times, and lets you negotiate better rates based on lane density and volume commitments.

Require real-time WMS with SKU-level visibility, API/EDI integrations to your OMS, barcode/scan-driven workflows, support for batch/lot tracking, temperature control if needed, and reporting for throughput, pick productivity, and inventory accuracy to manage fulfillment KPIs.

Model cost-to-serve by SKU using pick density, average order lines, and transit zones; compare fixed/storage vs variable/handling fees; include peak labor premiums and surcharges. Assess SLA impacts on margin and use scenario analysis to test whether distributed inventory or centralized seasonal surges are more cost-effective.