Assess on these operational dimensions: warehouse layout and scalability, inbound/outbound throughput, standard and peak SLAs, carrier connectivity, and returns handling. Prioritize demonstrated throughput for your order profile and ask for KPIs (pick rate, OTIF, lead times) plus references in similar verticals.

Key factors: proximity to trunk roads and regional ports, access to rail intermodal terminals, availability of regional carrier lanes to Portugal and northern Spain, and local customs/transit clearance support. These determine transit times, modal flexibility and freight cost options.

Primary cost drivers are warehouse rent and rates, labor and productivity, inbound/outbound transport distances and fuel surcharges, and handling complexity. To optimize: consolidate SKUs, use zone-based network design, negotiate volume-based carrier rates, and select service levels aligned to customer segments.

Prioritize a modern WMS with carrier and marketplace integrations, real-time inventory visibility, batch and lot tracking, and API-driven order flows. Value-added services to consider: kitting, returns processing, light assembly, and EDI/OMS connectivity to support omnichannel and promotional peaks.