Prioritize capabilities that directly affect service levels and unit cost:

• WMS with API/EDI connectivity for real‑time inventory and order flow
• Docking and cross‑dock capacity to minimize dwell time
• Pick/pack accuracy, returns processing, and kitting
• Clear SLAs for OTIF, picking accuracy and chargebacks

Proximity to main roads and coastal freight lanes reduces first‑ and last‑mile distance, which lowers transit time and fuel‑related charges. Reliable carrier pickup schedules and local trucking density improve delivery windows and reduce expedited shipping spend, directly affecting landed cost and delivery predictability.

Confirm operational and technical fit: warehouse clear height and racking density, number and type of docks, security and power redundancy, available staging and returns areas, IT/WMS maturity, support for barcode/RFID, and insurance/liability terms tied to inventory value.

Track a concise KPI set aligned to service goals: On‑time in‑full (OTIF), order cycle time, pick accuracy, inventory accuracy, dock-to‑stock time, cost per order, return processing time, and carrier chargeback frequency. Regular reporting cadence and exception alerts ensure issues are addressed before they affect customers.