Evaluate warehouse footprint and slotting flexibility, throughput and peak capacity, value‑added service availability (kitting, returns, labeling), SLA performance metrics (OTD, order accuracy), geographical coverage relative to customer zones, and carrier integrations for regional and cross‑border lanes.

Prioritise proximity to trunk highways and rail terminals, access to frequent carrier services, last‑mile density to major urban centers, and ease of access for heavy trucks. These elements drive predictable lead times, fewer handling touches, and lower per‑parcel transport costs.

Benchmark total landed cost per order: include receiving, storage per pallet/day, pick and pack labor per line, packaging, returns handling and outbound freight. Normalize for slot density, shipment profile and seasonal peaks to ensure like‑for‑like comparisons.

Require real‑time inventory APIs, reliable EDI or API-based order exchange, RMA workflows, event-driven tracking updates, clear testing and roll‑out plans, and documented SLAs for inventory accuracy and exception handling to avoid sales/channel disruption.