Assess transport corridor proximity, multimodal access, and carrier density; evaluate labor availability and wage trends; confirm WMS/TMS integration and API/EDI capabilities; review value-added services (kitting, returns), bonded storage, SLA terms, and scalability to match inventory velocity and seasonal peaks.

Shorter transit lanes from Ahal reduce parcel and LTL costs and improve delivery windows. High carrier density supports competitive rates and multiple service tiers. Rail and truck access enable modal optimization; closer proximity to customer clusters lowers last-mile costs and improves OTIF performance.

Verify a modern WMS with real-time inventory visibility and API/EDI connectivity, support for barcode/RFID, order management for omnichannel flows, returns and reverse logistics processes, SLA reporting, and optional automation (conveyors, sortation) aligned with SKU profiles and throughput needs.

Model space (rack vs bulk), labor (picks per hour), slotting density, handling fees for inbound and outbound, pick/pack costs, value-added services (kitting, labeling), returns processing, packing materials, and any cross-dock or expedited handling premiums.

Track KPIs such as on-time-in-full (OTIF), order accuracy, cycle count variance, dock-to-stock lead times, chargeback frequency, and claims rates. Establish monthly scorecards, SLA thresholds, regular operational reviews, and periodic audits to ensure continuous improvement and contractual compliance.