Collect the decision inputs
Useful inputs include the product and intended use, package data, supplier locations, destination, cargo-ready date, delivery objective, special attributes and the customer's cost, time and handling priorities. Unknowns should remain visible.
Filter before comparing
A planning system can organize documented restrictions and highlight where an option may not fit the cargo or route. It should ask for evidence when information is missing and hand sensitive cases to a specialist. It should not invent acceptance.
Compare explainable trade-offs
The output should be a recommendation, alternatives, reasons, assumptions and missing checks—not a single unexplained score.
| Dimension | Question |
|---|---|
| Feasibility | Does the documented option fit this cargo and service boundary? |
| Total scope | Which origin, transport and destination activities are included? |
| Timing | Which milestones and handoffs expose the delivery objective? |
| Handling | How many collections, transfers or warehouse decisions are involved? |
| Uncertainty | Which facts are stale, estimated or still awaiting confirmation? |
Confirm before commitment
A logistics specialist verifies current rate validity, availability, cargo acceptance, document questions and customer-facing scope. If the evidence is insufficient, the correct output is a request for more information or a limited-confidence method note.