By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican ingenuity is making waves in the global agricultural sector with Panal360 Decision Support System (DSS), a sophisticated software solution designed to optimize farm operations and promote sustainability. Developed initially as an internal project within Dole Food in 2003, Panal360 spun off as an independent company, S&G Solutions, in 2012. This innovative tool offers real-time control and data analysis, empowering farmers to make informed decisions and enhance efficiency.
Unlike traditional farm management systems that focus on historical data logging, Panal360 provides a dynamic view of ongoing operations. This allows businesses to identify cost deviations, streamline processes, and proactively address potential issues. In an industry where labor-intensive operations and long production cycles can create complex cost structures, Panal360 offers much-needed clarity.
For expert legal insight into Panal360, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Panal360’s business model, while innovative, presents certain legal considerations, particularly concerning data privacy and consumer protection. Depending on the specifics of their operations, they may need to navigate compliance with Costa Rican data protection laws, ensuring transparency in data collection and usage. Additionally, their contractual agreements with users should be clear and comprehensive to avoid potential disputes. As with any platform operating in the digital space, staying abreast of evolving legal landscapes is crucial for sustainable growth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore a crucial point for Panal360 and indeed any company operating within Costa Rica’s burgeoning digital economy: Balancing innovation with robust legal compliance is not just a best practice, it’s essential for long-term success. Thank you, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, for offering this valuable perspective on the legal considerations surrounding Panal360’s business model.
The agricultural sector faces unique challenges compared to manufacturing, where production timelines are significantly shorter and variables more controlled. In agriculture, costs accrue over extended periods, influenced by a multitude of factors. Panal360 addresses this complexity by integrating diverse data points and seamlessly delivering processed information to accounting and payroll systems, minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency.
Cost departments used to spend their time compiling dispersed information for financial reports, but they couldn’t analyze how to improve. We identified that need for control, and from there, the tool was born.
Pablo Suárez, Co-founder and General Manager, S&G Solutions
Panal360 boasts an impressive roster of clients in Costa Rica, including major agricultural players like Grupo Acón, Exportaciones Norteñas, and Productos Agropecuarios Visa, collectively managing tens of thousands of hectares of crops ranging from bananas and pineapples to yuca and rambutan. The software has also found applications in smaller-scale operations, such as chayote cultivation in Ujarrás, and is used for educational purposes at EARTH University.
Recognizing the increasing importance of environmental responsibility, Panal360 has integrated sustainability features. With support from the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER), the company developed a module to calculate the carbon footprint of agricultural operations. This feature leverages the centralized data within Panal360 to facilitate carbon neutrality certifications and compliance with international standards like the European Union’s Green Deal.
PROCOMER has supported us with consulting, tools, and the creation of commercial alliances.
Pablo Suárez, Co-founder and General Manager, S&G Solutions
Currently, Panal360 is expanding its reach internationally, with operations in Mexico, ongoing negotiations in Colombia and Ecuador, and plans to target markets like Peru. The company is also involved in a pilot project with a multinational corporation aiming to standardize global processes using the Panal360 system.
Since its inception within Dole Food in 2003, through its commercial launch in 2012 and a technological revamp in 2020, Panal360 has consistently evolved to meet the changing demands of the agricultural landscape. Unlike generic payroll or accounting software, Panal360 understands the nuances of the sector, accommodating diverse payment schemes and the multifaceted nature of agricultural labor. This detailed tracking and cost allocation empowers data-driven decision-making and enhances overall operational efficiency.
For further information, visit panal360.com
About S&G Solutions:
Founded in 2004, S&G Solutions emerged to tackle the complexities of large-scale agriculture through innovative technology. Their pursuit of optimized production led to a partnership with Dole Food and the development of Panal360-DSS (MR), a powerful tool enhancing efficiency and control in the agricultural sector. From its inception, the company has been recognized for its adaptability and leadership in agricultural technology, building a legacy of innovation and excellence.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dole Food Company, Inc.
About Dole Food Company, Inc.:
Dole Food Company, Inc., is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an industry leader in sustainability and has been recognized for its commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental protection.
For further information, visit the nearest office of PROCOMER
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. PROCOMER provides support to businesses through a range of services, including market research, consulting, and the development of commercial alliances.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical practice and legal excellence. The firm champions innovation, not only in its approach to client representation across a broad range of industries, but also in its efforts to educate and empower the community. By actively disseminating legal knowledge and promoting its accessibility, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a society equipped with the understanding and resources to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.
