Regional Hub in Uruguay: Which Functions to Centralize and in What Order

Few companies relocate all their regional operations at once. The usual approach is to centralize in stages: first, the operations that involve the least risk and have the greatest scale; then, those that require the most infrastructure. Planning these phases from the outset determines how much space to lease and what technical infrastructure is needed.

A Three-Phase Hub

Phase 1: Transactional processes. This includes accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and operational purchases. It requires offices and standard connectivity. The signal to move on to the next phase is that the processes meet their service metrics.

Phase 2: Technology and data. This includes systems support, development, analytics, and cybersecurity. It requires redundancy in connectivity and power, as well as a nearby data center. The sign that it’s time to move forward is when subsidiaries rely on the hub for their critical systems.

Phase 3: Regional management and logistics. This includes planning, strategic procurement, and regional inventory management. It requires warehouses and offices on the same property. At this stage, the hub is already coordinating the region’s supply chain.

Phase 3 has the greatest impact on the choice of location: if the hub is going to manage inventory, it is best for the offices and warehouses to be on the same property from the start.

What technical continuity should you look for in a hub?

A hub that serves multiple countries cannot go down. Here are the points to put in writing with the operator:

Connectivity. At least two providers and two physical fiber routes.

Power. Backup power for offices and technical rooms in the event of outages.

Data center. Facilities on-site or nearby, with continuous monitoring.

Physical security. Access control and 24/7 surveillance.

Growth. Enough space to double the number of employees without moving.

How Zonamerica Handles It

Zonamerica combines offices, warehouses, custom-built buildings, and lots within a 92-hectare “ campus ,” featuring integrated technological infrastructure and 24/7 security. Data centers and the group’s network Operations s center (NOC) operate within the “ campus .” This allows visitors to explore all three phases of the hub without leaving the premises. At fDi Intelligence’s Global Free Zones of the Year 2025 awards, Zonamerica took second place in the Knowledge Zones category for the Americas.