How Outsourcing IT Support Helps Manufacturing Operations

Understanding IT Outsourcing
Most small to mid-size manufacturing firms don't have a fully staffed internal department. Many have an employee who valiantly tries to take on IT management and security tasks in addition to the job he/she was hired to do. But this arrangement is a stop-gap measure at best and, potentially, a danger to operations.
IT outsourcing involves partnering with a proven, trusted, third-party service provider to handle various IT security and management functions. These partners are generally known as IT Services firms or Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Protecting Your Manufacturing Processes with Outsourced Cybersecurity Management
There are two aspects of cybersecurity your firm needs to be aware of when it comes to your ongoing productivity and related profitability. The first is the security of your minute-to-minute operations. The second is the protection and preservation of your ongoing operations.

IT professionals help protect your operations from zero-hour threats by employing tools and protocols such as:

• Firewall protection
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)
• Secure remote access solutions
• Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
• Regular security patches and updates
• 24/7 network monitoring

These measures act as a safeguard against active cybersecurity attacks that can disrupt manufacturing operations, steal sensitive data, or cause costly downtime.

As mentioned, the second aspect of protection for manufacturing firms relates to your ability to stay operational and productive, even if you are hit with a negative cyber incident. The tools and protocols that your IT partner will put in place now to guard against extended unplanned downtime include:

• Backup and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) plan: This includes creating copies of important data and systems, having redundancies in place, and implementing procedures for recovering from a disaster.
• Business Continuity Plan (BCP): This outlines how your manufacturing operations will continue in the event of an unforeseen incident or crisis. It may include provisions for remote work, alternative production methods, or temporary facilities.

Streamlining Your IT Infrastructure to Promote Optimal Uptime
The manufacturing sector is, unfortunately, often plagued by legacy infrastructure that is often outdated, inefficient, or too complex. This scenario can lead to extended downtime during maintenance or systems failures, creating a ripple effect that hinders productivity across the entire operation.

By outsourcing your IT services, you are giving the responsibility of managing and maintaining your IT infrastructure to technology experts who have experience in streamlining systems for maximum efficiency and reliability. There are ways to help stabilize the uncertainties of legacy systems or upgrade them when possible. Your IT partner will be able to provide the executive-level advice you need to examine the options open to you regarding legacy systems.

IT Systems within the Manufacturing Process Cared for by an MSP
An MSP can manage the operability and security of a wide range of systems within the manufacturing process, including but not limited to:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
• Networks
• Supply Chain Management (SCM) tools
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Data analytics software
• Legacy operational technologies
• Cloud computing services

An IT partner can handle the setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security of these systems without investing the valuable time and energy of your internal employees in the process.

By outsourcing these crucial tasks to an MSP, manufacturing firms can be confident that their IT systems are well-maintained, secured by best practices, and up to date. This allows your team to focus on your core operations without the worry of potential downtime or security breaches caused by outdated or malfunctioning technology.

How to Choose the Right IT Service Provider
Selecting the right IT service provider is crucial for reaping the benefits of outsourcing. Here are some factors to consider:

• Reputation: Look for IT partners with a proven track record and positive client testimonials.
• Expertise: Ensure they have experience in the technologies you leverage in your operations.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Review their SLAs to check on whether or not they offer the level of support and response times you need.
• Scalability: Choose a provider that has the capacity to grow with your business and adapt to your changing needs.

Conclusion
Outsourcing your IT services can improve your manufacturing operations by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and preserving uptime. But uptime and efficiency are only part of the story. Without an IT partner that has the expertise to implement cybersecurity best practices, even the most efficient operations are at risk. Don't wait for IT issues to disrupt your operations. We can help. Let's talk.