All it takes is one missed software patch, network bottleneck, or expired credential for a mission-critical machine to go silent and freeze production. The most damaging threats aren’t always dramatic system failures, but the hidden gaps left by overdue upgrades, piecemeal tech decisions, and IT support that’s too slow and disconnected to identify issues early.
Treating IT as a check-the-box task, or delegating its management to a generic provider, is risky for a sector built on tight tolerances and continuous output. When IT support isn’t tailored to fit the flow of your operations, small issues escalate quickly. This impacts everyone from machine operators to customer service teams.
The managed services provider (MSP) you choose can help shape the future of your plant’s performance, making the difference between bottlenecks and breakthroughs, downtime and uptime, and growth and stagnation. A strong MSP’s impact can be felt across the plant floor through more stable production, better decision-making, and the freedom to scale innovation without being held back by technology.
Rating your IT MSP: Put your provider to the test
Does your current technology partner (or your in-house IT team) understand what downtime truly means for your plant? If IT oversight starts and ends with simply checking a few boxes, then silent inefficiencies and vulnerabilities will pile up, slowly eroding your competitiveness.
We created an assessment to help you uncover blind spots in your IT environment. These questions come directly from our new IT Money Pit report, which can help you:
- Determine whether your IT support meets your production and business goals
- Gauge how quickly and effectively IT problems are resolved
- Uncover hidden risks that could lead to costly and unexpected downtime
- Evaluate new MSP partnerships when the time is right
Don’t wait until a production outage happens to decide whether your IT support measures up. Find out now.
Shielding your plant from risk
Q: Manufacturers have the attention of cybercriminals who want access to plant floor data, production schedules, and intellectual property. Is your IT provider consistently tracking, updating, and safeguarding all layers of your technology every day, including process control systems and inventory information, to maintain uptime and protect your competitive edge?
If your MSP does this, then your operation is sidestepping the likelihood of attacks, malware, and regulatory headaches. You’ll be able to pass audits, meet supplier security demands, and satisfy customer requirements with proof that your workflows and digital records are protected. The chances of a shutdown, extortion attempt, or compliance failure drop dramatically.
If they don’t do this, then significant risks remain. Unsecured networks and data can alter production runs, invite cybercriminals to tamper with PLCs, and create customer distrust. When these things happen, operations leaders are left having to own up to costly breakdowns or explain why intellectual property was leaked.
Proactively communicating
Q: Manufacturing is driven by deadlines and efficiency, with constant pressure coming your way from shifting regulations and cyber risks. Does your IT MSP share regular, straightforward status reports and briefings that highlight new vulnerabilities, system upgrades, and the concrete measures they take to protect your operation? Staying informed about your facility’s technology health and compliance is essential.
If your MSP does this, then you’ll have the insights you need to drive strategic planning, keep production on track, and demonstrate that you can stay ahead of ever-changing risks. When your MSP communicates well, you’ll know about technology problems early, be able to make informed adjustments to production schedules, and prevent costly surprises that impact throughput or delivery commitments.
If they don’t do this, then gaps widen beneath the surface. This lack of transparency can cause problems and compliance laps to go undetected, and your team risks running into slowdowns or late-night emergencies when volumes spike or deliveries can’t wait.
Eliminating tech redundancy
Q: As your manufacturing operations grow, your facilities often rack up extra software systems, redundant platforms, and unused licenses. Is your IT provider always auditing your digital ecosystem to uncover and eliminate things like unnecessary software and dormant accounts? They should be regularly searching for ways to streamline your systems, cut waste, and reduce risk that drags down production and inflates tech spending.
If your MSP does this, then you can be confident that every technology dollar is being invested in solutions that drive throughput and process efficiency, instead of going toward bloated IT overhead. Budgets stay lean, and more resources are available for new equipment, staff training, and plant upgrades.
If they don’t do this, then tech waste piles up behind the scenes. Outdated accounts, idle software, and unchecked licenses eat into margins and leave vulnerabilities unaddressed. Ignoring these inefficiencies sets the stage for costly disruptions that impact quality, output, and customer commitments.
Managing and monitoring system access
Q: Manufacturers rely on the integrity of production, inventory, and order data to meet demands. Do you know who has access to your critical systems and information? Does your IT provider ever outsource support tasks? If so, do they lay out safeguards, visibility controls, and traceability protocols to keep your operations secure?
If your MSP communicates with you about this, then only authorized, vetted hands will interact with your operational data and control systems. Your plant will be protected from internal risks and external breaches that could disrupt production, compromise practices, or expose sensitive customer information.
If they don’t, then untracked third-party support could mean you have strangers working in your environment, increasing the likelihood of unauthorized changes, mistakes, or data theft. Without robust oversight, confidential data could be exposed, turning a routine update into a high-profile incident your customers won’t be able to ignore.
Is it time to try a new IT strategy?
If any of these points hit close to home, then your current technology partner may not be prepared for the operational risks and performance requirements your plant operates under daily.
The right IT MSP can help you convert technology from a cost center into a foundation for uptime, safety, and growth. When your MSP understands your operations and tech requirements, you can be confident that your systems will work, your data will remain protected, and your people will be able to focus on throughput, quality, and customer service.
Interested in seeing how your IT really stacks up? Download our full checklist to pinpoint gaps and opportunities. With a clear benchmark to work from, you’ll be able to strengthen your operation’s resilience with the right IT support.
