Why Cybersecurity is a Must-Have for Manufacturing Ops
Cyber threats targeting industrial control systems are on the rise in manufacturing - and can bring production to a standstill. Cyber attacks in manufacturing can disrupt production, steal sensitive data and lead to massive financial losses. Enhanced cybersecurity protects IP, production data and customer info from the threats that are specifically targeting manufacturing environments.
Manufacturing environments need a single, unified approach to security that covers both IT and OT systems to properly detect threats. Your office network, production systems and operational technology all need to work together. A gap in one area puts the whole operation at risk.
Our cybersecurity services for manufacturers include:
- Endpoint Protection and Threat Detection - enterprise-grade protection for every device on your network - from workstations to production floor terminals.
- Network Segmentation - keeping your IT and OT systems separate so a breach in the office network doesn't make it to the production floor.
- CMMC and Compliance Support - cybersecurity that's integral to your IT architecture - encompassing endpoint protection and CMMC standards compliance. Local experts who can help manufacturing firms achieve compliance with all the complex standards like NIST SP 800-171 and more.
- Security Awareness Training - It's really important that employees in your factory and office get regular cybersecurity training so they know what to look for in terms of potential threats. Your team needs to be aware of what to watch out for.
- Intrusion Detection Systems - To keep an eye on network traffic and identify unusual patterns you need to have advanced detection and analysis tools in place. This is especially important for manufacturers as they are a prime target for cyber attacks.
- Vulnerability Management - Manufacturers need to regularly update software and applications to patch any holes that cyber crooks can exploit. We can help you identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your systems by conducting regular risk assessments.
- Incident Response - We take a fast approach to IT emergencies. When something goes wrong our local teams are there to respond in under 15 to 30 minutes.
Manufacturers are struggling to keep accurate, up to the minute records of OT and IIoT systems which is leaving them open to security threats. There's also a lack of knowledge about attacks on operational technology and IIoT systems that leaves manufacturers exposed to emerging cybersecurity risks. We work around those challenges by bringing robust security measures specifically designed for manufacturing environments to the party. If you want to stay secure, you need to invest in tools that are designed to protect your unique operational environment.
Managed IT services address the intersection of corporate IT and operational technology for Omaha manufacturers. That intersection is where most vulnerabilities reside and that's where we focus our security efforts.
How Do Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions Protect Manufacturers?
Losing production data, customer orders or inventory records can set a manufacturing business back days or weeks. Disaster recovery and business continuity solutions are essential for manufacturers to ensure that operations can be quickly restored after an outage.
Managed IT service providers must have a comprehensive strategy in place for business continuity and disaster recovery and that's what we do. Protecting your data and getting you back to production quickly is what we're all about.
Our backup and disaster recovery services include:
- Daily Automated Backups - Every file, database and production record is backed up automatically and stored safely away from your manufacturing plant.
- Secure Off-Site Storage - Your backups are stored securely so they are protected even if something happens on the manufacturing floor.
- Fast System Restoration - When disaster strikes we restore your systems quickly so you can get back to production.
- Disaster Recovery Planning and Testing - We build your disaster recovery plan and test it regularly so you know it works.
- Business Continuity Planning - Whether it's a power outage or cyber attack, we help you create a plan to keep your business running.
How Are Emerging Technologies Changing Manufacturing IT?
Emerging technologies like AI, IoT and big data analytics are revolutionizing manufacturing operations and driving the need for special managed IT services.
Manufacturers who adopt these technologies gain a competitive advantage - those who don't get left behind.
Industrial IoT and Smart Manufacturing
Industrial IoT connects machines and devices across manufacturing facilities - enabling better monitoring and automation of production processes. Our managed IT services help you integrate Industrial IoT, robotics and AI into production processes so you can take advantage of these technologies without having to worry about implementing them on your own.
Predictive Maintenance
IoT and AI analytics come together to give manufacturers a headstart on avoiding equipment failures before they happen, saving them a world of hurt from unplanned downtime. It works by combining the data from those IoT sensors with AI analytics to give manufacturers real-time monitoring of their equipment. Instead of fixed schedules and waiting for things to break, you get a clear signal from your systems on when maintenance is actually needed.
How AI and Automation Can Help Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are driving a revolution in manufacturing by making automation and optimization possible. The result? Manufacturers are getting a lot more efficient. AI-powered automation tools are changing the way companies like yours operate - from quality control, right through to supply chain optimization and production scheduling.
Supply Chain Optimization: the Perfect Recipe
Managed IT services can help manufacturers optimize their supply chains for better efficiency, lower costs and on-time delivery. With better data, better analytics and better systems, your supply chains just run smoother and your customers get what they ordered on time.
Quality Control: Catching Defects Before They Happen
Managed IT services can also enhance product quality by using automated quality control to monitor and analyze production in real time. No more wasted resources on mass rework because defects got through to the end of the production line - you catch them as they happen.
Managed IT services have become essential for manufacturers wanting to combine smart manufacturing technologies with efficient operations that save them money. Local managed service providers can help manufacturers get to grips with AI and robotics for improved operational efficiency. By implementing managed IT services, manufacturers can get better at making decisions based on data and analytics.
What Challenges Do Manufacturers Face With IT?
Okay, so manufacturers are having a tough time with IT - and that's because of the complexity of joining IT and operational technology. Trouble is, that creates all sorts of vulnerabilities. Understanding these challenges is a good starting point for solving them.
- Downtime: Where Time is Money - You might lose $50,000 an hour with production downtime - every minute your systems are down is a financial hit. Operational inefficiencies in manufacturing can lead to increased downtime and reduced productivity, which is a disaster for your bottom line.
- Cybersecurity Threats: A Growing Concern - Cybersecurity threats targeting manufacturing environments are on the rise, so you need to have robust security in place - and fast. Manufacturing is one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks out there.
- Compliance: It's a Minefield - Manufacturers are struggling with all the compliance issues - evolving regulatory requirements are making life hard. CMMC, NIST, ITAR and all the industry specific regulations just keep coming - companies have to stay on top of it all.
- Legacy Systems: The Roadblock - The cost of upgrading IT infrastructure can be a major barrier to implementing managed IT services - even though old systems still work, they don't talk to new ones. And integrating legacy equipment with modern IT requires expert help.
- OT and IIoT Visibility - Manufacturers are having a tough time keeping track of operational technology and IIoT devices - that creates potential security gaps.
- Change Management: Getting People on Board - When introducing new technologies, manufacturers are finding that employees are often resistant to change. And change is what gets things done. You need a plan to get your team on board with the new tools and processes - it's not always easy.
Omaha manufacturers need to be looking for providers with deep industry expertise and proactive monitoring to prevent downtime. That's exactly what we bring to the table.
Managed IT Services - Helping Nebraska Manufacturers Run Their Business Smoothly
Managed IT services can give manufacturers the peace of mind that their systems and processes are running smoothly, allowing them to focus on the things that really matter - increasing efficiency, quality and output. By outsourcing the day to day management of your IT systems, you can rest assured that your technology infrastructure is secure and efficient, freeing you up to run your business.
When you need help, local Omaha MSPs are on hand to provide it quickly. We don't just talk about it, we can get someone to your manufacturing plant in 30 minutes, not 3 hours.
What our clients say
Susan, Omaha Street School
Managed IT Services for Manufacturing Frequently Asked Questions
Managed IT services for manufacturing are all about getting the best out of your technology, 24/7. That includes system monitoring, network management and security, cybersecurity, cloud computing services, disaster planning and business continuity, helpdesk support and IT planning. We want to keep your manufacturing systems running, your data safe and your production lines up and running without any hiccups.
Get Your Manufacturing IT Running Right
Free Consultation. Start by having a chat with our IT experts. Whether you need fully managed IT services, cybersecurity for your production environment, help with a technology migration or help planning your next technology investment, we will give you honest advice based on your manufacturing operation.
Your production lines can't afford downtime. Your intellectual property can't afford a breach. Your business can't afford to fall behind on technology. A good managed IT services partner can help you keep your manufacturing operation secure, efficient and ready for what comes next.
Managed IT services can protect a manufacturer's operational data and intellectual property from cyber threats. By using managed IT services, manufacturers can improve productivity and efficiency in their operations by minimizing downtime and optimizing IT processes. Want to see how this could look for your business?
