Digital technologies have had an enormous impact on the manufacturing industry. They’ve transformed the way products are designed, produced, and distributed. And by linking systems and processes across all production areas, they’ve created an integrated manufacturing approach that improves efficiency, enhances quality control and safety, reduces production time and costs, and provides real-time supply chain management. 

As a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for the manufacturing industry, Choice Solutions provides comprehensive, customized cloud-based solutions that offer 24/7 support and include: 

• Managed IT services 
• Security monitoring & alerting 
• Cybersecurity threat mitigation 
• Modernized infrastructure platforms 

We’re committed to helping manufacturers thrive in today’s digital age. We understand the unique challenges those in the manufacturing industry face and work closely with our clients to provide cost-effective solutions that align with their organizational goals. By letting us manage your IT infrastructure, you’re free to focus on core business activities that promote growth and success. 

Manufacturing IT Solutions

Our cutting-edge technology solutions help companies remain competitive in a rapidly shifting manufacturing landscape by decreasing downtimes, empowering on-site and remote workers, and quickly scaling to address peaks and potential slumps in annual production. 

1. Data management and security. Global big data in manufacturing are expected to reach $9.11 billion by 2026. In other words, manufacturers generate large volumes of data. Managing and securing all that data is often overwhelming, leading to policies, procedures, and processes that leave the company vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches that can lead to severe financial and reputational consequences. 
2. Workforce training and upskilling. Workforces must be trained and upskilled as digital technologies advance to stay current with new tools and processes. This is significantly challenging for manufacturing companies with fewer resources or older workers who might not be as comfortable with technology. 
3. Interoperability. Manufacturing companies often use different systems and technologies, making it difficult to integrate them. This often leads to errors, inefficiencies, and higher costs. 
4. Supply chain attacks. Hackers often target a company’s suppliers, vendors, and partners, gaining access through phishing and compromising third-party networks. 
5. Intellectual property theft. One of the most valuable assets of any manufacturer, intellectual property is also one of the most expensive cyber threats companies face. Attackers typically access networks and plant malware that lets them obtain secret and sensitive information without detection.  
6. Adoption costs. Implementing new digital technologies can be expensive. Small-scale manufacturing companies in particular might not have the financial resources to cover the cost of new software, hardware, and training. 
7. Integration with legacy systems. This often overlooked obstacle can pose significant cybersecurity risks, as many older systems aren’t compatible with new digital technologies and can’t be upgraded. To protect data and operations, manufacturers must eliminate legacy systems and implement solid replacements. However, for many in the industry, it’s a cost-prohibitive endeavor that puts digital transformation on the back burner. 

Securing the Manufacturing Industry 

Fortunately, the manufacturing industry has several steps it can take to secure digital processes and assets, including: 

• Developing a comprehensive cybersecurity program that details the company’s policies, procedures, and risk management strategies. The plan should address topics like potential threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing, and insider threats. It should also include well-defined measures for preventing, detecting, and responding to attacks. 
• Educating employees to help them identify and avoid potential threats. Training should include best practices for password management, safe internet browsing, phishing awareness, and more. 
• Securing networks and devices with firewalls, network segmentation, and intrusion detection and prevention systems. Encryption should be used to protect data throughout its journey, and software and firmware should be routinely updated. 
• Using access controls like multifactor authentication and role-based access controls to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data. 
• Conducting regular cybersecurity assessments to identify potential security gaps and vulnerabilities. These evaluations should include tasks like vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and risk assessments. 

It’s also critical for manufacturers to stay current with the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices. That, too, can be challenging, especially if there are no in-house cybersecurity experts who understand the latest technical terms and references. A Managed Service Provider like Choice Solutions helps manufacturing businesses leverage new and innovative technologies to ensure they’re sufficiently protected against cyber threats. 

Protect Your Manufacturing Business with Managed IT Services 

In a recent post, we discussed why businesses need an MSP in 2023. Many of the benefits we highlight apply to the manufacturing industry. However, manufacturers should consider investing in managed IT services for other industry-specific reasons. 

1. Scalability. Managed IT services provide scalable solutions that can adapt to your business’s changing needs. You can easily add or remove services as your needs evolve without having to make significant investments in hardware, software, or personnel. 
2. Specialized knowledge. An MSP gives you access to specialized expertise in areas like network design, cybersecurity, and software development. There’s no need to hire additional staff or invest in employee training. 
3. Cost savings. You don’t need to invest in expensive hardware and software, additional staff, or costly cloud hosting and data storage. 
4. Improved efficiency. Automated routine tasks and streamlined workflows help you improve efficiency and free up staff to focus on more strategic tasks. 
5. Reduced downtime through proactive network and system monitoring that identifies and addresses problems before they disrupt production or other critical business processes. 

From improved supply chain management to predictive maintenance and sustainability, digital technologies have revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Today, it’s more efficient, flexible, and sustainable and able to quickly design and implement new business models and opportunities for growth. Manufacturers can also better manage their operations, respond quickly to demand changes, and use data analytics and sensors to predict when equipment requires maintenance and repairs. 

Digital solutions are also helping many manufacturers achieve their sustainability goals and reduce their environmental impact through optimized energy use, reduced waste, and the use of more sustainable and earth-friendly materials.   

As a leading provider of IT services for the manufacturing industry, Choice Solutions can be just the partner you need to bridge the gap between groundbreaking technologies and business processes. We offer a full range of customized services, including hybrid cloud computing, data management, cybersecurity, and network solutions designed to meet your company’s specific needs. Already have an in-house tech team? An MSP helps them pivot from dealing with never-ending tech issues to helping leaders develop new processes, products, and services. 

Scalability, specialized expertise, real-time access to threat intelligence, and unsurpassed security capabilities are just some of the benefits Choice Solutions provides to help manufacturers simplify, strengthen, and streamline their tech initiatives. There’s simply no more efficient way to protect your manufacturing business against cyber threats – contact us today to learn more.