In manufacturing, downtime has a dollar figure attached to every minute. When the network, ERP, or a shop-floor system goes down, production stops and orders slip. Metro Detroit’s manufacturers need IT that is built around uptime and resilience, not just office computers. Here is what to look for in an IT partner.
Uptime is the priority
Production systems, barcode scanners, and ERP connectivity have to stay up. Proactive monitoring and fast managed IT response catch problems early — ideally before an operator notices — so the line keeps moving.
Securing a mixed IT and OT environment
Factories run a blend of office IT and operational technology, and attackers increasingly target the seam between them. Layered cybersecurity protects identities, endpoints, and email while segmenting networks so a compromised workstation cannot reach production controls.
Recovery planning that protects production
Ransomware against a manufacturer can halt shipments for days. Monitored business continuity — verified backups, off-site protection, and a tested recovery plan — keeps an incident from becoming a shutdown.
Connecting the plant and the office
Modern manufacturing relies on Microsoft 365 and cloud tools to link the shop floor with sales, engineering, and the front office. Your provider should manage those systems and their security as one environment.
Questions to ask a manufacturing IT provider
- How do you keep production systems and ERP connectivity up?
- How do you secure the boundary between office IT and shop-floor OT?
- How quickly can we recover production systems after ransomware?
- Do you have experience supporting manufacturers of our size?
Bezalu helps Metro Detroit manufacturers stay running and protected. Build your IT plan with us.