The Ultimate Guide to Manufacturing IT

What Manufacturers Need to Know Before Choosing an MSP

Manufacturers are under constant pressure to bolster supply chain resiliency and cut costs without compromising product quality. Embracing technology is no longer a choice—it's a necessity. But with so much of the modern manufacturing process dependent on your IT network staying online, any downtime can be catastrophic.

Manufacturers typically experience 800 hours of equipment downtime per year—over 15 nonproductive hours a week! (Some more recent analysis suggests even more alarming numbers*) In aggregate, that's a cost of as much as $50 billion a year to US manufacturers and industrial plants.

IT-related incidents as well as general delays & inefficiencies—what we call IT•Drag™—can comprise a significant portion of this lost productivity. Not convinced? What's your number?

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Calculate how much your current IT is costing you. Besides obvious incidents, your business may be getting dragged down by numerous daily IT inefficiencies. With our free online calculator, you can quantify these. With Andromeda, you can greatly reduce or eliminate them!
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The Cost of Getting It Wrong —

What are the primary IT challenges for manufacturers?

 

Having the wrong technology in place—or not having enough IT support—can create overwhelming challenges that stagnate your productivity, security, and operational efficiency.

 

Outdated Systems

Legacy systems that aren't compatible with modern technology, leading to integration difficulties, security issues, and limited capabilities.

Operational Downtime

Manufacturing needs to run continuously to meet production targets—any IT system failure or network outage can be costly.

Communication Breakdowns

Systems that aren't effectively integrated across the organization, resulting in miscommunications and delays that disrupt the supply chain.
 

Ad Hoc AI: No Plan, No Guidance 

Your IT provider lacks the knowledge or experience to guide you through secure deployment of AI and supply usage guidelines & restrictions consistent with your regulatory compliance needs.

Inventory Mismanagement

Without real-time visibility into inventory levels, it's difficult to track stock and fulfill orders accurately.

Cybersecurity

As manufacturing leans further on IoT devices and cloud-based applications, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches grows.

Cloud Adoption

Cloud technologies offer more flexibility, but transitioning legacy systems to the cloud can be a complex, time-consuming process.

Difficulty Scaling

Outdated systems and a lack of support can hinder your ability to meet changing customer demand as your company grows.
Future-Proofing the Plant Floor —

What is digital transformation for industry?

 

Digital transformation is the process of future-proofing operations with new technologies—so manufacturers can address supply chain challenges, increase flexibility, and meet a changing market head-on. It all rests on what we call IT•Maturity™: a strong IT infrastructure and a reliable networking partner.

Data Analytics

Analyze the massive amount of data your operation generates for real-time visibility into production efficiency and disruptions.

Automation

AI and machine learning tools streamline processes, reduce workload, and eliminate human error in manual tasks.

MES/IoT & Connectivity

Connected devices integrated into equipment collect real-time data and enable communication across your processes.

Supply Chain Visibility

Tracking and monitoring across the supply chain helps predict trends, improve coordination, and mitigate risk.
Critical Features —

What makes a great MSP for industry?

 

A manufacturing-focused Managed Service Provider (MSP) allows you to outsource your IT operations to a team that handles the intricacies of IT networks like yours every day. When you work with an MSP, after any required network upgrades, they assume all day-to-day tasks—network monitoring, updates and patching, workstation support, and more—to help minimize downtime and improve productivity.

Critical features of a competent, manufacturing-focused MSP include:

  • Audit and amend—as necessary—your current network structure & implementation to achieve the ERP and production support you require for maximum up-time operations throughout your business
  • Technical support to troubleshoot problems ranging from software glitches to network connectivity issues
  • Proactive monitoring of your networks, servers, and devices to catch issues before they impact your business
  • Device patching and maintenance to keep your environment up-to-date and secure
  • Security measures to safeguard your data and systems from malware, breaches, and unauthorized access
  • Technology consulting to support your in-house team and keep digital transformation projects on schedule
 
Ideal optimized IT network design for manufacturing -Andromeda
Ideal Manufacturing Network Explained —

Hear It, watch It: However you learn best

 

Prefer to listen or watch rather than read? Choose whichever format works best for you below, and get a thorough walkthrough of what makes a manufacturing IT network built to perform.

🔊 📹

Audio: What Is the Ideal Manufacturing IT Network?

Video: What Is the Ideal Manufacturing IT Network?

Get a deeper understanding for IT chaos, the ideal IT network, and what it takes to get there in a industrial production environment.

Schedule an Intro Call
Why IT Pays Off —

What are the benefits of managed IT for manufacturers?

 

MSPs can look at your entire IT infrastructure and help optimize your manufacturing processes with better cyber security, compliance, and cloud services. Some of the biggest advantages include:

Increased Visibility

Track assets from machinery to devices for better control over equipment lifecycles, maintenance, and resource allocation.

Reduced Downtime

Network downtime can waste up to 10% of available production time. Proactive monitoring catches issues before they disrupt operations.

Better Inventory Management

Automate data entry and reordering, and integrate with supplier systems for real-time visibility on stock and order status.

Greater Scalability

Scale IT resources up or down quickly to match changing manufacturing demand—no overprovisioning, no lost performance.

Fewer Errors

Automated quality control uses sensors and analytics to catch defects early—before defective products reach production's final stages.

Optimized Supply Chain

94% of manufacturers have implemented advanced analytics to forecast demand and optimize schedules, inventory, and procurement.

Regulatory Compliance

Implement and maintain IT systems that meet manufacturing-specific regulations and compliance standards.

Improved Security

Manufacturers face nearly 25% of all cyberattacks worldwide. Robust security measures help keep critical data safe.
Built For The Plant Floor —

The managed IT services manufacturers need

 

Manufacturers can use a wide range of managed IT services to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and optimize the supply chain. Popular IT solutions for manufacturing include:

Cloud Computing
From procuring the right services to managing cloud resources, an MSP improves data integrity and ongoing performance.
Business Internet
Network infrastructure management—consultation, design, installation, and management—reduces downtime and boosts efficiency.
Data Analytics
Advanced analytics forecast demand, improve quality control, and support informed decision-making.
Cyber Security
Spam filtering, antivirus, and threat detection safeguard critical data and support compliance with privacy laws.
Business Continuity
Data backup, system restoration, and communication protocols keep your business running no matter what.
Mobile Device Management
Secure every network-connected device—dozens or thousands—and continuously monitor for unauthorized access or outdated software.
IT Asset Management & Planning
Oversee the full lifecycle of your assets and build a technology roadmap aligned to your business goals.
Before You Sign —

How to choose the right managed IT services provider

 

Finding the right MSP can be difficult when you're not sure what to look for. Here are the factors that matter most when comparing providers.

01

What Services Do They Offer?

Get a firm understanding of your IT needs, and look for providers that fill the gaps—not just the ones with the flashiest pitch.

02

Can They Handle Your Compliance Requirements?

The right MSP has experience helping manufacturers meet and maintain compliance, from environmental regulations to security standards.

03

Are Their Solutions Flexible & Scalable?

Nobody knows what the future holds. Your MSP should adapt as your business evolves and advise you on new security needs as they arise.

04

Does Their Team Hold the Expertise You Need?

Engineers, security experts, on-site technicians, service desk operators—the more levels of expertise available, the better off you'll be.

05

What Do Their Clients Say?

Look for credible testimonials from current or past clients—especially those in your industry—to gauge their reputation for service.

06 ★

Already Have an MSP? Make Sure They're Still a Fit

Does your current MSP:
  • provide the latest solutions
  • provide responsive, effective daily service
  • fully accommodate your special needs like producion-floor operations
  • observe sufficient & compatible compliance standards
  • provide proactive support
  • help you plan for the future?

If your business is muddling through without any of these critical aspects of great IT service:
…it's time to get serious about IT•Maturity™:

Contact Andromeda Read Our Manufacturing IT FAQ
Making The Switch —

Onboarding a new IT provider

 

Switching IT providers may seem daunting, but Andromeda has much experience onboarding businesses like yours with minimal pain and disruption.

It's all about having a clear, honed process:

01

Assess & Align

We audit your current IT systems, risks, and MSP contracts—then give you a clear view of what's working, what's vulnerable, and what leadership needs to know.
02

Take Command

We fully take over day-to-day IT operations, stabilize your systems, eliminate recurring issues, and cut the noise so you're not chasing vendors or buried in tickets.
03

Secure & Comply

We upgrade your security posture and compliance readiness (CMMC, NIST, etc.)—no more risk guessing or insurance panic. You'll know exactly where you stand.
04

Report & Guide

We build leadership-level dashboards and provide proactive updates so IT moves from mystery box to measurable function. You'll see where every dollar goes.
05

Lead & Modernize

Once stability is in place, we apply our 30+ years of experience to help you modernize with confidence: unlocking automation, better workflows, and a strategic roadmap.
How Andromeda Helps —

Built for the plant floor.
Not just the IT closet.

 

In addition to every element of what we've dubbed the Ideal Manufacturer IT Network, Andromeda designs your network with these priorities in mind:

★
Managed IT Services
Proactive workstation and server support so your day-to-day IT needs are always covered.
Cyber Security
Advanced tools like spam filtering and threat detection protect your supply chain and equipment.
Mobile Device Management
Easily manage and secure every device touching your network, whether that's dozens or thousands.
Backup & Business Continuity
Cloud-based backups and a more effective continuity plan keep operations running no matter what.
IT Asset Management & Planning
Get more out of your equipment and plan for future needs with an expert IT consultant.
Cloud Services
Host documentation, workflows, and more in the cloud so your teams can work efficiently from anywhere.
Layered Network Security
Mitigate unplanned network downtime with a defense-in-depth security approach.
Technology Integration
Unify multiple technology systems and increase efficiency with expert support.
Common Questions —

Manufacturing IT FAQs

 
What is manufacturing IT?

The use of information technology systems, software, and hardware to optimize and streamline manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and support decision-making.

What challenges do manufacturers face when adopting IT solutions?

Manufacturers often struggle to integrate with legacy systems, manage data security and privacy, and ensure employees are trained and comfortable using new systems.

How can manufacturing IT improve supply chain management?

Purpose-built manufacturing IT provides real-time visibility into the supply chain, resulting in better demand forecasting, inventory management, supplier collaboration, and logistics optimization.

Do cheap IT alternatives really save manufacturers money?

Cutting corners on IT and cybersecurity may seem cost-effective, but it often leaves companies stuck in a break/fix cycle with the same issues bringing operations to a standstill over and over.

How can managed IT services help with technology needs?

Managed IT services offer expertise in network management, cybersecurity, cloud services, and more—plus strategic planning and ongoing support for manufacturing applications and workflows.

   
Schedule a Call —

Have you seen the light?
An optimized IT network is closer than you think.

 

Let's assess where things stand — a focused conversation about your environment, risks, and roadmap.

No pressure, no technical overload.

  

Sources:

  1. due.com/understanding-the-financial-cost-of-downtime-in-manufacturing
  2. www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/02/22/unplanned-downtime-costs-more-than-you-think
  3. www.fictiv.com/ebooks/2022-state-of-manufacturing
  4. www.statista.com/statistics/1315805/cyber-attacks-top-industries-worldwide
  5. www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/condition-monitoring-and-alignment-software/unplanned-downtime-costs-manufacturers-up-to-852m-weekly
  6. www.fictiv.com/ebooks/2024-state-of-manufacturing-report
  7. www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/04/10/the-true-cost-of-downtime-and-how-to-avoid-it/
  8. www.fictiv.com/ebooks/2025-state-of-manufacturing-report