Efficient IT operations streamline production processes, maintain robust security measures, and ensure minimal downtime. However, as we become more reliant on technology, it can be hard for businesses to keep up, especially in the manufacturing industry.
This is where managed IT services for manufacturing come into play.
By leveraging specialized IT support tailored to your unique business needs, you can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive business growth and innovation.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services mean you tap into a specialized provider, like Computer Corner, to support your in-house teams.
Often called managed service providers (MSPs), IT experts manage and support your IT infrastructure, ensuring that systems run smoothly, securely, and efficiently.
For manufacturing businesses, this means that critical systems — such as your production management software, inventory control, and customer relationship management platforms — are monitored and maintained by a team of experts.
5 Benefits of Managed IT Services for Manufacturing Businesses
From improved efficiency to enhanced security, here are just a few ways managed IT services can improve your manufacturing operations.
1. Improved Operational Efficiency
Long-term managed IT services improve efficiency through proactive monitoring and maintenance of your IT infrastructure, which helps minimize downtime and disruptions.
Instead of reacting to IT issues, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) continuously monitor systems to detect potential problems before they lead to downtime. Whether it’s network performance, machine automation systems, or production management software, MSPs ensure that all critical systems remain operational and optimized.
When network slowdowns, software errors, or hardware malfunctions are detected, MSPs can address the issue before it escalates into a major problem.
“By managing the lifecycle of the technology systems in your organization, we can improve security and reduce costs by streamlining maintenance, support, and upgrades across the environment,” said Austin Formiller, general manager at Computer Corner.
2. Enhanced Security & Data Protection
MSPs will continuously monitor risks and vulnerabilities for both on-site and remote employees, minimizing potential financial, legal, and reputational impacts.
As the manufacturing sector becomes increasingly reliant on technology, it’s essential to protect intellectual property, customer information, financial records, and other sensitive data from cyber threats and data breaches.
As these threats become more sophisticated and pervasive, you can no longer risk not having additional protection in place.
3. Overhead Cost Savings
Whether you’re a small company or a large-scale operation, outsourcing IT services can help reduce costs compared to building an in-house IT team.
From compensation to insurance to PTO and additional benefits, full-time employees are a major investment. Plus, additional raises, bonuses, training, and other incentives are critical if you want to retain your employees. According to Glassdoor, the average IT director makes $149,000- $267,000 per year in Wisconsin — not to mention other IT team members.
On the flip side, managed IT services give you access to a full team of IT experts starting at $30 per month per employee. That rate is generally fixed, offering more financial predictability.
4. Scalability & Flexibility
In addition to cost savings, managed IT services offer scalable solutions, allowing you to adjust services based on seasonal production demands or business growth.
Rather than constantly hiring or laying off full-time employees as business fluctuates, MSPs offer customized IT solutions that can adapt to your business needs. This minimizes internal process disruption and personnel issues.
That flexibility also allows you to tackle short-term IT projects and technology issues faster without overworking your internal team.
5. Compliance and Risk Management
Managed IT services help your manufacturing business stay compliant with industry standards (ISO, GDPR, etc.) and manage IT risks, including regulatory and data protection challenges.
From regular audits and security assessments to compliance reporting, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re staying on track with current security measures, data handling practices, and overall IT governance. Additionally, MSPs often provide training programs to educate employees on compliance requirements and best practices.
Considering fines for data and privacy violations can cost millions of dollars, it’s key to have an expert protecting your business.
See Managed IT Services for Manufacturing In Action
APN Specialty Coatings, an industrial paints and coatings manufacturer based in Oshkosh, needed on-site IT support due to the limitations of remote-only service providers.
Computer Corner conducted a thorough audit of APN’s IT infrastructure across multiple locations. We then focused on improved system consolidation and implemented tools like Microsoft SharePoint and Teams.
Our partnership enhanced efficiency and saved APN thousands of dollars as they transitioned to a managed contract that offered budgeting certainty.
Partner with Computer Corner in Oshkosh, WI
As a local IT services provider, we understand the specific IT challenges manufacturing companies in Wisconsin and the Fox Cities region face. As a local business, we’re committed to helping other businesses in the community succeed.
We know that downtime can quickly cut into profitability and cause major backups. Working with local businesses means fast response times and on-site support when you need it most. With a dedicated company helpline, our customers wait less than two minutes to speak to one of our IT experts.
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