The Advantages of Managed IT Solutions for Manufacturers

Production and manufacturing facilities require a reliable and robust process support solution. The efficiency of the manufacturing process relies heavily on the IT systems that manage the flow of information throughout the process. A broken printer or network interruption can lead to long delays and directly influence the production quantities. With the increase in machine connectivity and automation tools, every manufacturing plant can benefit from managed IT solutions.

Managed IT for manufacturers brings higher productivity and efficiency with proactive solutions that ensure maximum uptimes of all their IT equipment. The technology stack deployed throughout the facility requires maintenance, monitoring, and regular upgrades to ensure they operate reliably and reduce the risk of downtime. The advantages of managed IT solutions for manufacturers include cost reductions, access to more exceptional expertise, and the regular acquisition of newer technology.

The Primary Benefits of Managed IT Services for Manufacturers

For facilities that still rely on legacy systems and infrastructure, there remains a risk if they do not adopt a digital transformation strategy. Anything from an incorrectly routed email to a misfiled drawing can lead to production stoppages or worse, defective runs. Similarly, with a robust and integrated technology stack, the facility can shorten information loops and speed up the entire production cycle. Here are five of the primary benefits of Managed IT solutions for manufacturers.

1. Reduced Risk and Greater Reliability

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) monitor all of the devices under their remit remotely. This means the facility’s staff can focus on core duties that improve efficiency. The tools deployed to monitor the equipment will alert support staff if any problems arise. Similarly, preventative maintenance and regular software upgrades will reduce the risk of unexpected failures. MSPs also monitor the printers and ensure supplies arrive before the facility experiences any delays due to paper or ink shortages.

For business continuity and disaster recovery, cloud-based backups will help manufacturers restore their IT systems in the event of any higher failure. A data loss event can be devastating for any company. MSPs will provide 24-hour support from experienced technicians to ensure they can recover with minimal disruptions to the factory.

2. Improved Security

Cyberattacks are on the rise, and every company faces new threats that can devastate operations. By moving to an MSP, advanced security tools will monitor both incoming network traffic and ensure devices remain secured from any exploits. If an attack does occur, the MSP is more likely able to identify and quarantine the threat before it causes a major problem. It’s also important to encrypt information during transmission and storage to prevent unauthorized access from bad actors.

Devices have also become targets, with exploits injected on printers or other connected equipment. With the latest endpoint scanning and firmware protection tools, the entire system remains secured and any attempted attack prevented with a managed IT solution.

3. Streamlined Information Management

Document management and workflow automation solutions will speed up the information loops while providing better access to critical documents from a centralized location. This reduces bottlenecks and ensures accurate routing of information during approval cycles. For new product introductions where production managers, product designers and facility engineers all work together, access to the latest reliable data is essential.

Document management solutions come with advanced API integrations that allow them to connect to existing software systems. For production drawings, assembly process instructions, and material management tools, a centralized data repository will increase the efficiency of the entire manufacturing process.

4. Simplified Budgets

MSPs provide their services at a single monthly cost. This makes budgeting easy compared to traditional break-and-fix models where any major breakdown can run up prices significantly. With a consistent budget for all IT-related equipment and software, managed IT for manufacturers helps improve forecasting with predictable monthly expenditures.

5. Adoption of Best Practices

Along with the expertise and support, MSPs also adhere to the latest best practices and industry standards. The facility’s IT system will continuously improve with a proactive rather than reactive managed solution. As technology continues to evolve daily, it can be difficult for manufacturers to keep up with the latest trends (or threats). An MSP will ensure the facility remains protected and suggest improvements where opportunities for greater efficiencies exist.

DOCUmation Managed IT Solutions for Manufacturers

For almost thirty years, DOCUmation has served customers by providing expert services and business productivity solutions. For manufacturers looking to update their technology stacks and adopt digital transformation strategies, DOCUmation is a full-service solution partner that can streamline the entire production process. DOCUmation’s services include managed IT, print and software solutions. With the latest technology stacks, production facilities can improve productivity, reduce information security risks, and gain better efficiencies from an integrated, managed IT system.

For more information on the latest software and hardware solutions, connect with one of DOCUmation’s consultants today.

October 28th, 2019