Delivery schedules. Inventory tracking. Supply chain errors. Machinery maintenance. Payroll and benefits questions. With so much already on your plate, IT and cybersecurity may not jump to the top of your list when it comes to running your manufacturing business.
With cybercrime on the rise and speed and efficiency becoming increasingly crucial in order to stay competitive, the effective use of technology has become more important than ever. Today’s article will explore how you can take advantage of professional IT consulting services to protect resources and optimize processes.
How Vulnerable Is the Manufacturing Industry?
To give you an idea of why IT consulting services are so important in the manufacturing industry, let’s take a quick look at the numbers.
In 2023, over 25% of cybersecurity incidents occurred in the manufacturing industry, making it one of the most common targets for hackers among all industries. The worst part? Surveys found that 85% of these attacks could have been avoided if basic cybersecurity tools like patches, multi-factor authentication, and the principle of least privilege had been properly implemented.
This means that your manufacturing business is at high risk of a cyber threat, but, thankfully, it also means that with a little strategy and preparation, you can effectively sidestep these attacks and keep your company safe and secure.
How Can IT Consulting Services Help?
By taking advantage of local IT consulting services, manufacturing businesses can effectively protect systems and streamline operations.
1. Audits and Analyses
Professional IT companies are able to conduct thorough security and network evaluations that provide valuable, detailed insights. They can identify gaps in your security or operational processes and offer solutions to tighten protection and enhance efficiency.
2. Advanced Tools
IT specialists have access to high-end technologies and software that in-house teams may not, including tools to increase data protection, improve threat detection, and simplify project management.
3. Industry-Specific Insights
Consultants who specialize in manufacturing are familiar with the industry and current trends, meaning they can tailor solutions to your operations. This includes services like machinery programming, supply chain organization software, inventory management, communications support, compliance guidance, and more.
4. Streamlined Processes
With smoother IT systems, less downtime due to slow networks, fewer communication gaps, simplified inventory management, and streamlined communications, your team will be able to work more quickly and efficiently than ever.
5. Strategic Planning
Consulting services include detailed IT plans like IRPs and DRPs that can prepare your business to respond to and recover from cyber incidents like attacks or power outages. Specialists can also help you develop general IT strategies that will smooth out your operations with tools like delivery scheduling software, inventory organization and tracking methods, etc.
6. Updates
Outdated software and hardware are highly susceptible to cyber attacks, and it significantly slows down your processes due to long load times, incompatibility with other systems, and more. Manufacturing IT consultants can keep you up to date on the safest and most effective hardware and software, including patches, add-ons, and repairs.
7. Staff Training
IT consultants also provide comprehensive staff training programs to equip employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate cybersecurity risks, use advanced tools, and follow best safety practices. This gives your manufacturing company a competitive edge by strengthening overall security and productivity.
What Can AIS Do For My Manufacturing Business?
At AIS, we take pride in meeting businesses where they are and working together to make their technology stronger and more effective.
When you choose our consulting services for your manufacturing business, you can count on fully customized solutions that reflect our years of industry experience and deep concern for your success. With our wide variety of services, you’ll be ready to incorporate stronger IT into your general business strategy, optimizing processes and promoting safety in every sector.
Prioritize Security with AIS
There’s no reason your manufacturing business needs to be vulnerable to hackers, slow systems, or other technology hiccups—our team at AIS is always ready and fully prepared to step in and take your IT to the next level. So why not put your safety and efficiency first?
Schedule a meeting with one of our experts to learn more about how our consulting services can help your manufacturing business.