Manufacturing IT has unique challenges: operational technology security, ERP management, and production uptime requirements that make standard IT approaches insufficient.
Manufacturing IT sits at the intersection of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) — the PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial control systems that run production equipment. As these worlds converge, security and management challenges multiply.
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The OT/IT Convergence Challenge
Traditional OT systems were designed for reliability, not security. A PLC controlling a CNC machine might run Windows XP and connect to the internet — creating an attack surface that cybercriminals actively exploit. Key security principles: network segmentation between OT and IT using industrial DMZs, complete OT asset inventory including legacy systems, patch management strategy for OT (more complex than IT patching), and monitoring for anomalous behavior without disrupting operations.
ERP System Management
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Explore Managed IT ServicesManufacturing companies typically run ERP systems (SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle) integrating production, inventory, finance, and customer data. ERP management includes uptime monitoring, user access management, integration maintenance, upgrade planning, and performance optimization.
Uptime Requirements
Manufacturing IT cannot tolerate standard maintenance windows. Patching and upgrades must be scheduled around production — often requiring weekend or shift-change windows. Your MSP must accommodate these constraints.
