Key Takeaways
- Co-managed IT services strengthen manufacturing infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and support internal IT teams.
- Proactive IT maintenance and real-time monitoring help reduce costly downtime.
- Outsourcing IT functions improves cost efficiency and ensures compliance with industry regulations.
- Scalable IT solutions support business growth, automation, and digital transformation.
Why Manufacturers Need Co-Managed IT Services
Technology is no longer just a back-office function in manufacturing—it’s the backbone of production efficiency, supply chain management, and product innovation. From ERP systems and cloud solutions to industrial IoT (IIoT) and AI-driven automation, manufacturers depend on IT to stay competitive.
For many manufacturers, hiring and retaining skilled IT professionals is a growing challenge. The global cybersecurity workforce gap has reached nearly four million professionals, making it difficult to fill critical roles.
Meanwhile, IT teams are stretched thin, trying to balance network security, cloud infrastructure, and system upgrades while keeping production running smoothly.
This is where co-managed IT services step in, offering expertise and strategic support to ensure manufacturers stay ahead of technology demands. A co-managed IT model offers the expertise, support, and scalability manufacturers need to stay competitive.
Here’s how co-managed IT can help.
Strengthen IT Infrastructure Without Overburdening Internal Teams
Strong IT infrastructure is essential for modern manufacturing, supporting everything from production lines to supply chain logistics. Yet, many in-house IT teams find themselves struggling to maintain core systems while handling unexpected technical issues, security threats, and software updates.
Co-managed IT services help bridge this gap by offering specialized expertise and additional support.
Instead of expecting a small internal team to handle everything from network security to cloud management, manufacturers can rely on a strategic IT partner to manage critical areas such as system monitoring, data protection, and infrastructure upgrades.
This allows internal staff to focus on higher-priority initiatives, reducing stress and improving overall efficiency. By collaborating with an IT partner, manufacturers can also access the latest technologies without having to hire new staff or invest in costly training programs.
Whether it’s transitioning to cloud-based ERP systems or implementing secure remote access for factory automation, co-managed IT ensures businesses stay technologically competitive without overwhelming their internal workforce.
Reduce Downtime With IT Maintenance & Support
Unplanned downtime can be costly, with manufacturing disruptions averaging $260,000 per hour. Many downtime incidents stem from outdated IT infrastructure, unpatched vulnerabilities, or system failures that could have been avoided with proactive maintenance.
Co-managed IT services help prevent downtime through:
- Real-time monitoring to detect and resolve issues before they escalate.
- Automated system updates to ensure security patches and upgrades are applied promptly.
- Scheduled hardware maintenance to minimize unexpected failures and production interruptions.
Rapid-response IT support ensures that any technical issues—whether it’s a network failure or an ERP system malfunction—are resolved quickly, minimizing disruptions on the factory floor.
Enhance Cybersecurity to Protect Intellectual Property & Operations
Manufacturers are prime targets for cyberattacks due to their intellectual property, supply chain data, and interconnected systems. A single cybersecurity breach—such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack—can disrupt operations and cause massive financial losses.
A co-managed IT provider strengthens security through:
- Zero-trust security models to limit access to critical systems.
- Advanced threat detection to identify and neutralize cyber threats.
- Employee security training to prevent phishing attacks and credential breaches.
It’s worth noting that one of the biggest vulnerabilities in manufacturing cybersecurity is human error.
Phishing attacks, weak passwords, and unpatched software can create entry points for hackers. With a co-managed IT approach, manufacturers receive ongoing cybersecurity training for employees, ensuring that staff recognize threats and follow best practices.
By working with an IT partner, manufacturers can safeguard their intellectual property, protect customer data, and prevent operational disruptions caused by cyber incidents.
Scale IT Resources to Support Business Growth
As manufacturers expand, their IT infrastructure must scale to support new production facilities, automation tools, and cloud-based solutions. However, hiring and training additional IT staff is time-consuming and costly.
With co-managed IT, businesses gain:
- Flexible IT resources that scale with business needs.
- Seamless cloud migrations for ERP and other essential applications.
- IoT integration to optimize smart manufacturing and predictive maintenance.
With 80% of manufacturers investing in digital transformation, partnering with IT experts ensures smooth execution of AI-driven automation, supply chain analytics, and other technology initiatives.
Improve IT Support & Response Times
In a manufacturing setting, IT disruptions don’t just affect office employees—they can halt production, delay shipments, and impact overall quality control. Slow IT response times lead to bottlenecks that can cost businesses thousands of dollars per hour.
A co-managed IT model provides around-the-clock support, ensuring that IT issues are addressed immediately. Whether it’s a network outage, software glitch, or security concern, having a dedicated IT partner means faster resolution times and minimal downtime. Co-managed IT services provide:
- 24/7 help desk support for immediate issue resolution.
- Faster response times to prevent operational bottlenecks.
- Expert troubleshooting for network failures, software bugs, and cybersecurity concerns.
Optimize IT Costs With Strategic Outsourcing
Running a full-scale, in-house IT department is expensive. Hiring skilled IT professionals, maintaining hardware, and investing in cybersecurity solutions can quickly add up.
For many manufacturers, co-managed IT presents a cost-effective alternative, allowing them to outsource key functions while maintaining control over their IT strategy.
Instead of paying for full-time IT staff, manufacturers can scale IT services as needed, paying only for the support and expertise required. This flexible pricing model helps businesses optimize their IT budgets while maintaining high-quality security, monitoring, and infrastructure support.
Ensure Compliance & Industry Certifications
Compliance with industry regulations is a critical concern for manufacturers, especially those handling sensitive customer data, government contracts, or supply chain information. Regulations such as NIST 800-171, ITAR, and ISO 27001 require strict security measures to protect data integrity.
Co-managed IT providers help manufacturers meet compliance requirements by implementing secure access controls, conducting regular security audits, and managing documentation for regulatory reporting.
Ensuring compliance not only prevents costly fines and legal consequences but also builds trust with partners and customers.
For manufacturers seeking new business opportunities, achieving industry certifications can be a competitive advantage. Co-managed IT services streamline this process by assisting with documentation, cybersecurity best practices, and technology alignment.
Drive Innovation With IT Consulting & Strategic Initiatives
Beyond daily IT management, manufacturers must continuously innovate to stay competitive. Cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, and IoT solutions are transforming the industry, but adopting these technologies requires careful planning.
A co-managed IT partner provides consulting services that help manufacturers align technology investments with business goals.
Whether it’s implementing AI-powered automation, integrating smart manufacturing solutions, or modernizing legacy IT systems, an experienced IT provider ensures a seamless transition with minimal disruption.
How Can Keystone Technology Consultants Help You?
Manufacturing companies cannot afford to fall behind in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, or digital transformation. A co-managed IT approach offers the scalability, security, and expertise needed to navigate today’s technology-driven landscape.
At Keystone Technology Consultants, we help manufacturers optimize IT operations, reduce downtime, and implement cutting-edge solutions. Contact us today to learn how our co-managed IT services can support your business growth and security.
