Key Takeaways
- A strong network keeps manufacturing efficient, and network monitoring helps prevent downtime that leads to major financial losses.
- IoT and automation systems need reliable connectivity, and network monitoring stops slowdowns that disrupt machine communication and production.
- Cyberattacks can cripple manufacturing, but network monitoring improves security by detecting threats and protecting critical systems.
- A scalable network monitoring system supports business growth by managing more devices, improving efficiency, and simplifying IT work.
The Role of Network Monitoring in Manufacturing
Manufacturing operations rely on fast, stable networks to keep machines running, track inventory, and maintain seamless production. Even minor network disruptions can cause slowdowns, production delays, or full-scale shutdowns, leading to significant financial losses.
With the growing adoption of IoT devices and automation in manufacturing, securing and optimizing network infrastructure is more critical than ever. Network monitoring software plays a crucial role in maintaining operational stability and efficiency.
Let’s explore how network monitoring supports manufacturing operations and mitigates risks.
How Network Monitoring Keeps Operations Running Smoothly
A stable network is essential for keeping manufacturing operations efficient. Even small network disruptions can lead to production slowdowns, security risks, and financial losses. Network monitoring software helps prevent these issues.
Here’s why it’s a must for manufacturers.
Prevents Downtime & Delays
Unexpected downtime can cost manufacturers thousands of dollars per hour. For instance, in the automotive industry, downtime can cost up to $50,000 per minute, translating to $3 million per hour.
For Fortune Global 500 companies, unplanned downtime eats up 11% of their annual turnover, amounting to nearly $1.5 trillion in losses.
Network monitoring tools mitigate these risks by:
- Continuously tracking network availability.
- Sending instant alerts when performance drops.
- Allowing IT teams to identify and resolve small issues before they escalate into major outages.
By setting performance thresholds, manufacturers can proactively address network weaknesses, ensuring seamless operations.
Keeps Internet of Things (IoT) & Automation Systems Running
Factories use IoT sensors and automation to speed up production, but these systems need steady connectivity. Poor bandwidth management can create bottlenecks, slowing down communication between machines.
For example, in December 2021, an AWS outage disrupted Amazon’s internal systems, affecting warehouse robots, scanning tools, and delivery operations.
With key automation systems offline, fulfillment centers experienced delays, impacting order processing and shipment schedules.
Network performance monitoring ensures that network traffic flows smoothly so production stays on track.
Strengthens Network Security
Manufacturing networks are prime targets for cyberattacks. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities to steal sensitive data or cripple production systems.
Recent incidents highlight the risks:
- The 2024 ransomware attack on Blue Yonder, a supply chain software provider, disrupted inventory management for global retailers like Starbucks and Sainsbury’s, leading to stock shortages and financial losses.
- The 2020 SolarWinds attack demonstrated how compromised network monitoring tools allowed hackers to infiltrate U.S. government agencies and major corporations.
With network monitoring, IT teams can quickly identify the root cause of problems and take action.
Firewalls and information security tools help, but network monitoring software adds another layer of protection. It detects unusual IP address activity, tracks syslog data, and uses SNMP to spot security threats.
Scales for Growth & Future Needs
As manufacturers expand, their network infrastructure must keep up. More machines, automated systems, and connected devices mean greater demands on bandwidth and network availability.
If the network isn’t built to scale, businesses may face slow performance, dropped connections, or unexpected failures.
A scalable network management system makes it easier to add new routers, interfaces, and endpoints without slowing down operations.
With tools like network mapping and topology visualization, IT service providers can see how network traffic flows and plan upgrades while maintaining uptime.
Reduces Bottlenecks & Improves Efficiency
Slow networks can delay production and lead to missed deadlines.
One example of this was the 2017 NotPetya attack, which started in Ukraine but quickly spread, impacting major industries across the globe. Companies from Russia to the U.S. suffered losses due to disrupted shipping (Maersk), pharma (Merck), and manufacturing (Mondelez).
Network monitoring tools provide real-time visualization of bandwidth use, helping IT teams find and fix bottlenecks. With customizable dashboards, teams can adjust settings and improve application performance.
Simplifies IT Management & Troubleshooting
IT teams in manufacturing manage complex networks across large facilities. A network monitoring tool makes their job easier by providing a single dashboard to track network devices, detect network issues, and automate troubleshooting.
With API-based tools and AIOps, IT teams can respond to problems faster and reduce manual work.
Ensure Reliable On-Premises & Cloud Infrastructure
Manufacturers use both on-premises systems and cloud services to run production, manage inventory, and track shipments. If a data center goes down or key network devices fail, operations can slow or stop entirely.
Infrastructure monitoring helps prevent these issues by keeping an eye on network availability and catching problems early.
With strong network observability, IT teams can track performance metrics, monitor IP addresses and interfaces, and quickly fix network issues before they cause downtime.
As a security solution, reliable network monitoring tools ensure smooth operations, protect critical systems, and keep production running without delays.
Supports Compliance & Industry Regulations
Many manufacturers must follow strict regulations, especially in industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods sectors.
A failure to secure network infrastructure can lead to severe consequences. For example, Target’s 2013 data breach—caused by malware in POS systems—compromised 40 million credit and debit card details, leading to substantial financial and reputational damage.
Network monitoring ensures compliance by:
- Tracking network activity logs for regulatory audits.
- Enforcing security standards to prevent unauthorized access.
- Maintaining data integrity to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
Optimize Your IT Infrastructure with Expert Network Monitoring
At Keystone Technology Consultants, we specialize in network monitoring solutions designed for manufacturing environments.
We help prevent downtime, optimize automation, and secure your IT infrastructure with real-time monitoring, customizable dashboards, and scalable network management.
Our team keeps your network devices, firewalls, and IoT endpoints secure and efficient, so your operations never miss a beat.
Let’s discuss how we can tailor a network monitoring tool to meet your specific manufacturing needs. Contact us today to get started.
