Technology is the backbone of modern manufacturing—automated equipment, ERP systems, digital quality control, and remote access tools all rely on a stable, secure IT foundation. But when something breaks, stalls, or slows down, the right IT partner makes all the difference.
Choosing an IT provider isn’t just about finding someone who “fixes computers.” It’s about partnering with a team that understands the unique demands of manufacturing environments—and can keep your business running without disruption.
Here’s what to look for when selecting IT support for your manufacturing business:
IT in a manufacturing setting isn’t the same as IT in an office. Your provider should have real-world experience supporting:
- Industrial automation systems
- ERP, MES, or SCADA platforms
- Shop floor devices and IIoT
- Legacy and modern hardware integrations
If they don’t know the difference between your production network and your admin network, keep looking.
2. Proactive Cybersecurity That Protects Operations
Manufacturing businesses are increasingly targeted by ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. Your IT partner should offer more than antivirus—they should implement:
- Endpoint detection & response (EDR)
- Network segmentation for shop floor security
- Real-time threat monitoring
- User training for phishing awareness
Ask for real-world examples of how they’ve protected other industrial clients.
3. Support That Scales with You
Manufacturers often expand quickly—adding new product lines, staff, or even facilities. You need IT that can scale without skipping a beat.
Look for providers that offer:
- Flexible support plans
- Cloud infrastructure planning
- Multi-location network management
- Hardware procurement and lifecycle planning
4. Fast Response, Especially On-Site
When machines go down, so does production. A good IT partner understands urgency—and responds accordingly.
Make sure they can offer:
- Guaranteed response times (SLAs)
- Remote and on-site support
- After-hours emergency service
- Familiarity with union or facility access requirements
5. Industry-Specific Strategy & Roadmapping
The right IT partner isn’t just reactive—they’re strategic. They help you plan, upgrade, and future-proof your infrastructure.
You should expect:
- Annual IT assessments
- Budget forecasting
- Recommendations for modernizing legacy systems
- Compliance consulting if needed (e.g., CMMC, NIST)
Need IT That Understands Manufacturing?
At Stamm Tech, we work with manufacturers across the Milwaukee area to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure IT solutions. From network design to 24/7 support, we understand what’s at stake—and we’re built to handle it.