Reliable technology is essential to manufacturing plants, keeping production going. Today, almost anything from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to inventory software to connected machinery and employee workstations is encircled by IT. A problem with technology has the potential to go from an inconvenience to lost deadlines, production delays, and loss of money very quickly.
For manufacturers, therefore, the question of IT managed services for a manufacturing firm is a strategic issue. There are two popular models – co-managed IT services and fully managed IT services, in which an external provider is largely responsible for IT operations.
Co-Managed IT vs. Fully Managed IT: Key Differences
Co-managed IT keeps an internal IT team involved while a third party enhances their skills and services. The solution provider could manage cybersecurity, cloud services, network monitoring, and support with a help desk or a particular project.
The external provider is responsible for a lot or all of the IT operations in the case of fully managed IT. This may comprise help desk support, infrastructure management, cybersecurity, backups, cloud, monitoring, as well as technology planning.
Manufacturing Challenges That Influence the Right IT Model
Manufacturing made up 68% of all industrial ransomware cases, thus being the most targeted sector for the fourth year in a row. A plant could be required to accommodate traditional office technology alongside operational technology (OT), industrial networks, machinery, sensor systems, and particular production systems. Older software may also be in use for some equipment that cannot be updated without impacting production.
Manufacturers also need to keep the security of the devices in mind. An additional attack surface is created when equipment and industrial equipment are connected, and ransomware or other issues could disrupt production.
When Co-Managed IT Is the Better Choice
Co-managed IT services could be a good option if an existing internal IT solution is capable of handling the daily needs of a manufacturing plant but still requires advanced IT assistance.
Other possible benefits are:
- Capability to gain knowledge about specialized technical skills
- Extra help when needed
- 24/7 monitoring capabilities
- Cybersecurity assistance
- If large technology-related projects are involved, help may be needed.
- Lighter workload for internal IT team
- Looks after it in a more flexible way as needs evolve.
This model gives the manufacturers the ability to keep their knowledge within the company while filling gaps in their capacity.
When Fully Managed IT Makes More Sense
If the manufacturing company doesn’t have an in-house IT department, or has only one or two employees who perform IT duties, then fully managed IT might be a better option. While the routine technical challenges are a day-to-day headache for employees, stress can arise when they are expected to deal with cybersecurity, infrastructure monitoring, backups, compliance and long-term technology planning.
However, before handing over the manufacturing IT services responsibility, manufacturing companies should be careful to define the responsibilities for adopting production technology and the development of specific operating systems. A provider like Cyber Husky can possibly aid in standardising systems, security controls, and support processes occurring at various places around the globe.
Questions Manufacturing Leaders Should Ask Before Choosing an IT Model
Leadership should comprehensively analyze their situation before deciding on an IT support model and consider more than just the expense.
Important questions include:
- What size and knowledgeable are our internal IT staff?
- What are some of the challenges you are currently having with IT?
- Is the expertise needed for cybersecurity in place?
- Is there expertise available after school hours in our current team?
- What is the maximum amount of downtime we can accept in our production facility?
- What do you consider to be the most critical systems?
- Do you need more than one facility with centralized management needs?
- Will technology upgrades/expansions be coming?
- What should be held and kept internally?
- What IT support is acceptable, for the long haul?
The responses can go toward finding out whether there is a need for comprehensive outsourcing or some outside support that can be given.
How to Transition to a New IT Support Model Without Disrupting Production
The changeover of manufacturing IT services or a change in the IT management system must be carefully planned, especially in manufacturing.
- Record current IT infrastructure
- Prioritize technologies during transition and identify critical production systems
- Assign roles
- Check security and access controls
- Confirm backups
- Keep a phased approach
- Test configurations, software, and processes before they are deployed across the plant
- Communicate clearly
- Make contingency plans
- Track performance after the transition
Access credentials need to be revised and updated in accordance with changing responsibilities.
Conclusion
It’s impossible to universally say whether a manufacturing plant should use co-managed or fully managed IT services. Co-managed IT can be beneficial by offering expertise from experts, while keeping a necessary internal team in control and with its institutional memory. If your organization doesn’t have the resources to have a full in-house IT operation, you may be able to go the full route with fully managed IT.
