Manufacturing IT Services
IT Services for Manufacturing — Keep Production Running
Manufacturing operations depend on the convergence of IT and OT systems. When the network goes down, the production line stops — and every hour of unplanned downtime costs an average of $260,000. Your IT infrastructure needs to be as reliable as your equipment.
IT Challenges That Shut Down Production Lines
Manufacturing IT has unique constraints that most managed service providers don't understand. Here's what we see when we walk into plants for the first time.
OT/IT Convergence Risk
PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial control networks were never designed to connect to the internet. But ERP integration, remote monitoring, and data analytics have forced them onto corporate networks — creating attack vectors that traditional IT security doesn't address.
Unplanned Downtime
A network switch failure, a ransomware infection, or a misconfigured firewall can halt production across an entire facility. Unlike an office where people switch to phones and paper, a manufacturing shutdown means lost product, missed deliveries, and contract penalties.
CMMC Compliance Pressure
If you're in the DoD supply chain, CMMC 2.0 compliance isn't optional. Prime contractors are flowing NIST 800-171 requirements down to sub-tier suppliers, and you need documented evidence that your IT environment meets all 110 controls — or you lose the contract.
Legacy Systems
That CNC machine running Windows XP isn't going anywhere — the replacement costs $500K. But it's also a gaping security hole on your network. You need an IT partner who can secure legacy systems without requiring you to replace equipment that still functions perfectly.
Harsh Network Environments
Factory floors have heat, dust, vibration, and electromagnetic interference that destroy standard networking equipment. You need ruggedized infrastructure, industrial-grade switches, and Wi-Fi designs that account for metal structures and machinery blocking signals.
How BrightWorks IT Supports Manufacturers
OT Network Segmentation & Security
We implement Purdue Model-aligned network segmentation that isolates your industrial control systems from the corporate IT environment. Firewalls with deep packet inspection monitor the demilitarized zone between OT and IT, allowing only authorized traffic to cross the boundary.
High-Availability Infrastructure
Redundant network paths, failover switches, UPS-backed communications closets, and real-time monitoring ensure that a single hardware failure never takes down production. We design infrastructure for 99.99% uptime in demanding plant environments.
CMMC & NIST 800-171 Compliance
We assess your current environment against NIST 800-171 controls, build your System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), implement required technical controls, and prepare you for CMMC Level 2 assessment by a C3PAO.
ERP & Production System Support
We manage the infrastructure supporting your ERP (SAP, Epicor, Infor, NetSuite), MES, and quality management systems. This includes server performance, database optimization, integration monitoring, and ensuring these systems communicate reliably with the shop floor.
Manufacturing IT by the Numbers
Manufacturing IT Services
Managed IT for Manufacturing
Proactive monitoring and support designed for 24/7 production environments with OT/IT convergence.
Learn More About Managed IT for ManufacturingIndustrial Cybersecurity
OT network segmentation, endpoint protection, and threat monitoring for manufacturing environments.
Learn More About Industrial CybersecurityCMMC Compliance
NIST 800-171 gap assessments, SSP development, and CMMC Level 2 preparation for defense contractors.
Learn More About CMMC ComplianceBackup & Disaster Recovery
Redundant backups and tested recovery plans with RTOs designed for production continuity.
Learn More About Backup & Disaster RecoveryCloud & ERP Support
Infrastructure management for cloud-hosted ERP, MES, and quality management systems.
Learn More About Cloud & ERP SupportvCIO & Technology Planning
Capital planning for network refreshes, OT modernization, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Learn More About vCIO & Technology Planning"Their team feels like an extension of ours. They know our systems inside and out, and their strategic guidance has helped us plan our technology roadmap for the next three years."
Manufacturing IT — Frequently Asked Questions
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