Manufacturing IT Services for Midwest Manufacturers - FAQ

Manufacturing companies require a specialized MSP because their operational environment is fundamentally different from most other industries. Production systems, ERP platforms, plant floor connectivity, and industrial control systems must operate continuously. Downtime directly affects revenue, scheduling, and customer commitments.

A manufacturing-focused MSP like Andromeda understands the relationship between IT and operational technology - OT. They design networks for uptime, segment plant systems appropriately, and plan infrastructure around production requirements rather than standard office workflows.

For Midwest manufacturers with 100-300 employees, working with a provider that understands plant realities reduces operational risk and aligns IT decisions with production performance.

IT support in manufacturing differs because system interruptions can stop production in real time. Unlike office environments, manufacturers depend on ERP systems, barcode scanners, scheduling platforms, and plant connectivity that directly impact throughput.

Manufacturing environments often include legacy equipment, multi-site operations, and 24/7 shifts. Support must account for escalation paths, after-hours response, and infrastructure designed for operational continuity.

IT directly influences OEE by affecting system availability, performance consistency, and data accuracy. Network instability, ERP slowdowns, or integration failures can reduce production uptime and distort reporting.

Proactive monitoring, infrastructure planning, and reliable system integration help protect equipment uptime and improve operational performance metrics.

A qualified manufacturing MSP should support both corporate IT systems and plant floor connectivity. This includes secure network design, segmentation between business and operational networks, and support for ERP and production systems.

Integrated oversight reduces miscommunication between vendors and ensures accountability for both environments.

An MSP supporting manufacturers should understand common ERP platforms such as Epicor, Infor, and Microsoft Dynamics. ERP stability is critical for scheduling, inventory, and shipping.

Andromeda's ERP-platform experience includes performance monitoring, integration support, and infrastructure planning to maintain reliability during growth or system upgrades.

When production is impacted, response should be immediate with rapid escalation. In manufacturing, minutes matter.

Service level agreements should define production-impacting response times clearly and prioritize operational stabilization over routine ticket resolution.

Manufacturers should expect defined response times based on severity, particularly for ERP, network, and plant connectivity issues.

SLAs should include measurable response metrics, escalation procedures, and accountability for production-impacting incidents.

Recurring issues are reduced through structured monitoring, lifecycle planning, root cause analysis, and regular system reviews.

Andromeda's data-driven approach identifies patterns across tickets and infrastructure to eliminate repeat disruptions.

Multi-site manufacturers require standardized infrastructure, centralized monitoring, and consistent cybersecurity policies.

Support models must accommodate regional plants while maintaining unified oversight and accountability. This a cornerstone of Andromeda's approach.

Legacy equipment is common in manufacturing and often cannot be immediately replaced.

Good risk mitigation strategies like those of Andromeda include network segmentation, controlled access, compensating security controls, and phased upgrade planning.

Manufacturers face ransomware, supply chain exposure, and operational disruption risks. Production networks may contain legacy systems that increase vulnerability.

Protecting both business and plant environments requires layered security controls and continuous monitoring.

Ransomware prevention includes endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, secure backups, and network segmentation.

Regular patching, monitoring, and employee security awareness training reduce attack likelihood.

Cyber insurance does not eliminate operational or reputational damage from ransomware. Coverage often includes exclusions and strict compliance requirements.

Proactive security controls and documented risk management practices remain essential.

Many manufacturers align with NIST frameworks, CMMC requirements for defense contractors, or ISO 27001 standards.

Framework alignment improves security maturity and supports customer and insurance expectations.

Network segmentation separates operational technology from corporate systems to limit lateral threat movement.

Firewalls, VLAN configuration, and controlled access policies reduce exposure and contain potential incidents.

Manufacturers in this range typically invest between $125 and $200 per user per month, depending on scope and cybersecurity requirements.

Cost drivers include multi-site complexity, compliance requirements, and infrastructure maturity.

Outsourcing often provides broader expertise at a predictable monthly cost compared to building a full internal team.

Manufacturers utilizing Andromeda gain access to specialized security, infrastructure, and ERP knowledge without increasing payroll risk.

Modern cybersecurity demands continuous monitoring, advanced tooling, and evolving compliance knowledge.

Internal staff may manage daily operations effectively, but layered security typically requires additional specialized expertise.

ROI is measured through reduced downtime, lower incident frequency, stable ERP performance, and predictable budgeting.

Risk reduction and operational continuity often outweigh simple cost comparisons.

Manufacturers should ask about ERP experience, response times for production issues, cybersecurity framework alignment, and support for legacy equipment.

Accountability, transparency, and documented processes are essential.

Red flags include vague response commitments, lack of manufacturing references, limited cybersecurity capabilities, and unclear pricing structures.

Conversely, solid providers like Andromeda demonstrate operational understanding and measurable performance standards.

A structured transition includes documentation review, credential transfer, infrastructure assessment, and staged onboarding.

Andromeda's structured planning and clear communication ensure production systems remain stable during provider changes.