Manufacturing companies in Georgia are under constant pressure to streamline their operations and remain competitive in the global market. They need state-of-the-art processes and technology to stay ahead of the curve.
However, one aspect of technology many manufacturing companies don’t have the time and resources for is IT maintenance and management. From cybersecurity to network optimization and software updates, IT requires a lot of time and effort. Every moment spent on these responsibilities is a moment lost in the race to quickly bring products to market. To address this problem, many manufacturing companies in Georgia are turning to managed IT services providers (MSPs).
Understanding MSPs
MSPs are companies that provide end-to-end IT services to businesses, from system monitoring and maintenance to user support and cybersecurity. These MSPs hire teams of engineers and technicians to address their clients’ IT needs, and charge a monthly fee for the services they provide. By partnering with an MSP, companies can essentially outsource their IT management and administration. This is particularly useful for companies with small or no IT team of their own.
Benefits of working with an MSP
Manufacturing companies in Georgia that partner with an MSP can expect a wide range of benefits, such as:
1. Reduced technical issues and downtime
Manufacturing is heavily reliant on technology such as automated production lines, so any downtime or system outage can significantly impact a company’s operations. Oftentimes, companies will hire a traditional IT support technician when things go wrong, but the damage has already been done. Production grinds to a halt and workers are unable to do their jobs until the issue is resolved. Plus, all the time spent waiting for a technician to arrive and diagnose the problem can extend a system outage, resulting in even larger revenue losses.
In contrast to traditional IT support technicians who only step in when a problem arises, MSPs offer proactive IT management. This involves monitoring systems and networks 24/7 to detect and address any performance issues, as well as applying patches and updates before problems can arise. Top MSPs may even perform routine maintenance and data backups to ensure all systems are running at peak performance. With a proactive approach to IT management, manufacturing companies can avoid disruptions that could otherwise slow down production and cost them money.
2. Increased efficiency and productivity
MSPs provide a wealth of expertise that companies can leverage to make the most of their IT resources. Leading MSPs hire engineers and technicians that specialize in multiple areas, from cloud computing and software development to machine learning and more. Manufacturing companies can request MSPs to make an objective assessment of their IT infrastructure and provide recommendations for improvements. For instance, an MSP may recommend workflow automation to streamline routine tasks such as data entry, file management, and other administrative responsibilities.
More importantly, when manufacturing companies entrust their IT to an MSP, they have more time to focus on important tasks such as product development and analytics. The MSP acts as the company’s IT department that is constantly working in the background and optimizing systems so that employees can work as efficiently as possible.
3. Cost savings and predictable budgeting
Costs can quickly pile up when manufacturing companies staff their own IT department. Just one IT technician in Georgia can set companies back over $90,000 per year, not including benefits, tools, and training. Then, there’s the cost of repairs, system upgrades, software licenses, and hardware. These expenses can derail a company’s budget and leave them scrambling for funds to cover these costs.
Partnering with an MSP can be cost-effective for manufacturing companies because they only pay a flat monthly fee for the services they receive. Managed IT services can be billed per device, per user, or as an all-inclusive agreement. This allows companies to accurately predict their IT expenses and budget accordingly. The best part is MSPs hire the best IT experts in their field, so companies don’t have to pay top dollar or worry about training or hiring additional personnel.
4. Scalable IT services
Due to the flat fee structure of MSPs, manufacturing companies can access more IT services and support for less. As their needs change, companies can easily scale up or down any IT service to accommodate their requirements. For instance, if there’s an influx of new employees that need to be added to the system, MSPs can manage the onboarding process and provide them with access to all the necessary tools. Similarly, if companies need help transitioning their IT system from an on-premises to a cloud-based solution, MSPs can provide the assistance they need.
5. Cybersecurity and data protection
Manufacturing companies in Georgia are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals seeking to steal sensitive data or disrupt operations. With an MSP, a company gets a fresh perspective on their system’s security setup. MSPs can assess a company’s security vulnerabilities, and provide guidance on best practices to protect their data and systems. They can also offer managed firewall services, intrusion detection and prevention, anti-malware software, and other security services to keep the company’s data safe.
When choosing an MSP, manufacturing companies in Georgia should look for a partner with experience in the industry. The MSP should have a proven track record of delivering high-quality IT support and services, and should be able to provide a comprehensive set of solutions for the company’s needs. In-Touch Computer Services is one such MSP in Georgia that provides comprehensive managed IT services and support tailored to the needs of manufacturing companies. Contact us today to learn more.