Internet of Things<\/h2>\n
Internet of things presents many opportunities for manufacturers today \u2013 connected machines on the shop floor let manufacturers collect real-time data.\u00a0 Yet, one of the challenges is that expensive machinery isn\u2019t always ready to accept new technology. Manufacturing equipment is expected to last 10-20 years or more, yet PC\u2019s life span is much shorter.\u00a0 So, manufacturers end up with equipment that is not compatible with the latest PC operating systems.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a natural conflict \u2013 a Windows 7 (or even older device) is a security nightmare.\u00a0 It is no longer supported and therefore an easy target for cyber thieves.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t the cost of a new PC that prohibits the upgrade, it is the $100,000 equipment the PC is driving.\u00a0 No manufacturer wants to sink another $100,000 into a new machine, especially when the current one has another 10 years of life.\u00a0 What a dilemma!<\/p>\n
Virtual CIO with Creative Strategies<\/h2>\n
So, as our clients\u2019 virtual CIO<\/a>, we are often asked to manage this with creative solutions.\u00a0 Depending on the workflow, sometimes simply isolating the system to access the machine only (and not the internal network) enables the manufacturer to continue using the machinery safely with the aged operating system for some time longer.\u00a0 Of course, there is still a risk of failure for the PC \u2013 any PC older than a few years has a significant risk of crashing.\u00a0 Again, here is where we work with our clients to be sure they have contingency plans.<\/p>\n One thing we\u2019ve learned working with manufacturers is that while they may use similar software applications and tools across different industries, there are almost always unique workflows that have to feed into the equation.\u00a0 Again, getting to know our clients and understanding how they do business is what enables us to provide better guidance as we help build their IT strategy.<\/p>\n We first learn about the business itself as we work with new manufacturing clients.<\/p>\n This includes understanding any compliance requirements they must meet or certifications they need to attain.\u00a0 We\u2019ve been providing managed IT services<\/a> for manufacturing for a long time that include:<\/p>\n These services are key to meeting cybersecurity<\/a> guidelines including New York\u2019s Shield Act<\/a> and PCI compliance.\u00a0 We are now seeing many more requests for log monitoring<\/a> (with full SEIM\/SOC services), end user training, and full documentation of IT policies and procedures.<\/p>\n These advanced security offerings will become an important element of our clients\u2019 IT strategies and planning as CMMC (and other cybersecurity guidelines) roll out.\u00a0 CMIT is here to guide our clients through these changes \u2013 it is part of our Quarterly Business Review that we do with all of our managed services clients.<\/p>\n Managed IT services for manufacturing isn\u2019t just about securing data and keeping compliant \u2013 it is also about maintaining systems so they are running smoothly and users are working productively.\u00a0 This is where finding a strong managed IT<\/u><\/a> services partner can make all the difference.\u00a0 Traditional break\/fix support might seem more economical but, essentially, you are paying to get something fixed when it breaks.\u00a0 That means there is downtime.<\/p>\n A strong managed IT services provider will work hard to make sure your systems don\u2019t break down in the first place.\u00a0 They take proactive measures so your systems are running when you need them \u2013 which of course is all the time.\u00a0 They also make sure your data is secure and work with you to develop a backup and recovery<\/u><\/a> plan that works for you and your business.<\/p>\n That depends on what your business needs \u2013 but in most cases, it can include everything from the traditional application and infrastructure management to end user support and all things connected to your computer.\u00a0 Think of them as your Outsourced IT team<\/a>.\u00a0 One call for support.\u00a0 A partner that helps you make critical decisions for your own IT infrastructure.\u00a0 Virtual CIO<\/a> services help you assess your IT strategy and plan for the future.<\/p>\n What is new in the industry that you need to understand \u2013 what are the newest threats and how do you mitigate these risks?\u00a0 What applications make sense to move to the cloud?\u00a0 How do you streamline your inhouse servers to maximize their effectiveness and uptime?\u00a0 How about the users, how do you keep everyone as productive as they can be?\u00a0Your IT partner will have your back and protect you, your users and your data.<\/p>\n The primary difference is the relationship.\u00a0 Managed IT service partnerships typically last for years.\u00a0 You choose a company you trust to help you not only with the immediate needs but to continue supporting your business under contract for years to come.\u00a0 They make sure systems work well from the day they are installed until they need to be replaced.\u00a0 They advise their clients on best practices and how to navigate through new security risks and regulations.<\/p>\n Professional services may be included in a managed services contract but not the other way around.\u00a0 Professional services are generally project based and simply address a specific problem or challenge.\u00a0 Your managed service provider is there to help you through challenges and opportunities whenever they come up. \u00a0In fact, they most likely meet with you on a quarterly basis to review your current IT infrastructure and discuss the current IT landscape while working with you to build your IT strategy and budget. (and if they don’t, they should)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n By Cheryl Nelan Technology and the Manufacturing Industry: Providing managed IT services…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":588,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-it"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=530"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/530\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}IT Compliance Regulations<\/h2>\n
\n
Keeping Staff Productive \u2013 All the Time<\/h2>\n
What is Included in Managed IT Services for Manufacturing?<\/h2>\n
What is the Difference Between Managed IT Services and Professional Services?<\/h2>\n
![\"CMIT](\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/09\/CMMIT-Solutions-Logo-300x150.png\"){kind=logo}
In the Rochester area, CMIT Solutions provides local, responsive IT support and technology services for small to mid-sized businesses. As your IT partner, we ensure systems are running, your data is secure, and your staff is productive. Backed by a national system, we have over 200 locations across the country with local ownership in Rochester.<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/rochester-ny-1109\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/CherylNelanCMITSolutions-400px-300x300-1-300x300.jpeg\")
Cheryl Nelan has over 25 years experience supporting small to mid sized businesses and helping them grow. In 2011, she started CMIT Solutions of Monroe to support businesses in the Rochester, NY area. She wanted to take her experience and leverage the strength of a national franchise to help local businesses leverage technology. Focusing on customer service and developing a culture where great people want to work has always been central to her mission. Today, CMIT Solutions of Monroe is one of the top CMIT franchises and the recipient of a number of local awards as well. She is proud of the team and loves working with our clients.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"