One of the main reasons for the existence of the manufacturing industry is to make components that make things easier for other people and businesses, right? So it logically follows then that IT support for you should make your own internal operations easier too.
Take a look at a few important ways IT support should function for manufacturers like you:
1. Makes Just-in-Time Manufacturing Work Just Like it Should:
With JIT, you increase your own ROI by minimizing your in-process inventory and the carrying costs needed to manage it. With the right IT support team who has experience in the manufacturing industry, you keep your JIT processes working as efficiently as possible (and maybe even notice a significant improvement).
2. Stop Relying on the “Computer Guy” and Start Relying on an Experienced Partner:
If you’re a small to mid-size manufacturer, you most likely have a single person (maybe two) you rely on to administer your entire computer network. But think about all the difficulties that brings about. You may need access to a professional 24/7, and this person may not be able to keep up with all the work. It’s also tough for that person to work on all the normal daily tasks and attempt to stay ahead of cyber criminals. It’s okay to keep in-house staff. But it may be very helpful to have an IT network support vendor who helps your network meet your demands – and stay ahead of cybercrime threats.
3. Have the Right Staff in Place So Problems Get Fixed Correctly the First Time:
One problem many manufacturers like you run into is finding someone who reliably maintains their IT infrastructure. You might have the “computer guy,” or you could even work with local IT technicians who promise great work for low rates. Some companies have personnel managers with no real IT skills at all running their computer networks. If you have a problem, get it “fixed,” and then have the problem come back again and again, you need different (or additional) staff in place. And think of the impact these IT infrastructure disruptions have on your production. What would your profitability and operations be like without them? You may have to pay more than you did before, but your bottom line will increase as a result.
4. You Can Scale Immediately:
Did you just have a number of clients agree to use your services? Or are you beginning a new marketing campaign? You won’t have to hire new in-house staff, train, and manage them. When you have an IT support vendor, you have everything you need from an IT perspective to scale right now. Your IT Support Team Should be an Asset, Not a Liability
If things don’t flow smoothly for you, from an IT perspective, then it’s time to seriously consider hiring a vendor to provide the service. When your business is streamlined and operating efficiently, you deliver the most value to your customers and maximize your profitability.