IT Insights Trends

Keeping the Wheels Turning: How Manufacturers Can Eliminate Downtime with Better IT Management

by | Jun 17, 2025 | IT Managed Services, IT outsourcing, IT Solutions, IT Support, Maintenance Contracts, Managed IT Services, Managed Print Service, Managed Services

Every minute your production line is down, you’re losing money. But what if the solution to costly interruptions isn’t on your shop floor—it’s in your server room?

Manufacturers are accustomed to troubleshooting issues with machinery, inventory, and supply chains. Yet, one vital component often overlooked is the IT infrastructure powering modern factories. The stark reality is that today’s manufacturing processes are entirely dependent on secure, stable, and efficient IT systems.

Imagine your operation halting because of an unnoticed vulnerability or neglected maintenance—sounds familiar? It’s not machinery but servers and network connections bringing your production to a sudden halt.

But here’s good news: this type of costly downtime can be dramatically reduced or eliminated with the right proactive IT management.

IT Downtime: An Invisible Threat with Visible Costs

Recent studies indicate that just one hour of downtime costs manufacturers on average $300,000—often more. But manufacturers rarely link downtime directly to IT until something catastrophic happens.

Great Lakes Computer Corporation understands this dilemma well. We’ve seen firsthand how overlooked IT maintenance can cause immense operational disruptions, which is why we specialize in predictive, proactive IT support tailored explicitly for manufacturing environments.

You may have invested heavily in cybersecurity and managed services, yet vulnerabilities persist. Just as your production line demands continuous upkeep, so too does your network infrastructure.

Why IT Failures Are Especially Dangerous for Manufacturers

  • Operational Technology (OT) and IT Convergence:
    Today’s industrial operations rely heavily on interconnected devices, sensors, and machinery. Any hiccup in network communication—be it from outdated hardware or cybersecurity lapses—can shut down operations completely.
  • Cybersecurity Threats Are Growing:
    From ransomware attacks to advanced phishing schemes, manufacturers are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who recognize the high stakes of production downtime.
  • Legacy Hardware Risks:
    Using outdated systems may seem cost-effective short-term, but their unreliability and vulnerability inevitably lead to costly outages.

Real-World Insights from Your Peers

In one recent Great Lakes Computer blog post titled “4 Key IT Vulnerabilities and How to Prevent Them“, we highlighted common weak points and actionable tips for strengthening your defenses. Vulnerabilities topped the list of cybersecurity threats—no surprise given their devastating potential. As we said then, prevention always beats recovery.

Another relevant blog post, “Cybersecurity Post Pandemic“, discussed how dramatically remote and hybrid working environments affected manufacturers. The sudden shift revealed previously hidden weaknesses in IT security, causing significant disruptions to production processes.

We’ve learned through experience that staying vigilant is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Practical Recommendations for Eliminating Downtime

Here are three immediately actionable strategies manufacturers can deploy:

1. Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance

Many manufacturers wait until something breaks before calling IT support. By then, it’s too late—downtime has already begun.

  • Action: Implement continuous, proactive monitoring tools.
  • Recommendation: Schedule regular predictive maintenance reviews that align with your plant’s downtime schedules to minimize disruptions.

2. Strengthen Cybersecurity Protocols

Manufacturers need cybersecurity measures tailored specifically to OT environments.

3. Transition to Scalable Cloud Solutions

Legacy systems are unreliable and expensive. Moving to cloud-based solutions reduces overhead, improves security, and minimizes downtime.

  • Action: Gradually transition from outdated hardware to flexible cloud solutions.
  • Recommendation: Discuss tailored cloud-migration solutions with your managed services provider—Great Lakes Computer has extensive experience supporting manufacturers in this process.

Case in Point: Successful Prevention

Here’s a quick real-world example:

“Great Lakes Computer spotted a critical network vulnerability we didn’t even know existed, preventing a potential 8-hour outage during peak production. Their team was onsite within 45 minutes.”
— Operations Director, Cleveland-Based Manufacturer

This story isn’t unique—it’s how we operate, every day.

Your Roadmap to Resilience: Next Steps

Manufacturers simply cannot afford unexpected downtime—luckily, you don’t have to. Great Lakes Computer is ready to be your partner, proactively protecting your productivity.

Here’s exactly how to move forward:

Join the Conversation: Cross-Referencing Our Blog and Newsletter

Our latest insights are regularly shared in our newsletter and blog, offering practical guidance specifically tailored to manufacturers:

Stay connected and informed:

  • Subscribe to our newsletter to get timely updates and insights directly to your inbox.
  • Bookmark and regularly visit our blog to access the latest news, tips, and resources for manufacturers.

Act Now—Secure Your Productivity

Downtime doesn’t wait. Why should you? Proactive IT management from Great Lakes Computer Corporation ensures your production line keeps humming.

Let’s talk. Call us today or fill out our form for a free consultation, and let’s secure your uptime together.