Manufacturing companies have a lot to manage: from administration, to sales, to production, there’s a lot going on, all at once. On top of that, running a manufacturing company requires a lot of technology. As automation and manufacturing evolve, these companies are increasingly reliant upon solid infrastructure to support their business.

But, with so many pieces of the puzzle and so many IT solutions out there, how do you know what’s right for you and what will really move the needle?

We’re breaking down three areas where manufacturers can get the most bang for their IT buck, even in an ever-changing technology landscape.

1. Reliable and secure networks mean more uptime, and more output.

Some people have nightmares about ghosts. Business leaders have nightmares about downtime. And while downtime is no good for any business, it can be especially costly when production comes screeching to a halt.

Investing in capable server and wireless infrastructure is one of the most impactful ways to stretch your IT dollars. Especially in manufacturing environments, with large workspaces and lots of devices, ensuring that your infrastructure can handle your workload is imperative.

2. IoT devices give you eyes everywhere, so you can keep your focus on what matters most.  

When it comes to safety, we know you don’t cut any corners. From thorough and frequent training to investing in the best protective equipment, we know you’ll do whatever it takes to keep your crew safe.

But, as many precautions as you take, you simply can’t be everywhere at once. That’s where a strong lineup of connected IoT devices comes in. Smart cameras give you visibility into your blind spots, and smart sensors monitor a number of environmental factors, from temperature and air quality to intrusion protection.

So, while you can’t be everywhere, you still get the full picture and can rest assured that every area of your facility is secured, and that both your product and people are safe.

3. Cybersecurity is just as imperative as physical security.

Protecting your business goes beyond physical safety. Cybersecurity is a hot topic across the board, but in an industry whose operations and output rely heavily on technology and connectivity, it’s especially important.

From finance to production, keeping all your users and devices safely connected is crucial. With cybercrime getting increasingly more prevalent, taking a “layered” security approach is the way to go. This means investing in a solid firewall, then layering additional tools like multi-factor authentication, network monitoring, and end user security trainings on top.

If it’s been a while since you took stock of your cybersecurity approach, now’s the time. With layers of security protecting your data, you can stride confidently toward your goals.

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The evolution of technology and automation means huge strides forward for manufacturing. However, it also underscores the importance of reliable and secure infrastructure. From cameras to wireless access points to SD-WAN, Cisco Meraki provides accessible, top-caliber network and security solutions, so you can keep both production and business operations running smoothly and without a hitch.

As Cisco partners for over 20 years, we’ve seen firsthand the impact that Cisco solutions can have on business outcomes. Meraki boasts all the credibility of Cisco, with accessible and easy-to-use solutions — perfect for businesses with a lot to manage.

If you’re interested in learning more finding the right solutions to keep you connected and protected,  we’re here to help — just drop us a line.