IT support for manufacturing firms built around production uptime, IP protection, and operational continuity
In a manufacturing environment, technology and production are inseparable. Your ERP tracks orders, inventory, and scheduling. Your CAD and CAM systems hold years of proprietary design work. Your shop floor systems control production. When any of those go down, the cost is immediate and measurable, in lost output, delayed shipments, and scrambled schedules.
WEBIT has served manufacturing and printing firms across Chicagoland for 30 years. We understand OT and IT environments, the platforms your operations run on, and what it takes to keep production moving while keeping your systems secure. Our average response time is under 2 minutes, and we treat production-affecting incidents with the same urgency your floor supervisors do.
What manufacturing firms deal with that demands specialized it support
Production downtime carries a direct hourly cost
Manufacturing downtime costs vary by facility, but industry analyses consistently place the figure in the thousands of dollars per hour for mid-size operations. The Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report identifies manufacturing as one of the most ransomware-targeted sectors globally. A proactive IT posture is a production continuity strategy.
OT and IT networks require deliberate separation
Industrial control systems, PLCs, and shop floor equipment operate on different protocols and risk tolerances than corporate IT. Flat networks where production systems share the same access as office computers create unnecessary exposure. Proper network segmentation isolates OT environments while keeping connectivity where your operations require it.
ERP and MES platforms need direct support expertise
Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics 365, efi Pace, Pageflex, Global Shop, and similar platforms are the operational backbone of most manufacturing businesses. Integration issues, performance problems, and user access management in these systems require IT staff who already know the platforms, not technicians learning them during an incident.
Intellectual property protection requires layered security
CAD files, proprietary designs, production processes, and customer specifications represent significant competitive value. Ransomware and industrial espionage both target manufacturing specifically because of the value of that IP and the pressure to pay quickly when production stops.
What webit delivers for manufacturing clients
OT and IT network segmentation
We design and implement network architectures that isolate industrial control systems from corporate IT while maintaining the connectivity your operations require. Production systems stay protected. Office systems stay productive. Neither side creates unnecessary risk for the other.
ERP, MES, and CAD/CAM platform support
WEBIT supports the platforms manufacturing firms run on: Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics 365, efi Pace, Pageflex, Global Shop, SolidWorks, AutoDesk, and SQL-based MES integrations. When integration issues arise or performance degrades, you reach a team that already knows the platform.
Ransomware protection built for manufacturing environments
Managed Detection and Response, encrypted and isolated backup with tested restores, multi-factor authentication, and email protection, all configured for an environment where production continuity is the primary concern. If an attack occurs, containment is immediate and recovery is measured in hours, not days.
Fast, production-aware response
Calls answered live in under 60 seconds. Average response time under 2 minutes. Your dedicated Field Engineer knows your environment before any incident occurs. Production-affecting issues receive priority handling, because a network outage and a broken printer are not the same problem.
IT strategy aligned to your production calendar
Your dedicated vCIO builds an 18-month IT roadmap around your production schedules, capital investment cycles, and growth plans. Technology upgrades and infrastructure projects are planned around your operations rather than disrupting them.
Manufacturing and production organizations we support
- General manufacturing: metal fabrication, plastics, assembly, and component manufacturing
- Printing and graphics production facilities
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Distribution and logistics operations
- Contract manufacturers and job shops
If your operation has 20 to 200 employees in Chicagoland and relies on ERP, MES, or CAD/CAM systems, WEBIT is built for your environment.
“Here it is, Day One in our new space, and our IT systems are up and running, our staff is able to be productive, and people are so happy with the increased wireless and internet speeds. Every one of your team members gave us 120% of their time, effort, and support.”
– Melissa Bogusch: Principal, AIA, LEED AP | Architecture Client
Frequently Asked Questions
WEBIT provides managed IT for manufacturing firms across Chicagoland, including OT and IT network segmentation, ERP and MES platform support (Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics 365, efi Pace, Pageflex, Global Shop), CAD/CAM system support (SolidWorks, AutoDesk), ransomware protection, managed detection and response, backup and disaster recovery, and strategic IT planning through a dedicated vCIO.
We design network architectures that isolate industrial control systems, PLCs, and shop floor equipment from corporate IT networks. This isolation limits the attack surface for ransomware and other threats while maintaining the connectivity your operations require. Segmentation is planned around your specific environment and implemented without production interruption.
WEBIT supports Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics 365, efi Pace, Pageflex, Global Shop, and SQL-based MES integrations. We also support CAD and CAM platforms including SolidWorks and AutoDesk. If your facility runs a platform not listed here, contact us to confirm compatibility before engaging.
Our ransomware protection for manufacturing includes managed detection and response (MDR) for continuous threat monitoring, OT/IT network segmentation to limit lateral movement, encrypted backup with isolated copies that attackers cannot reach, regular restore testing to confirm recovery works before it is needed, multi-factor authentication across all accounts, and security awareness training for staff. If an attack occurs, containment begins immediately and recovery is measured in hours.
Calls are answered live in under 60 seconds. Average response time is under 2 minutes. Your dedicated Field Engineer already knows your environment, so triage begins the moment contact is made. Production-affecting incidents receive priority handling, your team does not wait in a general support queue when the floor is down.
Yes. Co-managed IT is designed for manufacturing operations with internal IT personnel who need additional coverage, security expertise, or strategic support. We fill the gaps without displacing your internal team. Learn more.
Your dedicated vCIO builds an 18-month IT roadmap aligned to your production calendar and capital investment cycles. Technology upgrades, infrastructure projects, and security improvements are planned around your operations rather than around a standard IT schedule. Every recommendation is made without vendor commissions, so your roadmap reflects your goals. Learn more.