Co-Managed IT Services for Manufacturing – Supporting Uptime and Security

In manufacturing, every minute counts. When systems go down, production stops, shipments are delayed, and profits slip away. Maintaining uptime requires more than basic IT management, it demands continuous monitoring, proactive maintenance, and a team that understands both your technology and your production floor.

That is why many manufacturers are turning to co-managed IT for manufacturing. This shared model combines the strengths of your in-house IT staff with the resources, tools, and expertise of a trusted managed services provider (MSP). Together, they create a reliable, secure environment where operations run smoothly and downtime becomes rare.

The Challenge: Balancing Operations, Security, and Growth

Modern manufacturing environments rely on a mix of legacy machinery, industrial IoT systems, and connected networks that must all function seamlessly. Your IT staff may be responsible for everything from supporting office software to maintaining production line connectivity.

When IT teams are stretched thin, issues like patching, backup testing, and compliance can fall behind. Over time, this creates vulnerabilities that threaten both productivity and data integrity.

Common challenges we see include:

• Outdated hardware or unsupported systems still running on production lines
• Gaps between operational technology (OT) and IT infrastructure
• Security risks from vendor-connected equipment or remote access tools
• Lack of time for long-term planning due to constant reactive support
• Insufficient backup or recovery procedures in the event of an outage

Co-managed IT bridges these gaps by adding specialized support and advanced monitoring tools that strengthen your infrastructure without disrupting your existing workflows.

What Co-Managed IT Means for Manufacturers

Co-managed IT is a flexible partnership that supplements your internal IT staff. It gives your team access to enterprise-level tools, cybersecurity expertise, and additional manpower to manage daily tasks or complex projects.

Key benefits of co-managed IT services for manufacturers include:

• Continuous Monitoring: Detect and address issues before they cause downtime.
• Cybersecurity Oversight: Secure both IT and OT environments from internal and external threats.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Protect production data and minimize disruption in case of failure.
• Vendor Coordination: Manage software, hardware, and equipment vendors efficiently.
• Compliance Assistance: Meet industry regulations like CMMC, NIST, and ISO standards.

By partnering with BroCoTec, your internal IT team gains a second layer of expertise that ensures nothing is overlooked.

Uptime Is Everything

Few industries feel the impact of downtime as immediately as manufacturing. When machines stop, losses accumulate quickly. Maintaining continuous uptime requires a proactive IT strategy that includes redundancy, monitoring, and clear escalation procedures.

BroCoTec's co-managed model focuses on prevention. We help your team establish systems that automatically detect anomalies and address them before they interrupt production. Our consultants also assist in mapping dependencies across your network, ensuring that if one system goes down, others can continue to function.

This proactive approach transforms IT from a reactive department into a core driver of reliability and efficiency.

Strengthening Cybersecurity and Infrastructure

Manufacturing environments are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals because of their reliance on connected devices and outdated systems. A ransomware attack or unauthorized access can halt production, corrupt files, or compromise proprietary designs.

Our industrial IT support team works closely with your engineers and IT staff to build layered defenses that protect both production and administrative systems.

Our cybersecurity framework includes:

• Network segmentation between corporate and production networks
• Multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls
• Endpoint protection across workstations and machinery controllers
• Secure vendor access for remote monitoring and updates
• Regular vulnerability scans and security audits

This collaborative structure allows your team to focus on production efficiency while knowing that cybersecurity is being actively managed by experts, but that efficiency can also be improved with managed IT services.

We assist with:

• Upgrading outdated switches, routers, and firewalls
• Designing redundant network paths for critical equipment
• Implementing cloud-based solutions for reporting and analytics
• Integrating IoT devices into secure, monitored networks
• Establishing clear documentation and standard operating procedures

BroCoTec's consultants and engineers work with your IT staff to plan infrastructure improvements that align with your manufacturing schedule and minimize disruption.

Compliance and Industry Standards

Manufacturers are increasingly subject to cybersecurity and data protection regulations. Whether your company supplies parts to the defense sector or manages sensitive client information, compliance cannot be an afterthought. Whether you're looking for CMMC and NIST compliance for defense contractors, ISO 27001 support with information security, OSHA for ground-floor compliance, or general data retention and audit readiness to follow those best practices, we provide documentation and reporting tools to help you demonstrate compliance during audits and client reviews.

Integrating IT and OT for Smarter Manufacturing

The line between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) continues to blur. Systems like production line controllers, sensors, and monitoring equipment are now interconnected, creating both opportunities and vulnerabilities.

BroCoTec helps manufacturers integrate these environments safely by:

• Building segmented networks that allow communication without cross-contamination
• Ensuring equipment updates do not compromise production uptime
• Establishing clear policies for vendor access and equipment monitoring
• Coordinating between plant engineers and IT staff for better communication

This alignment not only improves efficiency but also strengthens your overall security posture.

The BroCoTec Difference

BroCoTec brings decades of IT experience and a deep understanding of Houston's industrial landscape. Our manufacturing IT support and co-managed services are built around the unique needs of manufacturing companies that cannot afford downtime.

We combine proactive management, cybersecurity expertise, and local responsiveness to deliver results that keep production moving. Whether you need assistance with infrastructure planning, compliance, or ongoing system monitoring, our consultants are here to help.

Ready to Strengthen Your IT Operations?

Downtime is costly. Security breaches are disruptive. With BroCoTec's co-managed IT services for manufacturing, your team gains a partner dedicated to preventing both.

Click Here or give us a call at 832-536-9012 to Book a FREE Discovery Call