Your CNC machines are only as reliable as the technology that supports them. If your IT provider isn’t keeping up, it could mean downtime, lost contracts, and a lot of unnecessary stress for your machine shop.
Precision, efficiency, and reliability are critical in the manufacturing industry. If your IT support is falling short, here are 7 signs it’s time to switch to an IT provider who understands machine shop operations.
- You Can’t Reach Them During Emergencies
When a server crashes or a network issue shuts down production, waiting hours for a response isn’t an option. Every minute of downtime means missed deadlines and lost revenue.
Machine Shop Reality:
You need an IT provider who answers immediately and resolves issues before your machines sit idle. If you’re stuck leaving voicemails, it’s time to find someone reliable.
- They Don’t Monitor Your Systems Proactively
Your IT team should be alerting you to problems before they occur, not reacting after it’s too late.
For CNC Machine Shops:
Proactive IT monitoring prevents network slowdowns, outdated software, and unexpected crashes that halt production. If you’re spotting the problems before your IT team, they’re not doing their job.
- Cybersecurity Isn’t Their Priority
Ransomware attacks and data breaches are more common than ever, especially for small and mid-sized machine shops managing sensitive contracts. If your IT provider isn’t prioritizing:
- Ransomware protection
- Data backups
- Compliance with CMMC and DFARS
...then they’re leaving your contracts and operations at risk.
- Support Is Slow or Hard to Use
Is your IT provider slow to respond to requests? Are their processes overly complicated?
Machine Shop Reality:
You don’t have time to chase tickets or wait days for answers when an IT issue disrupts production. You need clear communication and a team that speaks your language—without the tech jargon.
- They Don’t Provide Clear Invoices
If your IT invoices are vague, inconsistent, or full of surprise charges, it’s time to ask questions.
Good IT providers:
- Offer transparent pricing.
- Explain exactly what you’re paying for.
- Help you budget IT costs effectively to avoid surprises.
- Backups Aren’t Tested Regularly
You rely on your IT provider to back up critical files like blueprints, customer data, and machine configurations. But backups are worthless if no one’s testing them.
A reliable IT provider conducts regular test restores to ensure your data can be recovered quickly—because downtime isn’t an option.
- Projects Are Late or Over Budget
Are IT projects always delayed, over budget, or poorly communicated? That’s a red flag.
Machine Shop Reality:
Whether it’s upgrading your network for compliance or improving system efficiency, IT projects must be completed on time and on budget to keep production running smoothly.
Don’t Let Poor IT Support Cost You Contracts
If any of these signs hit close to home, it’s time to partner with an IT provider who understands manufacturing, CNC operations, and the importance of precision.
Take the First Step: Get a FREE Network Assessment
We’ll evaluate your current systems, identify vulnerabilities, and provide a tailored plan to:
✅ Prevent downtime that impacts production.
✅ Strengthen cybersecurity to meet CMMC and DFARS compliance.
✅ Streamline your IT infrastructure for maximum efficiency.
Stop settling for subpar IT support. Let’s get your systems running like your machines—smooth, reliable, and efficient.
📞 Call us today at 817-803-4603 or Schedule Your FREE Network Assessment Now!