If your only real conversation with your IT company happens when it's time to renew the contract, you might be missing the bigger picture.
For manufacturers here in Metro Detroit—where precision, uptime, and delivery schedules are everything—technology isn’t just about email and office files. It’s production lines, floor-level software, inventory tracking, vendor portals, and secure customer data all working in sync. And when something goes down, it impacts more than just your IT—it slows your entire operation.
Technology evolves fast. So do the threats. That’s why quarterly check-ins with your IT partner shouldn’t be optional. They’re critical if you want to keep your operations protected, productive, and competitive in today’s market.
Not sure what to ask in those check-ins? That’s okay. Here’s your cheat sheet.
1. Are there any vulnerabilities we need to address right now?
This isn’t about fear—it’s about staying ahead. Ask your IT provider:
- Are all of our systems patched and up to date?
- Any recent red flags or warning signs?
- Is our antivirus protection current and effective?
- Have there been any attempted intrusions?
You’re not being alarmist—you’re being proactive.
2. What’s the status of our backups—and have you tested them lately?
Think of backups like safety nets on the line. You never want to use them—but when you do, they better work. Ask:
- Are our production systems, databases, and shared files backed up daily?
- Are we using a secure cloud or hybrid backup strategy?
- When was the last successful test restore?
- Are backups encrypted and stored properly?
A lot of Metro Detroit shops think they’re covered… until something goes wrong.
3. Are our employees following cybersecurity best practices?
In today’s threat landscape, it only takes one click on a phishing email to bring the whole network down. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual login attempts or risky user behavior?
- Are we enforcing multi-factor authentication?
- When was our last phishing simulation or security training?
Your employees are part of your defense—keep them sharp.
4. How has our network performance been lately?
Slow systems don’t just frustrate your team—they drag down output. Ask:
- Are we seeing bottlenecks on the shop floor?
- Are our machines, workstations, or software showing their age?
- Can anything be optimized to improve performance?
Every minute counts in manufacturing. Especially when you’re trying to hit deadlines across Wayne, Macomb, or Oakland County.
5. Are we staying compliant with the regulations that apply to us?
Whether you’re handling customer data, working with healthcare clients, or storing vendor information, compliance matters. Ask:
- Are we up to speed on industry-specific regulations like HIPAA or PCI-DSS?
- Have any data privacy laws changed recently?
- Do we need to update any internal policies, training, or security settings?
Metro Detroit businesses can’t afford fines—or a reputation hit.
6. What should we be budgeting for next quarter?
IT shouldn’t sneak up on your budget. Ask:
- Are there any aging systems or expiring licenses?
- Any upgrades we need to start planning for?
- Any network, server, or cybersecurity investments on the horizon?
Having a plan keeps your team ahead of problems—and ahead of the budget surprises.
7. What trends in IT or cybersecurity are we behind on?
Detroit manufacturing is evolving—and your IT needs to evolve with it. Ask:
- Are we missing opportunities to modernize or automate?
- Are there security protocols we’re lagging on?
- What are other Metro Detroit manufacturers doing that we’re not?
- Are there any threats specific to our industry or location we should watch?
Being behind on IT isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a security risk.
If you’re not having these conversations, it’s a red flag.
If your IT provider isn’t bringing these things up—or worse, can’t answer them—that’s a sign something’s wrong.
Tech isn’t just a background tool anymore. In Southeast Michigan, it’s part of how you stay lean, fast, and competitive. And with cyberthreats becoming more sophisticated by the day, you need a partner who isn’t just reacting—but helping you stay a step ahead.
That’s what we do.
We offer free security assessments to Metro Detroit manufacturers so you can get a clear, jargon-free look at your current tech setup—what’s working, what’s vulnerable, and what needs to change before it becomes a costly problem.
Click here to schedule your free assessment and start the conversation.
