IT Consulting for Manufacturing Companies

Manufacturers face growing pressure to digitize operations, connect shop floor and enterprise systems, and defend against cyber threats targeting OT environments. Catch Advisors delivers vendor-neutral IT advisory for discrete and process manufacturers pursuing Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Get a Free Assessment

76%

of manufacturers have a smart factory initiative in progress or planned

$4.7M

average cost of a data breach in the manufacturing sector

63%

of manufacturers cite cybersecurity as a top barrier to Industry 4.0 adoption

Manufacturing is in the middle of a technology transformation. Industry 4.0 initiatives, supply chain disruptions, and increasing customer demands for customization are pushing manufacturers to rethink their IT and OT strategies. The convergence of operational technology and information technology creates both opportunity and risk.

Catch Advisors works with manufacturers to build connected, secure, and efficient technology environments. We help you evaluate ERP modernization options, design IoT architectures for real-time production visibility, secure OT networks against growing cyber threats, and deploy collaboration tools that connect plant floors with corporate offices. Our vendor-neutral model ensures recommendations are based on your operational requirements, not on vendor incentives.

From mid-market manufacturers upgrading legacy systems to large enterprises implementing smart factory initiatives, we bring practical IT advisory that accounts for the realities of manufacturing environments: uptime requirements, harsh conditions, distributed facilities, and lean IT teams.

Key Challenges We Address

OT/IT Convergence

Bridging the gap between operational technology on the plant floor and enterprise IT systems while maintaining security boundaries and operational reliability.

Supply Chain Visibility

Deploying technology that provides real-time insight into supplier performance, inventory levels, and logistics across complex, multi-tier supply chains.

IoT & Sensor Integration

Connecting sensors, PLCs, and edge devices to analytics platforms that drive predictive maintenance, quality control, and production optimization.

ERP Modernization

Upgrading aging ERP platforms to cloud-based or hybrid solutions that support modern manufacturing workflows, reporting, and integration needs.

Cybersecurity for OT Environments

Protecting industrial control systems, SCADA networks, and manufacturing execution systems from ransomware and targeted attacks without disrupting production.

Distributed Facility Networking

Connecting multiple manufacturing sites, warehouses, and offices with reliable, secure networking that supports real-time data and collaboration.

Workforce Collaboration & Mobility

Enabling communication and collaboration between office workers, plant floor supervisors, and field service teams with unified tools.

Relevant Solutions

Technology capabilities we bring to manufacturing organizations.

IoT & Edge

Build the right IoT architecture with credible solutions for connected devices, sensors, and edge computing.

Learn more

Cybersecurity

Protect your organization with a comprehensive security strategy that addresses modern threats.

Learn more

Networking & Connectivity

Advanced networking solutions for modern communication, business operations, and digital infrastructure.

Learn more

Cloud

Scalable, flexible, and secure cloud solutions designed around your business needs.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OT/IT convergence in manufacturing?

OT/IT convergence is the integration of operational technology systems (like SCADA, PLCs, and MES) with enterprise IT systems (like ERP, CRM, and business intelligence tools). This integration enables real-time visibility into production, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. It also introduces cybersecurity challenges that require careful network segmentation and monitoring.

How do manufacturers secure OT environments?

OT security starts with asset discovery and network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from corporate IT networks. Add continuous monitoring for anomalous behavior, implement strict access controls, and ensure firmware and software patches are applied on a schedule that balances security with uptime. A defense-in-depth approach with OT-specific tools is recommended.

What should manufacturers look for in an ERP modernization?

Evaluate platforms based on industry-specific functionality like production scheduling, shop floor control, quality management, and supply chain planning. Consider cloud vs. on-premise deployment, integration with existing MES and IoT systems, total cost of ownership, and the vendor's manufacturing customer base. Phased migration with parallel operation reduces risk.

How does IoT improve manufacturing operations?

IoT sensors on equipment and production lines capture real-time data on temperature, vibration, throughput, and quality metrics. This data feeds analytics platforms that enable predictive maintenance (reducing unplanned downtime), real-time quality control, energy optimization, and production line balancing. ROI typically comes from reduced downtime and scrap rates.

What networking solutions work best for multi-site manufacturers?

SD-WAN is popular for connecting distributed manufacturing sites because it optimizes traffic routing, provides failover between connections, and supports centralized management. For sites with high real-time data requirements, dedicated fiber or MPLS circuits may still be necessary. A hybrid approach with SD-WAN overlay often delivers the best balance of performance, reliability, and cost.

Related Industries

Professional Services

Law firms, accounting practices, and consulting organizations depend on technology to serve clients and protect sensitive information. Catch Advisors provides vendor-neutral IT advisory to help professional services firms modernize collaboration tools, secure client data, and streamline operations.

Explore

Healthcare

Healthcare organizations face unique technology challenges, from HIPAA compliance to EHR optimization. Catch Advisors delivers vendor-neutral IT strategies that protect patient data, streamline clinical workflows, and modernize infrastructure for hospitals, health systems, and specialty practices.

Explore

Ready to Transform Manufacturing IT?

Schedule a free assessment to discuss your industry-specific technology challenges.

Get Your Free Assessment