Serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001.
If you're a manufacturing company with 25–50 computer users, you should expect to invest between $185 and $225 per supported computer user per month for comprehensive managed IT services.
For most manufacturing companies in the Chicagoland area, that investment includes proactive systems management, cybersecurity, help desk support, strategic IT planning, vendor management, and ongoing technology maintenance. Additional services such as Microsoft 365 licensing and certain third-party software subscriptions are typically billed separately because their pricing is determined by the software vendor.
While price is important, manufacturing companies should focus just as much on what is included, how quickly their provider responds, and whether the provider understands manufacturing environments. Downtime in manufacturing doesn't just affect office employees—it can impact production schedules, shipping deadlines, and customer commitments.
At TR Technologies, Inc., we've been serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001, helping companies with 25–50 computer users improve cybersecurity, reduce downtime, and strategically plan their technology investments.
Why Manufacturing Companies Pay More Attention to IT Than Ever
Manufacturing has changed dramatically over the past decade.
Today's manufacturers rely on:
- ERP systems
- CNC machines
- Industrial IoT devices
- Warehouse barcode systems
- Microsoft 365
- Remote access
- Cloud applications
- Cybersecurity insurance requirements
- Third-party machine vendors
Unlike many businesses, manufacturers often operate two separate technology environments:
- Information Technology (IT) – computers, servers, Microsoft 365, business software
- Operational Technology (OT) – production equipment, PLCs, CNC machines, industrial automation, and connected devices
Managing these environments requires specialized knowledge that goes beyond traditional IT support.
What Determines Managed IT Pricing?
Although every manufacturing company is unique, most managed IT providers base pricing on several factors.
Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers with compliance requirements typically require additional planning, documentation, and security controls.
Examples include:
- HIPAA
- ISO 27001
- NIST
- CMMC
- Customer security questionnaires
- Cyber insurance requirements
These organizations generally require additional administrative oversight and ongoing compliance support.
Network Complexity
Every manufacturing facility is different.
Factors that influence complexity include:
- Multiple buildings
- Production facilities
- Warehouse operations
- Remote employees
- Machine vendor connectivity
- Industrial IoT devices
- Wireless networks
- VPN access
- Multiple Internet connections
A manufacturing company with several production lines and numerous machine vendors has different support requirements than a single-office business.
What's Included in Managed IT Services?
Every MSP structures their offerings differently, so it's important to understand exactly what is—and isn't—included.
At TR Technologies, our managed services are designed to provide comprehensive IT support while helping manufacturers maintain reliable, secure technology environments.
Typical services include:
Help Desk Support
Fast assistance for day-to-day technology issues such as:
- Computer problems
- Email issues
- Printing
- Password resets
- Software troubleshooting
- Remote support
Our average response time is under 15 minutes, allowing employees to get back to work quickly.
Proactive Systems Management
Rather than waiting for problems to occur, systems are continuously monitored and maintained.
This includes:
- Patch management
- Server monitoring
- Workstation monitoring
- Security updates
- Antivirus management
- Backup monitoring
- Performance optimization
Cybersecurity Best Practices
Modern cybersecurity extends far beyond antivirus software.
A managed cybersecurity program typically includes:
- Endpoint protection
- Multi-factor authentication guidance
- Security monitoring
- Vulnerability remediation
- User security recommendations
- Backup verification
- Cyber insurance readiness
Many of these controls are commonly requested on cyber insurance questionnaires.
Strategic vCIO Services
One of the biggest differences between traditional IT support and managed services is ongoing strategic planning.
TR Technologies provides Virtual CIO (vCIO) services that help manufacturers:
- Plan future technology investments
- Budget for hardware replacement
- Improve cybersecurity maturity
- Prepare for compliance initiatives
- Coordinate technology projects
- Reduce unexpected expenses
Instead of reacting to technology failures, businesses can make informed decisions before issues become costly.
Vendor Management
Manufacturers often work with numerous technology vendors.
Examples include:
- ERP consultants
- CNC manufacturers
- Automation companies
- PLC programmers
- Phone providers
- Internet providers
- Security camera vendors
- Building access vendors
Rather than asking your staff to coordinate multiple providers, TR Technologies acts as your central technology partner, working with vendors to resolve issues efficiently.
Why Microsoft 365 Licensing Is Billed Separately
One question we hear frequently is:
"Why isn't Microsoft 365 included in managed IT pricing?"
The answer is transparency.
Microsoft licenses are subscription services whose pricing and licensing options change regularly.
Keeping licensing separate provides several benefits:
- You only pay for the licenses you need.
- License upgrades are straightforward.
- Microsoft pricing changes remain transparent.
- Your managed IT investment is easier to understand.
- Licensing can be adjusted as your workforce changes.
Instead of embedding software licensing costs into managed services, TR Technologies invoices Microsoft 365 separately as its own line item.
This approach gives clients greater flexibility and visibility into their technology spending.
Example Monthly Investment
While every organization is different, the following examples illustrate typical pricing.
| Computer Users | $185 Plan | $225 Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | $4,625/month | $5,625/month |
| 35 | $6,475/month | $7,875/month |
| 50 | $9,250/month | $11,250/month |
These examples do not include Microsoft 365 licensing or other third-party subscription services.
Actual pricing depends on your technology environment, compliance requirements, and support needs.
How Manufacturers Can Reduce Their IT Costs
The lowest monthly price isn't always the lowest long-term cost.
Manufacturers often reduce overall IT expenses by focusing on:
Standardization
Using consistent hardware and software simplifies support and improves reliability.
Lifecycle Planning
Replacing equipment before it fails reduces emergency purchases and unplanned downtime.
Network Segmentation
Separating office IT from production equipment improves security and reduces operational risk.
Strategic Budgeting
A technology roadmap helps spread major investments over several years instead of reacting to unexpected failures.
Vendor Coordination
Working with a single technology partner minimizes delays and finger-pointing between vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is managed IT more expensive than hiring an internal IT employee?
For many manufacturers with 25–50 computer users, managed IT provides access to a broader range of expertise—including help desk, systems administration, cybersecurity, and strategic planning—at a predictable monthly cost that is often less than building an equivalent in-house team.
Do you support manufacturing software?
Yes. While software vendors remain responsible for their applications, TR Technologies works alongside ERP providers, machine vendors, and other technology partners to help ensure systems operate together effectively.
Can you work with our machine vendors?
Absolutely. Coordinating with third-party vendors is one of our core strengths. We regularly work with machine manufacturers, automation companies, ERP consultants, and other technology providers to resolve issues and support production environments.
Why Manufacturers Choose TR Technologies
Choosing an MSP isn't just about fixing computers. It's about selecting a long-term technology partner who understands your business.
Manufacturers choose TR Technologies because we provide:
- 25 years of manufacturing IT experience
- Average response time under 15 minutes
- 99% uptime for systems under our management
- Strategic vCIO services
- Full-service help desk
- IT administration aligned with best practices
- Manufacturing network segmentation expertise
- Coordination with machine vendors and third-party technology providers
- A single point of accountability for your technology environment
Ready to Budget for Your Manufacturing IT?
If you're evaluating managed IT services for your manufacturing company, the best place to start is with a conversation about your current environment, business goals, and future plans—not just a price quote.
TR Technologies works with manufacturing companies throughout Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, and the greater Chicagoland area to build secure, reliable, and strategically managed IT environments.
Contact TR Technologies today to schedule a discovery call and receive a customized managed IT assessment tailored to your manufacturing business.
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