Serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001.
The short answer: Manufacturing companies should separate their office IT network from their production equipment network using secure network segmentation.
Proper network segmentation reduces cybersecurity risk, limits the spread of ransomware, improves operational reliability, and helps meet cyber insurance and compliance requirements. While office employees need access to email, Microsoft 365, and business applications, production equipment such as CNC machines, PLCs, robotics, and industrial control systems often require a different level of protection and management.
For manufacturers, a flat network where everything communicates with everything else is no longer considered a best practice. A well-designed segmented network protects production without disrupting operations.
At TR Technologies, we've been serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001, helping manufacturers design secure, reliable networks that support both business operations and production environments.
Why Manufacturing Networks Are Different
Most businesses only have one technology environment.
Manufacturers typically have two.
Information Technology (IT)
Your traditional business systems include:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Microsoft 365
- File servers
- ERP systems
- Accounting software
- Wi-Fi
- Internet access
These systems change frequently and require regular updates.
Operational Technology (OT)
Your production environment often includes:
- CNC machines
- PLCs
- HMIs
- Industrial robots
- SCADA systems
- Industrial IoT devices
- Barcode scanners
- Vision systems
- Quality control equipment
Many of these systems remain in production for years—sometimes decades—and cannot always be updated like office computers.
That difference is why manufacturers need a different approach to cybersecurity.
The Risks of a Flat Network
Many manufacturers still operate on what is known as a flat network.
In a flat network:
- Every computer can often communicate with every other device.
- Office users may have direct access to production equipment.
- Malware can spread quickly.
- Troubleshooting becomes more difficult.
- Security incidents affect far more systems than necessary.
Imagine a phishing email infects an employee's workstation.
On a flat network, ransomware may be able to reach:
- File servers
- ERP systems
- Production workstations
- CNC machines
- PLC programming computers
- Backup systems
Instead of losing one workstation, an entire facility could experience downtime.
The Manufacturing Network Segmentation Framework
Rather than one large network, manufacturers should create separate security zones based on business function.
A simple framework looks like this.
Step 1: Separate Office IT from Production
The first goal is to create distinct network segments for:
- Office users
- Production equipment
- Servers
- Guest Wi-Fi
- Voice systems
- Security cameras
These networks communicate only where necessary.
Step 2: Control Traffic Between Networks
Not every device should talk to every other device.
Firewalls and access control policies should determine:
- Which systems communicate
- Who has access
- What applications are allowed
- When communication occurs
This reduces the attack surface while still allowing production to operate efficiently.
Step 3: Protect Remote Access
Machine vendors often require remote access for maintenance.
Instead of exposing equipment directly to the Internet:
- Use secure VPN connections.
- Require multi-factor authentication.
- Limit vendor access to only the equipment they support.
- Log remote access sessions whenever possible.
This significantly improves security while still allowing vendors to provide support.
Step 4: Monitor Both IT and OT
Manufacturing environments benefit from monitoring that includes:
- Server health
- Network performance
- Internet connectivity
- Firewall activity
- Critical production systems
- Backup status
- Cybersecurity alerts
Early detection often prevents small issues from becoming production outages.
Step 5: Review the Network Regularly
Manufacturing environments constantly evolve.
New equipment is installed.
Old equipment is replaced.
New vendors require connectivity.
Annual network reviews help ensure security keeps pace with operational changes.
Common Network Segmentation Mistakes
Many manufacturing companies unknowingly create unnecessary risk.
Some of the most common mistakes include:
Guest Wi-Fi Sharing the Production Network
Visitors should never have access to production equipment.
Machine Vendors Using Shared Credentials
Every vendor should have unique accounts with appropriate permissions.
Old Equipment Connected Directly to the Business Network
Legacy equipment often cannot receive modern security updates.
Additional safeguards are usually necessary.
No Documentation
Many companies cannot identify:
- Which switch serves production
- Which firewall rule allows vendor access
- Which VLAN contains CNC equipment
Documentation makes troubleshooting faster and reduces downtime.
Cyber Insurance Now Expects Better Network Design
Cyber insurance questionnaires have become much more detailed over the last several years.
Many carriers now ask about:
- Network segmentation
- Multi-factor authentication
- Remote access security
- Backup protection
- Firewall management
- Endpoint security
- Incident response planning
A properly segmented network not only improves security—it can also help demonstrate that your organization follows recognized cybersecurity best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will network segmentation slow down production?
No. Properly designed segmentation allows production systems to communicate exactly as needed while improving overall security and reliability.
Can older CNC machines still be protected?
Yes.
Many legacy systems cannot be upgraded, but they can often be protected through network isolation, firewall rules, and restricted access.
Does every manufacturer need network segmentation?
If your business relies on production equipment connected to your business network, segmentation should be considered a cybersecurity best practice.
The size of the implementation will depend on your environment, but nearly every manufacturer benefits from separating office and production systems.
Why Manufacturers Trust TR Technologies
Manufacturing environments require more than traditional IT support.
TR Technologies helps manufacturers:
- Design secure production networks
- Coordinate with machine vendors
- Improve cybersecurity readiness
- Support cyber insurance requirements
- Reduce downtime
- Provide strategic vCIO guidance
- Manage technology using industry best practices
Serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001, we understand the unique challenges manufacturers face because we've worked alongside them for more than 25 years.
Is Your Manufacturing Network Protecting Your Production?
Many manufacturers don't realize how much risk exists until they experience a cybersecurity incident or production outage.
A professional network assessment can identify opportunities to improve security, reliability, and operational resilience—without disrupting production.
If you'd like to understand whether your office and production networks are properly designed, contact TR Technologies for a discovery call.
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