Practical guidance. Better planning.
Manufacturing IT Resource Center
Everything manufacturing leaders need to budget, secure, and strategically plan their technology—from managed IT pricing and cybersecurity to technology roadmaps and equipment lifecycle planning.
Serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001.
Planning resources
Tools & references
Roadmap example
Recommended reading
Best practices
01 / Planning resources
Start with the decision in front of you.
Explore managed IT pricing, cybersecurity, strategic planning, and the infrastructure decisions that support your manufacturing business.
Pricing + interactive calculator
Managed IT Pricing for Manufacturers
Understand what influences managed IT pricing for manufacturing businesses, including support requirements, infrastructure, and security needs.
Online guide
Network Segmentation
Best practices for separating IT and OT networks.
Online guide
Cyber Insurance Guide
Understand requirements, reduce risk, and get insurance-ready.
Guide + interactive planner
Hardware Lifecycle Planner
Plan and budget for servers, PCs, and network equipment.
Online guide
vCIO Guide
Learn how a vCIO provides strategic IT leadership and long-term planning.
Online checklist
MSP Evaluation Checklist
Use this checklist to choose the right MSP for your manufacturing business.
02 / Tools & planning references
Put your planning into motion.
Use the existing interactive calculators and online guidance to explore budgets, equipment lifecycles, and security readiness.
01
Interactive calculator
Managed IT Pricing Calculator
Estimate monthly managed IT investment by supported users and service level.
01
Interactive planner
Hardware Lifecycle Planner
Enter equipment ages to create a three-year lifecycle planning view.
01
Online guidance
Hardware Lifecycle Guide
Review lifecycle considerations for critical IT equipment.
01
Online guidance
Cyber Insurance Readiness
Review common security controls and documentation requirements.
01
Online guidance
Technology Roadmap Planning
Connect hardware replacement decisions with a broader technology roadmap and budget.
03 / A technology roadmap example
Plan ahead.
Reduce risk. Drive growth.
A proactive technology roadmap aligns your infrastructure, security, and business goals—year after year.
Year 01
Foundation
Firewall Upgrade
Backups & Recovery
Multi-Factor Authentication
Network Switches
Security Policies
Year 02
Optimization
Server Refresh
ERP/System Upgrades
Wi-Fi Upgrades
Storage Upgrades
Process Automation
Year 03
Growth
Cloud Strategy
Advanced Security
Industrial IoT
Business Intelligence
Business Growth
An illustrative sequence. Priorities and timing should reflect your environment, business needs, and existing technology.
04 / Recommended reading
A closer look at the issues that matter.
Perspectives on business continuity, manufacturing cybersecurity, and practical uses for new technology.
Windows 10, Windows 7, and Legacy Controllers: How Manufacturers Can Manage Aging Systems
A CNC machine may run reliably for decades. The Windows-based controller operating that machine, however, may have reached the end of its supported life years ago. Managing legacy Windows systems in manufacturing creates a difficult decision for business owners and…
What Microsoft 365 Licenses Do Manufacturing Companies Actually Need? (2026 Guide)
Microsoft 365 Licensing Guide for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers Most manufacturing companies do not need the same Microsoft 365 license for every employee. The right licensing approach depends on job responsibilities, required applications, device usage,…
How Can Manufacturers Reduce Downtime with Better Network Monitoring?
Learn how manufacturing companies can reduce avoidable downtime through proactive IT and OT network monitoring, early warning alerts, and practical response planning.
05 / Manufacturing IT best practices
Keep the fundamentals strong.
Security, reliable networks, thoughtful budgets, and the right technology choices all contribute to a stronger operating environment.
Cybersecurity
Strong security protects your people, systems, and production.
Manufacturing Networks
Separate IT from OT to improve security, reliability, and performance.
Budgeting
Plan your technology investments before failure happens—and avoid surprise costs.
Cloud Strategy
Cloud can drive efficiency—when it’s the right fit for your environment.
Compliance
Align technology with industry standards and cyber insurance requirements.
06 / Why TR Technologies?
Manufacturing context.
Strategic IT leadership.
We understand your environment—and help connect day-to-day technology needs with longer-term planning.
2001
Serving manufacturers
since 2001
15 min
Average response time
vCIO
Strategic IT leadership
and long-term planning
Manufacturing IT specialists
We understand your environment.
Cyber insurance readiness
Understand requirements and reduce risk.
Vendor coordination
We manage vendors so you don’t have to.
Technology planning
Plan infrastructure, security, and equipment investments.
Turn planning into a conversation
Ready to build your manufacturing technology roadmap?
Whether you’re planning your next hardware refresh, improving cybersecurity, or looking for strategic IT leadership, we’re here to help.