For manufacturers, protecting operational data is no longer optional. Whether it's production schedules, supplier communications, or compliance records, a single event can create costly downtime, missed orders, or regulatory exposure.
One of the most important decisions you will make is how to back up that data? Should you use cloud backup or stick with on-premise solutions? Is a hybrid model best for your needs?
Let's break down the pros and cons of each approach so you can make the right decision for your factory.
Why Backup Strategy Matters in Manufacturing
Ohio manufacturers face a unique set of risks. Many facilities still use legacy equipment and rely on locally stored files yet must comply with evolving standards like NIST or FTC regulations. At the same time, ransomware attacks on manufacturers are increasing, often targeting unpatched and poorly secured systems.
Without a reliable backup strategy, recovery from these incidents can be slow, expensive, or even impossible.
The Basics: Cloud Backup vs On-Prem Backup
- Cloud backup stores your data offsite in a secure, remote data center that is accessible over the internet.
- On-prem backup keeps your data stored locally, typically on a server or external hardware located in your facility.
Both methods can protect your business. The question is which one aligns best with your environment, risk tolerance, and compliance needs.
Key Differences to Consider
The right solution often depends on how your systems are set up, how fast you need to recover data, and how much risk you are willing to manage internally.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Here is a simplified comparison of the two options:
Cloud Backup
- Offsite storage protects against fire, flood, and physical damage
- Automatically scales as your data grows
- Enables remote access for distributed teams
- Requires a stable internet connection for recovery
- May involve recurring subscription costs
- Some industries have restrictions on where cloud data can be stored
On-Prem Backup
- Faster recovery for large files and local systems
- Complete control over hardware and data access
- No recurring cloud storage fees
- Vulnerable to local disasters like fire or theft
- Requires hardware maintenance and space
- Less effective without offsite replication
While on-prem solutions can offer faster recovery speeds, they are often a single point of failure unless paired with cloud replication. Cloud backups add redundancy and resilience, especially against ransomware and site-specific outages.
What About Compliance and Regulations?
For manufacturers working with federal contracts or sensitive client data, regulations like NIST 800-171 and the FTC Safeguards Rule require secure, documented backup practices. You may also need to prove that backups are encrypted, tested regularly, and stored in a way that ensures availability during an incident.
This is where cloud providers can offer built-in encryption and compliance support, while on-prem setups may require more hands-on configuration.
The Hybrid Approach
Many Ohio manufacturers choose a hybrid backup model. This combines fast local recovery from on-prem backups with offsite redundancy through the cloud. It provides protection from both local failures and cyber threats while offering the flexibility to meet industry-specific compliance needs.
This model is especially useful for manufacturers who need rapid recovery onsite but also want to protect against ransomware or facility damage.
Think Beyond Backup: Plan for Recovery
Backups are only as valuable as your ability to restore them. That is why manufacturers need to think in terms of recovery time, not just backup frequency.
A good plan answers these questions:
- How long can we afford to be down?
- How fast can we restore systems?
- Who is responsible for recovery?
- When was the last time we tested it?
At Tomorrow's Technology Today, we help Ohio-based manufacturers create backup and recovery plans that fit their operations, budget, and compliance requirements. Whether you are considering cloud, on-prem, or a mix of both, we will guide you through the process and deliver a solution that protects your business without disrupting production.
Not sure what your current backup setup is really protecting?
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