IT Compliance Challenges in Manufacturing & How to Solve Them | Tomorrow's Technology Today

Compliance may not have been much of a concern in the past, but today manufacturers are increasingly in the crosshairs of regulators. New standards like the FTC Safeguards Rule and NIST 800-171 are reshaping expectations for how manufacturing businesses handle data and secure their networks.

Whether you need to meet compliance for offering financing operations, applying government contracts, or storing important customer data, compliance is not just about checking boxes. With cyberattacks on the rise, it's about protecting your operation, your reputation, your future, and your customers.

Here are some of the most common IT compliance challenges manufacturers face, and how the right support can help solve them without disrupting productivity.

Why Manufacturers Are Now a Compliance Target

Regulators are no longer limiting their oversight to traditional industries. Manufacturers are being pulled into the compliance spotlight due to growing digital infrastructure and supply chain risk.

Common compliance frameworks impacting manufacturers:

• FTC Safeguards Rule: Applies to businesses handling consumer financial information, including manufacturers with financing or e-commerce components
• NIST 800-171: Required for companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), especially in defense-related supply chains
• CMMC: Mandates cybersecurity maturity levels for Department of Defense contractors and subcontractors
• State cybersecurity initiatives: Programs like Ohio's CyberOhio encourage readiness among small and mid-sized businesses

Need a refresher on how the FTC rule affects you?

Where Compliance Gaps Often Occur

Manufacturers often run complex, hybrid environments with older machines, third-party vendor access, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT). These setups increase efficiency but can also create serious compliance risks if not secured properly.

Common vulnerabilities include:

• Unpatched or unsupported software and hardware
• No formal IT policies for access control or data handling
• Insecure remote access for vendors or staff
• Limited or no logging of system activity
• Lack of a documented incident response or recovery plan

These gaps not only create regulatory exposure but also leave you open to ransomware and operational downtime.

How to Get Ahead of Compliance Without Disrupting Operations

Many small to mid-sized manufacturers assume compliance will slow them down or require expensive overhauls. In reality, most standards share the same core principles, and those can be addressed step by step.

Actionable solutions:

• Complete a structured IT risk assessment
• Document all access and security policies
• Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all users
• Apply updates and patches consistently
• Back up data regularly and test recovery
• Train staff on phishing and data security basics
• Maintain audit-ready logs of system activity

These practices align with requirements in frameworks like NIST, CMMC, and the FTC Safeguards Rule. They also strengthen your business against real-world threats.

Managed IT Services Simplify Compliance

Most manufacturers do not have the in-house bandwidth to manage compliance frameworks on their own. That is where managed IT services offer the most value.

At Tomorrow's Technology Today, we serve as a true IT partner, aligning your infrastructure with compliance standards and providing local, hands-on support you can trust.

With our managed IT and cybersecurity services, you get:

• 24/7 monitoring and vulnerability management
• Compliance-aligned documentation and reporting
• Policy templates based on industry standards
• Proactive patching and vulnerability management
• Live support when you need it, with a 60-minute response guarantee

Do Not Overlook Continuity Planning

Every compliance framework emphasizes business continuity. That includes the ability to recover from incidents quickly and securely, not just defend against them.

Without a plan, a cyberattack could shut down production, expose sensitive files, and leave you struggling to answer to clients and regulators.

We work with manufacturers to create IT strategies that include both compliance and continuity.

Talk to a Compliance-Focused IT Partner

Compliance does not have to be complicated or disruptive. With the right IT partner, you can secure your business, meet evolving standards, and stay productive.

At Tomorrow's Technology Today, we help manufacturers across Ohio assess their compliance readiness and put clear, cost-effective solutions in place.

Want to know where you stand and what to do next?

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