Managed IT Services for Manufacturers
Maintaining the Infrastructure and People driving your Digital Transformation
Reduce Risk | Stay Protected | Maximize Uptime | Increase Staff Satisfaction | Reduce Costs
Managed IT Services for Manufacturing
Are you a manufacturing company looking for reliable IT infrastructure without the hassle of managing it yourself? Look no further than IT managed services for manufacturing.
Partnering with a reputable managed IT services provider can give you the peace of mind that your IT systems are always up and running, so you can focus on your core business activities.
Managed IT services for manufacturing companies include network and server management, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, and 24/7 technical support. By outsourcing your IT management, you can prevent costly downtime and security breaches, ensuring that you remain competitive in your industry.
Enable Your Digital Transformation
I like to tell the story of the 2nd Industrial Revolution, which was caused by the electrification of our infrastructure and the introduction of the internal combustion engine. A picture of New York in 1900 had horses, trains, trams and gas lights. A picture in 1920 of the same place has electric streetcars, delivery trucks, cars and electric lights. All that change in less than 20 years!
The 4th Industrial Revolution is just as impressive. We have smart refrigerators, smart homes, cars that “phone in” their status to the dealers, and production equipment that tells us how productive they are.
Manufacturing digital transformation means the adoption of new ERP technologies (like Dynamics 365), new ways to service our products (with added IoT), new sales and contact methods. It is powered by the internet, 5G, mini computers, Millennials and ultra-rapid change.
With Digital Transformation comes the risks of Cyber Crime, drastically increased reliance on connectivity and technology to work, and incredible opportunity.
Sabre helps manufacturing companies navigate and manage all of this!
Cyber Crime and Manufacturing
Digital Transformation is making manufacturing companies more reliant on technology, and criminal organizations know this. There is a massive criminal economy that wants nothing more than to extort money from you if they can.
As a manufacturing business owner or executive, if you don’t care much about cyber security, or think it’s a problem other people need to deal with – then our IT services are not for you.
Everything we do in our Managed IT Services for manufacturing companies is based on the Cyber Security requirements of insurance companies and/or controlled goods certifications for military and law enforcement.
Our Most popular package is specifically modeled after the most common requirements on Cyber Insurance forms.
FOUR basic elements of sabre managed it services
If you are embarking on a Digital Transformation for your manufacturing company, Managed IT Services are a critical part of the success and safety of that journey. Sabre IT Managed Services for Manufacturing Companies is made up of 4 core components hat you pick from.
1. ERP Services
Not every customer needs ERP services, but if you are a Dynamics 365 manufacturing customer, you may be interested in our Business Excellence Managed ERP program.
2. System Maintenance
This service is the core of good IT services and is absolutely required in almost every circumstance. Advanced packages also incorporate Sabre Cybersecurity Services.
3. Help Desk
Optional support for your staff. Businesses that have strong teams that are tech-savvy often manage themselves, but most opt for Helpdesk Services for manufacturing IT.
4. Fractional CIO
If your manufacturing business is serious about Digital Transformation, a vCIO can be the facilitator, coach, leader and expert you need. Sabre offers various levels of vCIO.
Managed Services are a basic Cyber Security Requirement
Prevent Downtime | Identify Threats | Discover Bad Behavior | Stay Compliant
When Sabre Limited manages your computer systems, we use a system with AI like features to actively monitor critical hardware, computers and servers. This is sometimes called a Network Operations Center, and is the core feature of top tier Managed IT Services for Manufacturing as provided by Sabre Limited.
- You benefit from the special software installed on each computer that monitors each device so we keep our eyes on what is happening.
- Your downtime will be kept to a minimum as we detect and resolve hardware errors before they get out of control.
- We identify bad behavior, and hold staff accountable (and block installing software they should not).
- Sleep well knowing cyber risks are lowered as we lock down all computers to dissuade malicious actors.
- Stay compliant with the patching requirements of Cyber Insurance companies and CMMC.
- Windows 7, XP and even older systems are isolated and locked down allowing you to keep those old systems needed to run production and stay safe.
Sabre Managed IT Services For Manufacturers
The four pillars of Sabre’s IT Services for Manufacturing are: Proactive Maintenance; Help Desk; vCIO Services, and the Starter Package.
With these core areas we can support manufacturing companies it system requirements.
Proactive Maintenance
Prevent Downtime | Identify Threats | Discover Bad Behavior | Stay Compliant
As a manufacturing company, you know that downtime costs you money and disrupts your business. Our Proactive System Maintenance limits and prevents downtime for your knowledge workers and production environment in the same modern cars detect problems remotely.
Our Secure Proactive maintenance combines our Cyber Security with Proactive Maintenance and is a minimum requirement of modern Cyber Security insurers. Why is that? Because they pay out a lot less in settlements when this activity is done. We think that’s reason enough to invest in managed services and computer maintenance.
Help Desk
Improve Productivity | Expert Timely Help | Fast Results | Happy Staff
Sabre Help Desk services are an optional part of our IT Support for Manufacturing companies. It is the most popular service we offer, almost always added with our proactive maintenance. Our Sabre help desk team are professional, and excellent at working with your team to deal with issues quickly and efficiently.
Your staff will enjoy working with team members who are required to re-certify annually in customer service best practices. Customers provide regular CSAT (Customer Satisfaction) feedback, and we’re proud to run at a 97.5% “happy” rating from all customers. Your team will get fast service with a high performing staff that are experts at IT.
vCIO Services
Prevent Downtime | Identify Threats | Discover Bad Behavior | Stay Compliant
The Sabre Limited fractional CIO (or vCIO) is an extra service option to augment your C-Level organization (CFO, COO, CEO etc). The vCIO is a leader who works with your executive team to define and plan for your Digital Transformation and manufacturing managed IT services needs.
Sabre Limited vCIO services provide you with a senior leader to help guide decision-making and planning. Your personal vCIO is there to help explain the complexities of digital transformation in manufacturing. Sabre helps customers avoid obsolete technology, select the right services and tools and maximize your path to greater profitability and efficiencies. .
Starter Package
Enterprise Class | High Performing | Top Tier Reliability | Built for Hybrid Work
Over the years Sabre has found that a good foundation for your IT systems requires a great network. As modern manufacturing moves to the cloud, having the most reliable network possible becomes critical. Cloud solutions from vendors like Microsoft are fantastic, but are only as good as the weakest link in the chain.
To support outstanding remote management and maximum reliability, Sabre requires all manufacturing Managed IT Services customers to purchase our Starter Package. This package contains key equipment required for the operation of your network. It includes tools that allow us to manage that network remotely, safely and without needing to send “boots on the ground” staff to fix issues.
Helpdesk Service Packages
Basic
- 15 Min Best Effort Desktop Support
- Microsoft Office or GSuite Support
- Microsoft Teams or Slack Support
- Password Resets, Printer Resets, End User software support
- Annual Technology Business Reviews
- Limited Moves/Adds and Changes
- 24/7/365 Support Desk
- Project Work
Professional
- Full Desktop Support
- Microsoft Office or GSuite Support
- Microsoft Teams or Slack Support
- Password Resets, Printer Resets, Special software support
- Twice Annual Technology Business Reviews
- Moves/Adds and Changes
- 24/7/365 Support Desk
- Project Work
Proactive Maintenance Packages for Endpoints
Endpoints are laptops, desktops and other devices that run Windows, Mac OS or Android and are used for day to day activities by end users. These support plans designed for your manufacturing business. These plans give you peace of mind that the maintenance and monitoring of your computers are being done right, all the time.
Economy
- Sabre IT Ticketing System
- Software/Hardware Inventory
- Endpoint monitoring, management and remediation
- System Auto Documentation
- Backup Monitoring and Remediation
- 24/7/365 System Monitoring
- Patch Management and Deployment
- BYO AntiVirus
- Application Whitelist/Zero Threat
- Phishing Simulation and Training
- Semi-Annual Security Reviews
- Business Continuity Planning
- Intrusion Detection (MDR)
Protected
- Sabre IT Ticketing System
- Software/Hardware Inventory
- Endpoint monitoring, management and remediation
- System Auto Documentation
- Backup Monitoring and Remediation
- 24/7/365 System Monitoring
- Patch Management and Deployment
- EDR Anti-Virus
- Phishing Simulation and Training
- Application Whitelist/Zero Threat
- Semi-Annual Security Reviews
- Business Continuity Planning
- Intrusion Detection (MDR)
Secure
- Sabre IT Ticketing System
- Software/Hardware Inventory
- Endpoint monitoring, management and remediation
- System Auto Documentation
- Backup Monitoring and Remediation
- 24/7/365 System Monitoring
- Patch Management and Deployment
- EDR Anti-Virus
- Phishing Simulation and Training
- Application Whitelist/Zero Threat
- Semi-Annual Security Reviews
- Business Continuity Planning
- Intrusion Detection (MDR)
Device packages are intended for computers running a device capable of running Windows 11 and running at least a supported version of Windows 10. Microsoft provides a Windows 11 System Requirements page where you can check if you need to confirm your hardware. We can provide best-effort service only on older devices and equipment.
Backup Management, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery are only available for DATTO backup at this time. Check with Sabre IT Solutions for more information.
Proactive Maintenance Packages for Servers
Servers and services that duplicate the functionality of a server are managed as well. Servers are typically machines that run a number of “services,” are not used as a day-to-day device by users, and are a special class of equipment purpose built for that purpose. Alternatively, cloud services such as Azure Active Directory,
Host Server Package
- Management of VMWare* or HyperV Hypervisor
- Management of Image Backups
- Disk Space, Ram Allocation and Virtual Network management
- New Virtual Creation (up to 2 hours)
- Backup Monitoring and Remediation
- 24/7/365 System Monitoring
- Patch Management and Curating with Deployment
- Weekend service windows as required
- Server Upgrades (inplace only) subject to disk space and hardware capabilities
Windows or Linux Server
- Management of Critical Services
- IIS, FileServer, SQL Server, Exchange Server and other Microsoft services management and maintenance
- Standard Non-Microsoft service application management*
- System Monitoring and Remediation
- Backup Monitoring and Remediation
- 24/7/365 System Monitoring
- Patch Management and Curating with Deployment
- Weekend service windows as required
- Semi-Annual Security Reviews
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning
- Server Upgrades (inplace only) subject to disk space and hardware capabilities
- Managing Active Directory users, groups and other services
Microsoft 365 or Azure Cloud Management Package
[sabre-price cad-price="185" usa-price="150"] / Month
- Monitoring of cloud security and health warnings
- Management of 2FA and other Security Features
- Implementation of DNS services best practices
- Monitoring of unusual activities, email redirects, unexpected downloads
- Managing and maintaining cloud user rights and priviliges
- Backup monitoring and management
- Semi-Annual Security Reviews
- Disaster Recovery Planning
- Business Continuity Planning
- Either Office 365 or Azure Maintenance per plan
* Requires support contract with vendors
Although Sabre has some capability to manage Linux, all server management contracts are assumed to be for Windows Server versions currently supported by Microsoft.
FAQ
Still have questions about our Managed IT Services for Manufacturers? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that we are asked! If at the end you still have some questions, book a call with our team. We’d be happy to help!
Does Sabre provide CAD Services and Support?
Our Help Desk team are very familiar with common CAD packages (usually Inventor, AutoCAD, Solid Works and Pro Engineer). That said, we’re not design engineers and although we can install, patch and address technical problems – we can’t train or work with engineers to use the product in day-to-day design.
That said, we partner with CAD software vendors and service partners and can make recommendations if you need help.
So be sure to schedule a call with our experts about managed IT services for manufacturers. Not only are they experts in IT, they’re also experts in manufacturing!
Why should I care about Cyber Insurance if I'm not getting it?
First of all, you should definitely get cyber insurance!
That said, insurance companies have been paying out 5 x more settlements than they’ve been collecting in premiums. Of course that’s a bad business strategy for the insurers. It means the cyber criminals are super effective.
Insurance companies are creating a set of requirements and recommendations they have found keep their costs and losses to a minimum. Obviously, if you don’t have the insurance you need to at least follow their recommended minimum standards.
Why doesn't preventive maintenance include helpdesk?
Preventive maintenance is something that has to be done predictably, provably and regularly. Our proactive maintenance packages log our activities, and allow us to prove that we are patching, maintaining, monitoring and managing your systems before something breaks.
Help desk is something that is done as needed, and usually very strong end-users need a lot less help desk. Some customers are super stars at using and fixing their own computers. Helpdesk isn’t that useful for those customers.
Also, some customers have a lot of “general use” computers where the user doesn’t need helpdesk. For that reason it is not required for every computer.