A startling new report underscores the vulnerability that manufacturers face when moving data into the cloud. In fact, over half of all manufacturing operations were attacked through their cloud infrastructure in 2022. In general, more manufacturers have moved operations into a cloud-based environment in order to support hybrid work environments and remote workers as industry responded to pressures prompted by the pandemic.
Many factors impact a manufacturer’s adoption of cloud technology — including budget and associated risks of cyberattacks. But over the past thirty years or so, more manufacturers are changing out their legacy infrastructure and data management systems for leading-edge cloud computing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) options. While these options provide state-of-the-art technology that can increase productivity and efficiency, they must be applied with safety and security in mind.
The phrase “Industry 4.0,” which seeks to overcome productivity and efficiency bottlenecks through a fourth industrial “revolution” uses cloud computing as the gold standard for post-pandemic flexibility and versatility. While use of these core technologies can free your manufacturing data from typical limitations to unlock greater performance, there must be a preventative approach applied to data protection when using these technologies.
How Identity Management Can Amplify and Protect Manufacturing Environments Using Cloud Technology
Because many manufacturers have adopted cloud technology in order to promote greater efficiency in a more remote or hybrid work environment, identity management and access control becomes a primary priority for data protection.
Managed Access in Complex IT Environments
By its very nature, a manufacturing facility has a complex IT infrastructure that must be managed across geographically distributed workforces, while keeping a close eye on budgetary costs. In most cases, an in-house IT department is not robust enough to handle emerging threats as digital adoption accelerates. Because you must protect data while onboarding and instantly remove access from employees who have moved on, you need an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution that can offer real-time control based on roles and responsibilities.
Real Time Reporting
You will also want an access management system that provides you with real-time audits of all data movements. Compliance reporting should be an integral part of your system to provide both performance and peace of mind. This is a particularly useful feature is you have a system where customers and third parties can access information in your database, as it provides fast access to information for those who need it while providing administrative staff with a clear picture of how, when, and where data is accessed and used.
Security Plus Improvement of the Customer and Employee Experience
Identity management systems in a cloud environment not only provide the robust security your manufacturing operation needs for business continuity; it also ensures a better experience for both employees and customers. When you have real-time access management controls, you can reduce the friction and bottlenecks that sometimes occur when there is a need to register, sign in, or be authenticated. This can occur both at the customer level, when they are attempting to control elements in their accounts, and at the employee level, when staff need to gain access to data in order to perform necessary tasks.
Trust Blue Technologies for Cloud Technology You Can Count On
More manufacturers than ever are migrating their infrastructure and business systems to a cloud environment. That’s because the cloud offers better versatility, a higher level of security, and greater control over operations. However, it can be a headache if you do not have the proper support. Unfortunately, many in-house IT teams are simply not equipped to create — or manage — a cloud environment properly.
At Blue Technologies, we have assembled a team of cloud computing and security experts that are adept at deploying leading-edge cloud technologies specific to manufacturing clients. We can help you not only assess your current infrastructure, but develop targeted, custom-tailored cloud environments to help you conduct business in a seamless, versatile, and secure environment. Plus, we can assist in maintaining and upgrading systems and technologies as the threat landscape — and your business — changes, allowing you to operate in compliance with regulations and at optimal efficiency.
Create a cloud environment that emphasized both efficiency and security for your manufacturing operation. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant to learn how our team of cloud computing experts can help.
