5 IT Fixes to Keep Your Products Moving
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In manufacturing, downtime is the enemy of productivity and uptime is everything, 82% of companies experienced unplanned downtime over the past three years, with an average cost of $260,000 per hour of stoppage. When production grinds to a halt or shipping is delayed, the ripple effects are expensive — in both dollars and reputation.
Here’s how manufacturers can reduce delays and boost output with the right IT strategies — backed by real-world data — and how SkyTide Group helps make it happen.
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1. Streamline Operations with Real-Time ERP Integration
Why It Matters:
Manufacturers using fully integrated ERP systems report up to 23% faster cycle times and 21% lower inventory costs, according to recent ERP Report. In fact, manufacturers that lack real-time data from ERP systems are more likely to face bottlenecks and scheduling mishaps — increasing manufacturing
The IT Fix:
A fully integrated ERP system ensures seamless communication across inventory, production, and shipping.
How SkyTide Helps:
We ensure your ERP connects seamlessly across departments — from procurement to production to logistics — and stays optimized for uptime, security, and scalability.
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2. Implement Proactive Network Monitoring to Prevent Downtime
Why It Matters:
IT infrastructure failure is a leading cause of manufacturing downtime. According to Deloitte, unplanned IT downtime costs industrial manufacturers an average of $50 billion per year in lost productivity.
The IT Fix:
Predictive monitoring tools can reduce downtime by 30% to 50%, especially when paired with proactive support and alerts.
How SkyTide Helps:
We offer 24/7 monitoring and automatic remediation. Before a hardware failure or network slowdown occurs, we’re already fixing it — keeping your line moving and avoiding costly delays.
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3. Digitize and Automate Inventory Tracking
The Challenge:
Missing or miscounted materials can stop production mid-run, leading to costly idle time. Manual inventory systems are error-prone and slow. Companies that automate inventory tracking reduce stockouts by 36% and increase order fulfillment speed by 27%.
The IT Fix:
Using tools like RFID, barcode scanners, and smart sensors, digitized inventory systems give you real-time visibility into parts and materials. This helps keep stock accurate, speeds up production planning, and prevents manufacturing downtime caused by missing items.
How SkyTide Helps:
We install, configure, and support automated systems that tie directly into your ERP or WMS, so the shop floor always knows what’s in stock.
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4. Optimize Shop Floor Wi-Fi and Connectivity
The Challenge:
Wireless dead zones in your facility can derail real-time tracking, mobile device performance, and smart machine connectivity. 48% of manufacturers cite poor connectivity as a major barrier to adopting IoT and smart factory technologies.
The IT Fix:
Wi-Fi dead zones, interference from metal or machinery, and lack of bandwidth disrupt workflows. An industrial-grade network layout is essential.
How SkyTide Helps:
We perform wireless site surveys to identify weak spots, eliminate dead zones, and install enterprise-grade access points. The result? Reliable connectivity for your mobile devices, scanners, and smart machines across the entire facility — from shop floors to warehouses to shipping docks — reducing connectivity-related manufacturing downtime.
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5. Hardened Logistics IT to Avoid Shipping Delays
The Challenge:
A printer or workstation outage in the shipping department can hold up entire pallets of product. Worse, if shipping software or label systems crash, outbound logistics grind to a halt. 80% of companies report that supply chain issues— including IT problems — disrupted operations in the past year. Even minor tech hiccups in shipping can delay entire truckloads.
The IT Fix:
Ensure shipping software, printers, scanners, and label systems are online and integrated with ERP and warehouse systems. Backups and failover systems minimize disruptions.
How SkyTide Helps:
We manage every element of your logistics IT — from label printers and shipping software to connectivity and remote support — we make sure nothing stands between your dock and your delivery.
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Bottom Line: Smart IT = Reliable Output
Every minute of downtime cuts into your output, your margins, and your customer satisfaction. At SkyTide, we specialize in IT strategies that eliminate manufacturing downtime — and help your business stay productive, responsive, and competitive.
Whether you need better network resilience, smarter automation, or fully managed IT support, we help you get your products made — and shipped — on time, every time.
👉 Schedule Your Consultation and let’s keep your lines running.
