Risks from factory floors to supply chains

In manufacturing today, efficiency and resilience aren’t just goals—they’re necessities. At the heart of it all is the network. It’s more than a tech backbone; it’s the lifeblood of your entire operation. According to NTT DATA’s recent Global Network Report, 97% of CIOs and CTOs agree that networks are crucial for driving business growth. Whether it’s managing global supply chains or powering AI-driven production, the network keeps manufacturers competitive, secure, and nimble. But those benefits come with heightened, and often overlooked, levels of risk.

Cybersecurity: Protecting manufacturing’s digital core

Industry 4.0, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and the broader focus on digitalization and digital manufacturing, all powerful force multipliers for manufacturers, require unprecedented levels of connectivity. That same connectivity makes manufacturers’ networks prime targets for cyberattacks. The more connected your critical IT and OT infrastructure are, the more risk they pose, and the more important it becomes to build in strong security layers.

At the same time, and for many of the same reasons, cybersecurity regulations are tightening. In the U.S., for instance, the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act will soon mandate that manufacturers report incidents that affect operations.

As a result, security models like secure service edge (SSE), secure access service edge (SASE), and Zero Trust are pervading manufacturing. These frameworks provide real-time, continuous protection, ensuring that only authorized personnel access sensitive systems and data. Incorporating advanced network security measures can help manufacturers stay ahead of cyberthreats and compliance requirements and avoid costly disruptions.

Networks are the heart of modern manufacturing

Whether it’s optimizing production with AI or ensuring seamless communication across global operations, from the edge to the cloud, manufacturers depend on both the security and performance of their networks. Let’s look at a few examples where robust security and performance are mission-critical.

• Industrial Control Systems: (ICS) ICS, like SCADA systems, control the essential processes in a factory—managing everything from machinery to production lines. These systems need reliable networks to monitor and adjust equipment in real time. If hackers breach the network, they could take control of the systems, causing equipment failures, safety issues, or even a total shutdown, putting both operations and workers at serious risk.
• Real-time quality control with computer vision: AI-powered cameras and sensors in smart factories spot defects and inconsistencies on production lines instantly. These systems handle massive amounts of image data, sending alerts or commands in milliseconds. For that to work, they need fast, low-latency networks. Delays could result in defective products or damaged machinery.
• Supply chain resilience: Global, digitally connected supply chains maintain the flow of materials, parts, and data between suppliers and manufacturers. Modern supply chains critically rely on networks to facilitate seamless communication, coordination, and data exchange between all stakeholders—suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers. Network breaches or vulnerabilities that compromise even a single link in the chain can cause delays, shortages, or even halt production entirely.
• Collaborative robotics: AI-driven collaborative robots (cobots) cobots work side by side with human workers, performing tasks like assembly and welding. These cobots adjust in real time based on sensor data. Reliable networks are essential—without them, cobots may respond too slowly or inaccurately, risking worker safety or slowing down production.
• Remote equipment management: Remote maintenance lets technicians fix factory equipment from anywhere, but this convenience depends on secure networks. Without strong security, hackers could exploit remote access points, taking control of critical systems. A compromised network could mean sabotage or the complete disruption of factory operations.
• Digital twins: Digital twins simulate machines or processes, using real-time data to predict issues and optimize performance. To stay accurate, they need fast, reliable networks for constant data streaming. A sluggish network means outdated models and poor decision-making.
• Continuous operation: Manufacturing runs on uninterrupted system performance, from production lines to administrative tasks. Strong network security shields these systems from ransomware and malware. If hackers break through, they could freeze operations until a ransom is paid, leading to costly downtime and serious hits to your reputation.
• Edge AI processing: Edge AI systems process data locally, reducing the need to send everything to the cloud. These systems still require fast, reliable networks to sync with central systems and other devices. Poor network performance can lead to delays in feedback, causing inefficiencies or equipment failures.

The network as a competitive advantage

While the network often fades into the background as an invisible force powering manufacturing operations, it’s far more than a technical necessity—it’s a strategic asset. A robust and secure network is both a defensive measure against cyber threats and an enabler of future innovations. As your manufacturing enterprise embraces AI, automation, and connected ecosystems, your network becomes a key differentiator. Secure, high-performance networks unlock new capabilities, streamline operations, and deliver the agility you need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Ready to strengthen your network security? Request a complimentary network security controls assessment today to identify and prioritize your vulnerabilities and start you on the path to a 20% reduction in your network TCO.