In the latest episode of MetaPod, host Ron Crabtree is joined by Jeff Borello, CEO and co-founder of Andromeda Technology Solutions, to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical elements in manufacturing: the state of internal IT. Together, they dive into how IT departments can either be a powerful enabler of innovation or the biggest roadblock to it. As manufacturers face the trifecta of modern challenges – the forever labor shortage, digitization, and doing more with less – understanding your internal IT ecosystem is no longer optional.
Why Internal IT is Holding Manufacturers Back
Jeff and Ron highlight a common but dangerous problem: manufacturing leaders often ignore their IT infrastructure until it’s too late. Most IT teams work at or beyond their full capacity, which Ron generously calls a 110% workload, before they’re asked to support new digital initiatives. As a result, well-meaning improvement projects stall out because there are not enough IT resources to make them a reality.
Even worse, many manufacturing companies still operate on outdated IT models with aging infrastructure. Think seven-year-old desktops, band-aid solutions, and no long-term planning. According to Jeff, this growing technology debt isn’t just slowing down operations but eroding productivity and increasing enterprise risk.
How to Know You’re Behind
To recognize when IT might be holding them back, Jeff outlines three critical questions manufacturing leaders should be asking:
- Does IT have a seat at the table? IT should be treated with the same level of strategic planning as supply chain or finance.
- Are you expecting your internal team to do it all? Most internal teams are overwhelmed. Without outside support, they can’t handle today’s infrastructure demands, let alone plan for tomorrow.
- Are you budgeting correctly? If your IT investments haven’t changed in a decade, you’re probably underfunding a core business driver.
Additionally, Ron adds that downtime doesn’t always mean a complete system crash. It’s often the slow, steady drag of inefficiency leading to high turnover and burnout.
Technology Debt and Cybersecurity: The Silent Threats
Jeff introduces the concept of technology debt – the result of years of deferring hardware upgrades and software updates. This kind of debt hurts productivity and increases vulnerability.
One real-world example shared in the episode involves a manufacturer who delayed switching to an IT provider. Just one week after signing a new agreement with Andromeda, their systems were hit with a ransomware attack. Had they acted sooner, they might have been able to avoid a costly multi-week shutdown.
This leads to one of the most urgent takeaways of the episode: cybersecurity is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s the starting point of any serious IT plan. Jeff strongly recommends regular security assessments and penetration testing to uncover vulnerabilities before hackers do. For those without a strategy in place, a good starting point is the free self-assessment offered at CheckupBlueprint.com, which provides immediate feedback and actionable next steps.
Roadmapping and Insurance
To move forward, Jeff encourages manufacturers to create a three-year IT roadmap with quarterly goals. These may include upgrading aging hardware, renewing support contracts, or planning a secure migration to the cloud. He also stresses the importance of cyber insurance, not just as a financial safety net, but as a catalyst for improvement. Most insurers require companies to complete thorough questionnaires, forcing them to identify (and fix) IT vulnerabilities to even qualify for coverage.
Finally, Jeff emphasizes that it’s okay, and often necessary, to bring in external partners. The goal isn’t to replace your internal IT team but rather to support and elevate them. In his words: “We’re not trying to take your job. We’re just here to help.”
Connect and Learn More
This episode is a wake-up call for manufacturers – IT is no longer just a support function. It’s a strategic asset, or a liability if neglected. Whether you’re a plant manager, executive, or trusted advisor in the manufacturing space, now’s the time to take a hard look at your infrastructure, cybersecurity, and support systems. If you have further questions or would like to learn more, you can connect with Jeff on LinkedIn or visit andromeda-tech-solutions.com. You can also get in touch with Ron via email at metapod@metaexperts.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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