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The IT/OT Security Gap: What Every UK Manufacturer Needs to Know

Most UK manufacturers have invested meaningfully in IT security over the last five years. Firewalls, endpoint protection, email filtering, multi-factor authentication — the IT side of the business is, in many cases, reasonably well protected. But there is a second network running through almost every manufacturing plant that is frequently left wide open: the operational […]

Why UK Manufacturers Are Losing Money to Shadow IT

Shadow IT — the use of technology, software, and cloud services that have not been approved, procured, or monitored by the IT function — is one of the most underestimated sources of financial and operational risk in UK manufacturing today. It is also almost universal. In every manufacturer we work with at Bailey and Associates, […]

How to Choose the Right ERP for a UK Manufacturer

Choosing an ERP system is one of the most consequential technology decisions a UK manufacturer will make. Get it right and you have a platform that connects every part of your business — from purchase orders to production scheduling to despatch — in a single, reliable source of truth. Get it wrong and you face […]

5 Signs Your Manufacturing Plant Is Ready for AI

Artificial intelligence is moving fast, and manufacturers across the UK are being told they need to act now or fall behind. But the honest question most MDs and operations directors are asking is not “how do we implement AI?” — it is “are we actually ready for it?” The two questions are very different, and […]

The Fractional CIO’s 90-Day Playbook for a New Manufacturing Client

A Fractional CIO working with a new manufacturing client should complete four distinct phases in their first 90 days: discovery audit, priority roadmap, quick-win implementations, and a governance framework. This is the exact playbook Bailey and Associates uses with every new manufacturing engagement.

Beyond Firewalls: Why Manufacturing Must Rethink Cybersecurity in a Connected Plant World

Manufacturing leaders know that staying competitive means embracing digital transformation. Smart factories, connected production lines, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices are no longer nice-to-haves: they're essential for operational efficiency and competitive advantage. But here's the uncomfortable truth: your traditional cybersecurity approach isn't keeping pace with these changes. If you're still relying primarily on […]

Disaster Recovery Isn't Optional: Building Robust IT for Unpredictable Manufacturing Environments

Manufacturing operations face an unprecedented level of risk from cyberattacks, natural disasters, and system failures. A single hour of downtime can cost manufacturers anywhere from £50,000 to £500,000, depending on the scale of operations. Yet many manufacturing companies still operate without comprehensive disaster recovery plans, leaving their production lines, supply chains, and revenue streams vulnerable […]

Why Real-Time Data Is the New Gold in Manufacturing: and the IT Strategy Steps to Get There

Manufacturing leaders face an uncomfortable truth. Your competitors are making faster decisions with better information. They spot quality issues before products ship. They prevent equipment failures before downtime hits. They optimize production while you're still collecting last week's reports. The difference is real-time data. It transforms manufacturing from reactive firefighting into proactive optimization. Companies using […]

6 IT Audit Must-Dos to Stay Compliant and Avoid Costly Recalls in Food Manufacturing

Food manufacturing recalls cost companies an average of $10 million per incident, with many stemming from preventable IT and data management failures. Regular IT audits serve as your first line of defense against compliance violations, production disruptions, and the devastating financial impact of product recalls. Manufacturing IT strategy in the food sector requires specialized attention […]