Top 3 Reasons Tulsa-Based Manufacturers Need an MSP

Manufacturing is more than machines, it's a boots-on-the-ground industry that has mission-critical needs they don't just want to accomplish, but the have to. But when IT struggles, production doesn’t just slow down, it can come to a screeching halt. From costly downtime to outdated systems and round-the-clock shifts, manufacturers face unique challenges that demand smarter, more reliable IT support. That’s where a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP) becomes a game-changer.

3 Ways Manufacturing Benefits from IT Support

Running a manufacturing operation in Tulsa means managing more than production lines—you’re overseeing tightly choreographed systems powered by PCs, on-premise applications, specialized vendor software, and more. When innovation is at the heart of your manufacturing, expect the same your IT service provider—and that’s where a good MSP makes all the difference.

Downtime Isn't Just Frustration; It's Financial Risk

Every minute that production lines are paused can cost a business serious dollars. In the manufacturing world, average downtime costs can reach about $260,000 per hour, and unplanned outages lasting several hours have been known to hit $2 million in losses. Beyond raw dollars, you lose productivity, team morale, and customer trust—making resilience not a luxury but a necessity.

Three Shifts? After Hours Support "At Your Service"

Many Tulsa manufacturers run around the clock, operating three shifts a day. While you may not have people at a computer during that critical third shift, your production lines depend on technology. Still, in a lot of cases its separate from your main network or on-prem application dedicated to that PC. It all comes down to vendor management for that specific on-prem application. Either way, if something goes wrong with either of your networks, you need help and you need it fast, no matter the hour. 

If your IT support still sleeps after 5 p.m., you're setting yourself up for delayed responses, longer downtimes, and frustrated teams. When IT isn’t available 24/7, small problems can turn into production-halting crises by morning.

Specialized Machines, Specialized IT Needs

Your software might talk reliably to your main network, but, as you know, manufacturing PCs often run separate, purpose-built applications. They often don’t fit neatly into standard network management. When issues arise on these isolated systems, it’s not just IT skills that matter—it’s vendor coordination, deep knowledge of specialty applications, and onsite support.

Why An MSP Makes Sense for Tulsa Manufacturers

When your strategic edge depends on agile production technologies, choosing an MSP means you’re choosing continuity, alignment, and uptime.

  • Proactive monitoring keeps an eye not just on general IT health but on specialized control PCs and application silos.
  • Vendor orchestration frees your plant managers from coordinating with multiple tool providers—let the MSP manage those conversations.
  • 24/7 responsiveness keeps your production flowing smoothly through every shift.
  • Continuity planning means having predictable support—no shoulder-shrugging when a critical line PC needs help at midnight.

 

Centre can help you get started

In the manufacturing landscape of Tulsa, where every hour of operation supports livelihoods and local economies, standing still is never an option. Choosing the right MSP doesn’t just patch holes, it becomes part of your operational backbone, ready for whatever comes next.

If you’d like to explore how a partner can bring this kind of support to your unique environment, reach out. We’re here to help.

Originally published on September 2, 2025

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About the Author

Emily Kirk Emily Kirk

Creative content writer and producer for Centre Technologies. I joined Centre after 5 years in Education where I fostered my great love for making learning easier for everyone. While my background may not be in IT, I am driven to engage with others and build lasting relationships on multiple fronts. My greatest passions are helping and showing others that with commitment and a little spark, you can understand foundational concepts and grasp complex ideas no matter their application (because I get to do it every day!). I am a lifelong learner with a genuine zeal to educate, inspire, and motivate all I engage with. I value transparency and community so lean in with me—it’s a good day to start learning something new! Learn more about Emily Kirk »

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