2021 Marcum National Manufacturing Survey

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TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

OUTLOOK Technology a Key Tool for Driving Improvements

Our survey revealed the extent to which manufacturers are using technology to build and protect their businesses and prepare for the future. While everyone indicated they were using technology, there were some notable gaps in critical areas like ERP, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Keeping these systems robust and consistently using the latest technologies will be critical for future success. We see considerable opportunities for all manufacturing companies to get ahead by taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies. IT PENETRATION TEST OR REVIEW Just as the pandemic altered the landscape of our physical world, it opened many new avenues for cybercrime. As more companies relied on networks to keep business moving, criminals found new weaknesses in cybersecurity systems. And this growing threat is no longer confined to massive companies. Ransomware in particular has affected businesses of all sizes, and research has shown that human error is the most common way criminals access systems. The pandemic accelerated this trend as cybercriminals developed fake vaccine sites and other virus-related tools to illicitly gather information. Manufacturing companies are not immune, and while more than half of survey respondents said they were confident in their network security, only 57% had conducted an IT penetration test within the last year and 14% had never conducted one. With cybersecurity threats constantly evolving and criminals becoming savvier every day, it is critical to keep IT networks secure with both the latest systems and given the vital role of human error in most attacks, the most up-to-date training for employees. OF CYBER PREPAREDNESS Cyber Threats Keep Increasing