HSM IT ServicesManufacturing and Fabrication
Manufacturers and fabrication shops in Alberta rely on ERP systems, design software and connected machines to deliver on schedule. HSM IT Services keeps production systems running, secures the shop floor network and protects designs, orders and customer data.
Alberta manufacturers and fabricators range from small machine and welding shops to multi-site production operations. Technology drives quoting, design, scheduling and production: CAD and CAM workstations, ERP and inventory systems, CNC machines and other connected equipment, label printers, and shop floor terminals. Downtime in any of these areas can delay orders and idle staff. Many shops have grown their IT over the years without a plan, leaving a mix of old and new systems that are difficult to support.
Manufacturing is one of the most frequently targeted sectors for ransomware. Attackers know that production delays are costly and that shop floor equipment often runs older software. Machines connected to the office network without separation can be affected by an attack that begins with a single phishing email. Design files, drawings and pricing information are valuable intellectual property, and supply chain partners may be targeted through a manufacturer's compromised email account.
Customers in energy, defence, aerospace and other demanding industries increasingly ask suppliers about cybersecurity. Companies working with controlled goods must meet federal Controlled Goods Program requirements, and some clients expect alignment with recognized standards. Practical steps such as segmenting the shop floor, controlling remote access, securing engineering workstations and maintaining tested backups protect production and make it easier to answer customer security questionnaires with confidence. These measures also reduce the time needed to recover if an incident does occur.
Risks we see most
Ransomware halting production
Attacks on ERP, file servers or shop floor systems can stop quoting, scheduling and production.
Flat shop floor networks
Machines and office computers on the same network allow malware to spread to equipment that is difficult to recover.
Intellectual property theft
Drawings, designs and pricing can be stolen through compromised accounts or insecure file sharing.
Legacy machine software
CNC controllers and equipment computers often run outdated operating systems that cannot be easily updated.
Supply chain email fraud
Attackers impersonate suppliers or customers to redirect payments or obtain sensitive order information.
How HSM IT Services helps
- Support for ERP, CAD and CAM applications and the workstations that run them
- Segmented networks that separate machines and shop floor devices from office systems
- Structured cabling and industrial-grade Wi-Fi for shops and production areas
- Secure remote access for equipment vendors, with monitoring and approval
- Backups for ERP, design files and machine programs, with tested recovery
- Help responding to customer security questionnaires and supplier requirements
Rules and standards that apply
- Alberta Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
- Controlled Goods Program requirements where applicable
- IEC 62443 series for industrial automation and control system security
- ISO/IEC 27001 and customer security requirements
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your obligations with your lawyer or regulator.
Services for this sector
Managed IT Services
Our Managed IT Services puts all your technology under one phone call: computers, networks, cloud, cybersecurity, phones, printers, cabling, cameras and access control. We monitor, maintain and support it all for a predictable monthly fee, so problems are caught early and your team can focus on the business.
Learn moreNetwork and Firewall Management
Our Network and Firewall Management designs, secures and maintains the switches, Wi-Fi, firewalls and internet connections your organization depends on. We monitor performance, keep firmware current and review firewall rules so your network stays fast, stable and difficult for attackers to move through.
Learn moreBusiness Application Support
Our Business Application Support looks after the software your organization depends on, from accounting and payroll to practice management, ERP and industry-specific tools. We handle installs, updates, user access, integrations and troubleshooting, and we deal with software vendors on your behalf so your staff do not have to.
Learn moreBackup and Disaster Recovery
Our Backup and Disaster Recovery protects your servers, workstations and Microsoft 365 data with secure, monitored and regularly tested backups. We design recovery plans around how long your business can afford to be down, so a ransomware attack, hardware failure or site disaster does not become a permanent loss.
Learn moreQuestions we hear
Can you support the computers attached to our machines?
Yes. We support and protect machine-connected computers within the limits set by the equipment vendor. Where these systems cannot be updated, we isolate them on a separate network, restrict access and back up programs and settings so they can be restored. We coordinate with equipment vendors for anything that affects machine operation.
A customer asked about our cybersecurity. Where do we start?
We review the customer's requirements with you, assess your current controls and identify gaps. We then help you put practical measures in place and prepare accurate answers. If the customer refers to a specific standard or program, we help you understand what it requires and what evidence you may need to provide.
Can you wire our new shop or expansion?
Yes. We plan and install structured cabling, network equipment and wireless coverage suited to production environments, including areas with heavy equipment and interference. Planning the network during construction or expansion is far easier than retrofitting later, and it lets us build in separation between office and shop systems from the start.