Free template
Vet any IT provider. Including us.
30 questions to ask an IT provider before you sign, with a scoring guide and red flags specific to manufacturing environments. Most vendors know office IT. Very few understand PLCs, ERP uptime, or what a stopped line actually costs. This template separates the two.
What the template covers
- Manufacturing and OT/IT experience, with the red-flag answers to watch for
- Response time SLAs for production-critical systems
- ERP platform support and integration experience
- Cybersecurity capabilities and CMMC/NIST familiarity
- Backup and disaster recovery methodology for manufacturers
- Contract terms, exit clauses, and pricing transparency
- References from manufacturing clients, and what to ask them
Download instantly
The full template, scoring guide included. No form required.
No sales call attached; use it to evaluate anyone, including us.
Download the template (PDF)Already deep in vendor conversations? Skip the homework and talk to an engineer instead.
Who this is for
First-time evaluators
Manufacturers choosing an outside IT provider for the first time, who want a structured process instead of gut feel.
The unhappy but unsure
Companies that know their current MSP isn't working, but aren't sure what a better one looks like on paper.
Operations managers
Anyone handed the IT vendor selection project on top of a day job, who needs to compare bids credibly.
CFOs comparing bids
A consistent scorecard turns three very different proposals into one apples-to-apples decision.
Want the answers without the paperwork?
Book a discovery call and put the same 30 questions to us directly. 97% of our clients stay, and we're happy to show you why.