Free toolkit · 30 questions
Compare MSPs on what actually matters.
Thirty questions to compare a current provider and up to two candidates across manufacturing fit, cybersecurity and IT/OT risk, service delivery, recovery readiness, and commercial terms. Score each answer 0 to 3 and get a weighted result out of 100, so a strong help desk can't hide an unacceptable gap in identity, segmentation, or recovery.
What's inside
Thirty evaluation questions across five weighted categories, each with the evidence to request and a 0-to-3 scoring scale. Cybersecurity and IT/OT risk carries the most weight, and seven questions are flagged critical: a 0 there can disqualify a provider even if the total looks acceptable.
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Manufacturing and operational fit 20%
Industry experience, ERP/MES/WMS infrastructure, the IT/OT boundary, vendor coordination, and multi-site support.
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Cybersecurity and IT/OT risk 35%
MFA and identity, endpoint and email security, vulnerability management, segmentation, vendor access, monitoring, incident response, and asset risk.
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Service delivery and incident response 20%
Operational-impact prioritization, 24/7 response, onsite coordination, measurable commitments, documentation, and governance.
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Infrastructure, cloud, and business continuity 15%
Cloud and hybrid strategy, Microsoft platform depth, network management, RTO/RPO planning, and tested backups.
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Commercial terms, governance, and transition 10%
Clear scope, client ownership of documentation and credentials, transparent pricing, and clean onboarding and exit.
Download instantly
Two formats, no form required.
The Excel workbook scores itself as you enter answers. The PDF is built for printing and side-by-side review. Use them to evaluate anyone, including us.
Just scoring one provider? Try the interactive Score Your MSP tool for an instant read.
Download the auto-scoring workbook (Excel) Download the printable scorecard (PDF)Already deep in provider conversations? Put the same 30 questions to us: talk to an engineer.
Who this is for
Manufacturing CIOs and IT leaders
Run a structured, evidence-based comparison instead of weighing three sales presentations against each other.
Operations leaders and owners
See where a provider is strong on routine support but weak where it counts: recovery, segmentation, and incident response.
Teams re-evaluating a current MSP
Score your current provider alongside two candidates and make the gaps visible before you renew.
Procurement and finance
Turn very different proposals into one apples-to-apples weighted score out of 100.
Prefer the full walkthrough? Read How to Choose a Manufacturing MSP, or start with the Cybersecurity Self-Assessment.
Want a second opinion on your scorecard?
Bring your completed scorecard to a 30-minute discovery call. We'll help you interpret priorities, identify critical gaps, and discuss practical next steps for your environment.