By John Sikaras, Fulton May Solutions
The recent wave of tariffs and shifting global trade dynamics have spurred a major trend—onshoring and reshoring manufacturing back to the United States. For many companies, this shift isn’t just about reducing costs and mitigating supply chain risks; it’s also an opportunity to modernize operations. However, one often overlooked aspect of this transition is IT infrastructure.
Expanding or relocating production requires a powerful IT strategy to ensure seamless operations, data security, and scalability. A real-world example of a successful expansion at Enjoy Life Foods—where Fulton May Solutions (FMS) played a key role in optimizing IT infrastructure—illustrates key considerations companies should factor into their own reshoring efforts.
1. IT Infrastructure: The Backbone of a Successful Expansion
Relocating or expanding production involves more than just setting up new machinery—it requires a well-integrated IT system to support automation, connectivity, and security. Here are some critical considerations:
Network Infrastructure & Connectivity
- Ensure high-speed, reliable connectivity across production lines, warehouses, and corporate offices.
- Implement redundant systems to prevent downtime that could disrupt production.
- Consider cloud-based solutions for real-time monitoring and data accessibility.
Lesson from a Successful Expansion:
During a major onshoring expansion, a food manufacturer partnered with Fulton May Solutions to design a secure, high-availability network infrastructure that supported automation and seamless communication across all locations. This ensured that IT systems could keep pace with the company’s growing production demands.
2. Cybersecurity: Protecting Sensitive Manufacturing Data
With manufacturing increasingly relying on IoT devices, automation, and cloud systems, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Threats such as ransomware or data breaches could cripple operations.
Best Practices for IT Security in ReShoring
- Segment networks to prevent cyberattacks from spreading across systems.
- Implement zero-trust security models to control access to critical data.
- Regularly update and patch software to address vulnerabilities.
- Backup critical systems to ensure disaster recovery in case of an attack.
Lesson from a Successful Expansion:
As part of the same onshoring project, Fulton May Solutions implemented multi-layered cybersecurity protections to safeguard sensitive operational data. By integrating network segmentation and real-time monitoring, the company ensured both regulatory compliance and resilience against cyber threats.
3. Cloud & ERP Integration: Enabling Scalability
As production scales, companies need Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that integrate supply chain, inventory, and production data.
Key IT Considerations for ERP Deployment
- Choose a scalable ERP that grows with production needs.
- Integrate real-time data analytics to enhance decision-making.
- Ensure compatibility with IoT and automation for seamless operations.
Lesson from a Successful Expansion:
To support rapid expansion, the manufacturer also worked with Fulton May Solutions to integrate a new ERP system, ensuring real-time inventory tracking and production workflow automation. This allowed leadership to make data-driven decisions while keeping operations running efficiently.
4. IT Compliance & Regulatory Requirements
Reshoring manufacturing means adhering to U.S. regulations, including data protection laws, industry-specific compliance (e.g., FDA for food manufacturing), and labor laws.
Steps to Ensure IT Compliance
- Work with regulatory experts to align IT systems with industry standards.
- Implement audit trails and automated reporting for compliance tracking.
- Ensure data encryption and secure access protocols to meet regulatory requirements.
Lesson from a Successful Expansion:
Throughout this expansion, Fulton May Solutions helped ensure IT systems met U.S. regulatory standards, avoiding compliance risks while maintaining operational efficiency. By implementing automated reporting and security protocols, the manufacturer could confidently scale its operations while meeting industry requirements.
5. Workforce IT Training & Change Management
A new IT environment requires employee training and adaptation to new systems. A lack of IT readiness can lead to inefficiencies, downtime, and resistance to change.
Best Practices for IT Training During Expansion
- Provide comprehensive training programs for IT and operational teams.
- Implement user-friendly interfaces to encourage adoption of new systems.
- Use ongoing IT support to address issues and minimize disruptions.
Lesson from a Successful Expansion:
To ensure a smooth transition to new systems, Fulton May Solutions also provided IT training and support throughout the expansion. Employees were trained on ERP usage, security best practices, and new workflows, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
IT as a Strategic Enabler for Reshoring
Onshoring and reshoring manufacturing can deliver long-term benefits, from cost savings and supply chain control to better compliance and data security. However, without a strong IT foundation, these projects can face operational setbacks.
Successful production expansion projects show that planning IT infrastructure early in the relocation process is key. Companies considering reshoring should assess their network, cybersecurity, ERP integration, compliance, and workforce training to ensure a seamless and scalable transition.
By strategically investing in IT, businesses can not only adapt to political and economic shifts but also future-proof their manufacturing operations for years to come.
Is Your IT Infrastructure Ready for Reshoring?
If your company is exploring onshoring or reshoring manufacturing, Fulton May Solutions can help you build a resilient IT strategy. Contact us today to ensure your IT infrastructure supports your production expansion goals.
