How a Rotherham Manufacturer Strengthened Security and Supported Shop Floor Operations

A manufacturing client based in Rotherham needed to modernise parts of its IT environment while maintaining Cyber Essentials compliance. With staff relying on shared systems, workshop connectivity, and secure access to day-to-day business platforms, the business needed an environment that was secure, reliable, and fit for the way it actually operated.

The client also needed upgrades beyond the usual office setup, including a stronger firewall, improved wireless coverage, better technology to support CAD training and CNC-related work, and locked-down shared kiosk machines to help maintain compliance.

Commstec was brought in to strengthen security, improve reliability, and support both office and shop floor operations without disrupting day-to-day work.

The Challenge

The client needed practical improvements across both business and operational areas of the environment.

Cyber Essentials compliance needed to be maintained, which meant security controls could not be allowed to drift. At the same time, the existing Microsoft 365 licensing was limiting what could be done around advanced protection, device management, and visibility across the estate.

The network also needed attention. Reliable firewalling and wireless coverage were essential, not just for office users but for wider operational use across the site. At the same time, the business needed better technology to support CAD training and CNC-related work, where performance, stability, and ease of use all mattered.

Shared devices created another challenge. In environments where multiple users access the same machines, security and compliance can quickly become messy if those devices are not properly controlled. The client needed kiosk-style machines that were locked down, supportable, and aligned with compliance requirements.

The goal was to improve security, connectivity, and day-to-day usability without creating unnecessary complexity for staff or disrupting the flow of the business.

What We Did

Commstec worked with the client to improve security, supportability, and day-to-day management across the environment.

This included:

migrating the client from Microsoft 365 Business Standard to Business Premium
deploying stronger Microsoft Defender protections across endpoints and email
implementing attack surface reduction rules to reduce common exploitation paths
applying CIS-aligned security baselines across the environment
enabling EDR for continuous threat detection and logging
helping maintain Cyber Essentials compliance through stronger technical controls
upgrading the firewall and wireless network across the site
supporting improved technology for CAD training and CNC-related work
locking down shared kiosk machines to reduce risk and maintain compliance
improving visibility and management across the estate

The focus throughout was on practical delivery, meaningful security improvements, and making sure the environment supported the way the business actually worked.

The Outcome

The client ended up with a more secure, more stable, and more supportable IT environment.

Moving from Microsoft 365 Business Standard to Business Premium allowed the business to adopt stronger security controls across endpoints and email, while EDR, attack surface reduction measures, and CIS-aligned hardening improved visibility, threat detection, and overall resilience.

Upgrading the firewall and wireless network improved site-wide connectivity, security, and reliability. At the same time, new technology to support CAD training and CNC-related work gave staff a better platform for day-to-day operational activity.

Locking down shared kiosk machines helped reduce risk and maintain compliance in an environment where shared access could easily become a weak point and fail compliance.

More broadly, the business gained tighter control over devices and access, improved supportability across the site, and greater confidence in the systems supporting both office and shop floor operations.

Why it Mattered

For manufacturing businesses, security, reliability, and operational continuity are closely linked. Weak controls, poor connectivity, or unreliable shared devices do not just create IT issues. They create disruption on the ground.

By focusing on the areas that mattered most, Commstec helped the client maintain compliance, reduce operational risk, and build a stronger foundation for both office and shop floor operations.