North Carolina manufacturers often assume in-house IT staff is more cost-effective than managed services. When you account for all costs - recruitment, training, turnover, tools, coverage gaps, and strategic limitations - the math usually favors managed services for mid-market manufacturers.
Key takeaway: According to SHRM research, replacing an employee typically costs six to nine months of their salary. For IT professionals earning $85,000, that translates to $42,500-$63,750 in replacement costs - before accounting for lost productivity and knowledge transfer.
Want to compare your IT costs? Preferred Data provides free IT cost assessments for North Carolina manufacturers. Call (336) 886-3282 or schedule your consultation.
The True Cost of In-House IT
Salary is just the beginning of in-house IT costs:
Direct Compensation
- Base salary: $65,000-$120,000 for qualified IT professionals in NC
- Benefits: Add 25-35% for health insurance, retirement, PTO
- Payroll taxes: Additional 7.65% employer share
Recruitment and Turnover
- IT unemployment in North Carolina hovers near 2%
- Recruiting costs: $10,000-$25,000 per hire
- Average IT tenure: 2-3 years
- Knowledge loss when staff depart
Training and Development
- Technology evolves continuously
- Certifications and training: $3,000-$10,000 annually
- Conference attendance and time away
- Learning curve on new systems
Tools and Infrastructure
- Monitoring and management platforms
- Security tools and licenses
- Documentation systems
- Hardware and equipment
Coverage Gaps
- Vacation, sick time, and turnover create gaps
- After-hours emergencies with single IT person
- Specialized expertise not available internally
A Piedmont Triad manufacturer paying $85,000 salary often spends $150,000+ annually for that position when all costs are included.
The Managed Services Value Proposition
Managed IT services provide predictable monthly costs with comprehensive coverage:
Team vs. Individual
- Access to entire team of specialists
- No single point of failure
- Diverse expertise across technologies
- Consistent coverage regardless of vacation or turnover
Enterprise Tools Included
- Monitoring and management platforms
- Security tools and threat intelligence
- Backup and disaster recovery systems
- Documentation and ticketing
Scalable Support
- Adjust service levels as needs change
- Add capabilities without hiring
- Reduce during slow periods
Explore Preferred Data's managed IT services
Calculating Your IT ROI
Compare your current costs to managed services:
Current State Costs (Annual)
- IT staff fully-loaded compensation
- Software and tool licenses
- Training and development
- Contractor/consultant costs for overflow
- Downtime costs from coverage gaps
Managed Services Costs (Annual)
- Monthly service fee x 12
- Project work outside scope
- Technology investments recommended
According to a CompTIA survey, approximately half of companies working with managed service providers reduced annual IT costs by up to 25%, with another 33% saving up to 50%. Most Charlotte and Raleigh manufacturers find managed services cost significantly less than equivalent internal capabilities while providing broader expertise and better coverage.
Strategic Benefits Beyond Cost
Cost savings matter, but strategic benefits often drive the decision:
Focus on Core Business
- Leadership time spent on manufacturing, not IT problems
- Strategic technology planning from experts
- Proactive rather than reactive IT management
Access to Expertise
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Cloud architects
- Manufacturing system experts
- Compliance knowledge (CMMC, NIST)
Reduced Risk
- Business continuity planning
- Disaster recovery capabilities
- Security monitoring and response
- Compliance support
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we lose control with managed services?
No. You maintain strategic control while outsourcing operations. Preferred Data acts as your IT department, aligned with your business objectives. You set priorities; we execute.
What about our existing IT staff?
Managed services can complement internal IT. Many manufacturers retain IT leadership internally while outsourcing daily operations. We work with your team, not around them.
How quickly can you respond to issues?
Preferred Data provides same-day on-site response within 200 miles of High Point. For Piedmont Triad manufacturers, we are often on-site within hours. Remote support begins within minutes for most issues.
Compare Your Costs
North Carolina manufacturers should evaluate IT delivery objectively. Loyalty to current arrangements should not override business logic.
Preferred Data has provided managed IT services to North Carolina manufacturers since 1987. We understand manufacturing operations - ERP systems, plant floor connectivity, and the technology that keeps production running.
Get your free IT cost comparison:
- Phone: (336) 886-3282
- Email: Contact us
- Address: 1208 Eastchester Drive, Suite 131, High Point, NC 27265
Serving manufacturers throughout the Piedmont Triad, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and within 200 miles of High Point.
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