How Often Should You Conduct a Network Audit?
Network audits are no longer a “nice-to-have,” they are a strategic necessity. Whether you are running a manufacturing plant with IoT-enabled machinery or a distribution center relying on real-time inventory data, your network is the backbone of operations. But how often should you audit it?
Let us break it down by industry, with a focus on manufacturing and distribution, where uptime, security, and performance are mission critical.
Manufacturing: Quarterly Audits Recommended
Why it matters: Manufacturers increasingly rely on smart devices, ERP systems like Epicor Kinetic, and edge computing to streamline production. A single misconfiguration or outdated firmware can disrupt workflows or expose vulnerabilities.
Audit Frequency: Every 3 months, with additional audits after major system upgrades or facility expansions.
Key Focus Areas:
- IoT device security and firmware updates
- Segmentation of production networks vs. corporate networks
- Latency and bandwidth optimization for real-time data flow
- ERP integration health, especially with Epicor in Azure or on-prem deployments
- Compliance checks for industry standards like NIST or ISO 27001
Pro Tip: Use AI-powered tools to automate anomaly detection and prioritize remediation. This reduces manual overhead and improves audit accuracy.
Distribution: Biannual Audits with Monthly Spot Checks
Why it matters: Distributors depend on fast, secure data exchange across warehouses, logistics partners, and ERP platforms like Epicor Prophet 21. Network hiccups can delay shipments, misalign inventory, or expose customer data.
Audit Frequency: Every 6 months, with monthly spot checks on high-risk endpoints and VPN connections.
Key Focus Areas:
- Firewall and VPN configurations for remote warehouse access
- Wireless network performance in large facilities
- Cloud service integrations, especially with Microsoft 365 and Azure
- Data flow between ERP and CRM systems
- Security posture against ransomware and phishing threats
Pro Tip: Leverage managed services to offload routine audits and ensure consistent monitoring. This is especially valuable for multi-site operations.
Network audits should be tailored not just to your industry, but to your infrastructure complexity, regulatory environment, and risk tolerance. At 2W Tech, we help manufacturing and distribution clients build audit schedules that align with their operational goals and compliance needs. Need help building your audit roadmap? Let us talk about how managed services and AI-driven tools can simplify your network health strategy.
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