3 Critical IT Considerations for EMS Barcode Customers

3 Critical IT Considerations for EMS Barcode Customers

Global Shop Solutions ERP users often leverage EMS Barcode Solutions for their timeclock, printing and barcode labeling needs. With over 60 five-star Google reviews, EMS Barcode has established itself as a trusted partner in the Global Shop Solutions ecosystem. If you are considering GS Mobile and preparing to improve the maturity and visibility of your shop floor, it's important to have a complete action plan.

As the Preferred IT Services Partner for EMS and Global Shop Solutions, with numerous collaborative deployments under our belt, we've identified three key IT considerations to ensure a successful EMS implementation.

1. Wireless Coverage and Network Design

Investing in timekeeping and barcode solutions requires robust network infrastructure. Key recommendations include:

- Conduct a comprehensive wireless heatmap across your facility to identify and eliminate signal dead zones.
- Implement network segmentation to isolate EMS and wireless traffic.
- Ensure consistent, reliable connectivity across all operational areas.
- Evaluate whether you need a backup internet circuit (failover). If production will rely heavily on network access, confirm you have redundancy in place if the primary connection is disrupted.

To ensure you do it right the first time, your existing wiring and switching should be considered in this process. Too often we see companies band-aid shoddy wiring by adding small, unsupportable switches or relays to their environment. Save the headache and do it right.

2. Security Protocols

Regardless of compliance requirements, prioritize network security. A proper evaluation should include a consideration of Informational Technology (the business environment) from Operational Technology (the production environment). It is critically important that an issue on the IT side have minimal impact on the production environment. This should be baked into the plan from the start.

- Analyze network traffic from the firewall to the wireless access points.
- Implement segmentation, VLANs, and security controls to protect your IT environment.
- Ensure you have appropriate logging and network monitoring to quickly identify issues and trace the root cause. -- Production downtime costs real money, so you need to be able to perform root-cause analysis when something goes wrong.
- For CMMC-regulated environments, FIPS configuration may be required—engage security experts early in the implementation process.

3. Integrated Support Strategy

Adding EMS to your Global Shop Solutions platform increases operational capabilities but also introduces management complexity:

- Select an IT partner with proven experience in both Global Shop Solutions and EMS systems
- Ensure your support team can seamlessly manage and troubleshoot integrated platforms
- Avoid potential finger-pointing by choosing a partner with comprehensive system knowledge

By addressing these IT considerations, you'll maximize the potential of your EMS Barcode and Global Shop Solutions integration, driving efficiency and operational excellence.

Upward Technology is the only Preferred IT Partner for Global Shop Solutions and EMS Barcode. Our IT Services program is designed to help you optimize your production environment and stay ahead of the technology curve. With class-leading, 24/7/365 support and unmatched manufacturing expertise, Upward will help your business to supercharge its digital future.

www.upward-technology.com