Smooth access, big gains: How IAM helps increase productivity in manufacturing
In manufacturing, every second counts. Whether it's time lost during shift changes, system transitions, or support tickets, access delays quietly chip away at productivity. And as operations scale, these inefficiencies only grow.
Manufacturers need more than secure access. They need access that eliminates downtime during shift changes, supports fast onboarding, and works without delay across every device on the floor. In facilities where production lines run continuously, even a 30-second delay per login can accumulate hours of lost output every week. That’s where identity and access management (IAM) delivers real value, helping to put productivity at the forefront.
Access friction is an output killer
Productivity in manufacturing depends on repeatable speed and precision. But friction in access workflows creates unnecessary delays. Logins stretch from seconds into minutes. New workers are sidelined on day one waiting for access. Technicians hop between apps and interfaces, each requiring new authentication.
Meanwhile, IT teams spend time resetting passwords instead of supporting operations. Every support ticket is time stolen from uptime. And when access workflows vary by device or location, inconsistency turns into confusion – and more time lost.
Security incidents also contribute to lost productivity. According to research from IBM, the average time to identify and contain a breach across industrial sectors is 199 days (about 6 and a half months), with access mismanagement a contributing factor. While security remains critical, the operational impact of inefficient access is just as urgent.
IAM built for manufacturing output
IAM improves digital workflows by eliminating repetitive login tasks. For example, in a 24-hour facility with rotating shifts, reducing authentication time at each workstation by even one minute per user can translate into several reclaimed hours of operational time each week. Single sign-on (SSO) eliminates redundant logins, enabling seamless transitions between systems. Multifactor authentication (MFA) methods like badge taps or biometrics keep security strong without disrupting work.
By enabling fast, secure access at every touchpoint, IAM turns digital friction into operational flow.
What productivity really looks like
Consider a production line where each login takes two minutes. Multiply that across numerous devices and several shifts per day, and you’re looking at hours lost every week. IAM can shrink that login time to just seconds, giving that precious time back to the floor.
When new employees start with the smooth access on day one, there is no lag in productivity. And when IT is freed from constant credential tickets, they can focus on keeping systems optimized and operations resilient.
These changes may seem small, but in manufacturing, small wins scale quickly. Reducing the volume of IT support calls related to login issues can return hours to frontline operations, allowing teams to stay focused on production instead of troubleshooting access problems. Over time, that means more throughput without adding headcount or overtime.
Use your data to your advantage
Smart manufacturers use data to continuously improve. IAM should offer visibility into access behaviors: who is accessing what, where delays occur, and how workflows evolve.
This turns IAM from a simple IT tool into a powerful advantage for the organization. It equips you with information you need to solidify operations and identify productivity issues. After all, you cannot fix a problem until you know it exists.
Smoother access leads to smoother operations
If manufacturing workers cannot access what they need quickly, they cannot produce. IAM is not just about protecting systems. It is about empowering the people who run them. Placing an emphasis on leveraging access solutions that put productivity first gives your people what they need to perform at a higher level.
Productivity-first access means removing barriers without compromising security or changing how your people work. That is what IAM is built to do.