Organizations often struggle to secure executive buy-in when modernization is framed solely as a technology initiative. Manufacturers see greater success when investments are tied directly to business outcomes such as reducing risk, supporting growth, and increasing productivity. When these investments are linked to measurable business value, executive alignment and momentum usually follow.
Protecting Growth: IT Modernization for Manufacturers
Key Takeaways from Our Women in Manufacturing Webinar
For today's manufacturers, technology modernization is about more than upgrading outdated systems. It's an opportunity to improve efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity, and build a foundation for future growth.
In a recent webinar hosted by Women in Manufacturing, First American CIO Kelly Taran discussed why modernization deserves a place on the business agenda, the hidden costs of legacy technology, and how manufacturers can balance innovation with security.
Here are five considerations for manufacturing leaders evaluating their technology roadmap.
Modernization Is a Business Growth Strategy
The Costs of Inaction Can Exceed Modernization Costs
Aging technology may appear functional, but over time, it can create hidden costs and business continuity risks. Legacy systems often increase cybersecurity exposure and operational inefficiencies while making future technology integrations more challenging. Delaying action can turn a planned investment into a reactive project that is more disruptive and costly to implement.
Cybersecurity Protects Performance
Cybersecurity is more than a collection of tools and controls. A cyber incident can interfere with every aspect of a business and erode customer trust. Upfront investment in cybersecurity programs helps protect performance while supporting long-term resilience and safety.
Growth Requires Both Enablement and Protection
Technology investments serve two important purposes: enabling growth and protecting it. Modern systems can help manufacturers scale operations, automate workflows, and adopt the latest technologies. Equally important, organizations should strengthen their security posture so growth is not undermined by evolving cyber risks.
Modernization Is an Ongoing Discipline
Manufacturers should avoid treating modernization as a one-time transformation project. Instead, it should be an ongoing process of evaluation, prioritization, and improvement. Organizations that regularly assess their technology landscape and focus on high-value initiatives are better positioned to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging technologies.
Building a Foundation for Future Growth
As competitive pressures evolve, a modern technology foundation has become increasingly important to long-term performance. By viewing modernization through the lens of business value, cybersecurity, and long-term growth, leaders can move beyond maintaining legacy systems and begin building a foundation for innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage.
Weren’t able to attend? View a recording of the conversation here.
Host
Susan Hunter-Vazinski
Director of Marketing and Communications
Women in Manufacturing
As the director of marketing and communications for the Women in Manufacturing Association (WIM), Susan is responsible developing and executing marketing strategies to promote events, programs and services offered by WIM and the Women in Manufacturing Educational Foundation (WIMEF). She creates and manages the production of content and other marketing activities across all marketing channels to help achieve event, program and membership goals.
Featured Speaker
Kelly Taran
Chief Information Officer
First American Equipment Finance
Kelly Taran leads the IT department at First American Equipment Finance, where she fosters innovation and delivers best-in-class experiences through the company’s strategic use of technology. She and her team provide colleagues the cutting-edge tools they need to achieve the company's vision of being the best company to work for and with. Kelly's passion for technology stems from her love for learning, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Kelly began her career at First American in 2015 as a Business Systems Analyst. In 2017, she was recognized as Operations Person of the Year, and in 2025, was named the Chairman’s Award recipient for her excellence in character and leadership.
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