This blog often touts the increasingly common trend of cloud computing for manufacturing firms, and how having strong ERP software could help a business keep pace with the competition. One important thing to keep in mind though, according to industry experts, is that strong cyber security is also needed. That way, sensitive client and company data is kept safe.

Earlier this week, the Senate Commerce Committee listened to testimony from various industry leaders on why they should pass a cyber security bill on to Congress before its August recess.

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Vice President of Tax, Technology and Domestic Economic Policy Dorothy Coleman spoke at the hearing, saying that manufacturers are committed to the protection of intellectual property (IP), sensitive data and national security. For strong economic and national security, there needs to be comprehensive cyber security in place, Coleman said.

"Defending against cyber threats is a top priority for manufacturers," she said, according to a NAM press release. "As holders of the world's leading IP, including designs, patents and trade secrets, manufacturers are consistently targeted by cyber thieves."

Coleman added that in an effort to halt impending online threats, the NAM has called for an effective public-private partnership that permits information sharing between the government and businesses.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller said at the hearing that he wants to see a bill passed on this increasingly important matter, according to The Hill. This is a significant endorsement, as there are three committees that can do something, and his is one of them. Overall though, it is necessary for the government and businesses to be willing to work together.

As cyber security details are fine tuned in the government, manufacturing firms can do their part to remain up-to-date. With comprehensive software business solutions, organizations can keep themselves prepared for whatever technological innovations come their way.