Checklist · Plants
IT ready for your plant startup: a 40-point checklist.
Use it with your project team so IT isn’t the reason production starts late: from tax and plant access to network, equipment, security and startup.
How to use itReview it 12 weeks before startup, assign an owner to each item and follow up every week. Connectivity and plant access usually have the longest lead times.
Tax and legal
- Company incorporated and RFC (tax ID) ready for contracts and invoices
- Electronic invoicing (CFDI) process agreed with suppliers
- Import plan: pedimento (customs entry), customs broker and, if applicable, the IMMEX program
- Telecommunications certification reviewed for each model with a radio
- Electrical safety compliance (NOM standards) for imported equipment
- Specialized service providers registered as required by Mexican law
- Privacy notice for employees and visitors
Plant access and safety
- Contractor registration and documents for plant entry
- Safety induction scheduled for each technician
- PPE requirements defined by area
- Badge and access control process for IT contractors
- Work permits for cabling at height or in production areas
Connectivity
- Two internet providers contracted: the last mile can take a while in new industrial parks
- Temporary connectivity for construction and commissioning
- WAN / SD-WAN design agreed with headquarters
- Public IP, VPN and remote access requirements
- Provider escalation contacts documented
Network and Wi-Fi
- Structured cabling designed, installed and certified
- Wi-Fi survey of offices, warehouse and production floor
- Industrial switches and enclosures where needed
- Network segmentation between office IT and OT
- Communications rooms with power, cooling and UPS
- As-built documentation and port map
Equipment
- Laptops and office computers prepared to your standard
- Shop-floor terminals and MES stations
- Rugged handhelds and scanners for the warehouse
- Label and document printers with consumables
- On-site spares for critical devices
- Asset tags and inventory in the management platform
Security
- Identity, MFA and conditional access for new users
- Endpoint protection and active patching
- Backup of on-premises servers and critical data
- Network ready for CCTV and access control
- Incident and escalation contacts agreed
Startup and support
- Runbooks for common incidents
- Hypercare plan with on-site technicians during the production ramp-up
- Help desk in Spanish and English
- SLA and preventive maintenance schedule
- Monthly report to headquarters
- Handover from the project team to the operations team
40 points. This checklist is a general guide; confirm legal and tax requirements with your advisors.
Free PDF
Download the PDF: Nearshoring IT checklist
A version to print and share with your team, with INconnet branding. With owner and date columns for each item.
- Ready to print
- We also email you the link
- Free, no commitment
Can INconnet review this checklist with us?
Yes. It’s the starting point of our readiness review for new plants in Mexico.
When should IT work start on a new plant?
At least 12 weeks before startup; connectivity often needs more.
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