In today’s digital workplace, most organisations rely on an ever-expanding suite of cloud applications. Each one promises to boost productivity, but collectively they create a new challenge: how to manage user access securely and efficiently without overwhelming IT teams.
We sat down with Damien Turnbull, CTO, to explore how Single Sign-On (SSO) and automated User Provisioning are helping organisations cut through the chaos.
The Chaos of User Management
Damien describes the current state of user management as “common chaos”, a situation many IT leaders will recognise. Processes that once worked for a handful of systems simply can’t cope with today’s proliferation of apps. Every new tool introduces another login, another account list, and another potential security risk.
“Pair that sprawl with manual, human-driven processes, and you get friction for users, a huge administrative burden for IT, and significant security risks.”
What Exactly Is SSO?
To tackle the issue of multiple logins, SSO offers a simple but powerful solution. It allows employees to log in once, through a secure portal, and then access all the applications they’re authorised to use. This eliminates the need to remember dozens of passwords and dramatically reduces lockouts and support calls.
“Think of SSO as a digital passport for your workday,” Damien explains. “You log in once with one strong set of credentials, and that portal vouches for you everywhere else.”
The Role of User Provisioning
While SSO is the “front door” for users, automated provisioning handles the critical work behind the scenes. When a new employee joins, provisioning automatically creates accounts across all required systems. When someone leaves, their access is revoked instantly across the board. This tightens security and eliminates human error.
"User provisioning means accounts are automatically created, updated, or deactivated across all your systems based on a single source of truth, usually HR or Active Directory. So, when a new hire starts, they instantly get the right access to the tools they need, without IT manually setting them up. And when someone leaves, those accounts are automatically shut down everywhere, closing a really common security gap.
Working Together for Lifecycle Management
The real value comes when SSO and User Provisioning are combined. Together, they manage the entire user lifecycle—from day one to the last. New staff arrive with everything ready to go; departing staff are cleanly and securely offboarded without delay.
“Provisioning manages what you have access to, and SSO manages how you access it,” Damien notes. “Together, they create a secure, efficient, and seamless experience from start to finish.”
Compliance Made Easier
For IT leaders, compliance and audit readiness are often the biggest headaches. Manual offboarding can leave accounts active for days or weeks, creating major risks. Automated provisioning eliminates these gaps by linking directly to HR systems or other sources of truth, ensuring instant removal of access.
“You also get a centralised log showing who had access to what and when,” Damien points out. “For audits, that’s game-changing.”
Freeing Up IT Teams
IT administrators know the pain of endless repetitive requests—setting up new users, resetting passwords, disabling accounts. By automating these tasks, SSO and provisioning free teams to focus on higher-value projects like strengthening infrastructure and security.
“The ‘before’ picture is a constant flood of low-value tickets,” Damien says. “The ‘after’ picture is that flood slowing to a trickle.”
A Better Experience for Employees
The benefits extend beyond IT. A smooth, automated onboarding process makes a strong first impression on new hires. Instead of waiting days to gain access to the tools they need, employees can start contributing from day one.
“Automation sends a powerful message: we are organised, we value your time, and we are ready for you,” Damien explains.
How to Get Started
For organisations looking to take the first step, Damien recommends starting small. Choose one role, identify the essential applications, and link them to a single source of truth such as the HR system. Proving the concept with a critical application like Microsoft 365 can demonstrate the value quickly and build momentum.
“Get that first win, show the improvement, and then expand from there,” he advises.
Looking Ahead
The future of identity and access management is moving towards “Zero Trust” models, where strong identity verification is central. Damien sees AI and machine learning playing a key role in detecting unusual patterns and risks in real time.
“The ultimate goal is a frictionless and secure experience where the right people have access to the right things at the right time—without ever having to think about it.”
SSO and User Provisioning are not just IT conveniences; they’re strategic enablers of productivity, security, and compliance. As Damien makes clear, starting small can unlock quick wins that pave the way for a more resilient and scalable future.
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