Identity governance and administration (IGA) plays a crucial role in modern business operations. It serves as a cornerstone in establishing a productive and secure work environment. Despite its significance, many organizations tend to view IGA as a mere checkbox item or an afterthought, leading to the failure of numerous IGA programs. However, the time is ripe for businesses to pivot and start deriving true business value from their identity solutions.
Running a successful IGA program demands diligence. When executed effectively, it can serve as a protective shield while simultaneously propelling business growth. In a landscape where data stands as both a valuable asset and a potential liability, IGA emerges as the linchpin for safeguarding and leveraging this dual nature of information. As you embark on your IGA journey, it is imperative to recognize and address common roadblocks that impede the success of an identity program.
1.) Unrealistic Expectations:
Unrealistic expectations can set organizations up for disappointment, whether stemming from overpromising vendors or a desire for instant results. Demonstrating broad value to a large audience promptly can serve as a powerful way to showcase progress. By making the IGA initiative widely available and user-friendly, organizations can facilitate user adoption and pave the way for more complex IT projects with less visible outcomes.
2.) Forced Change:
Navigating through a forced tech overhaul, such as a vendor migration to the cloud, can be daunting. However, viewing this transition as an opportunity to enhance productivity and fortify security can pave the way for strategic advancements. Organizations that opt for a new IGA solution should explore options that seamlessly integrate with their existing IT infrastructure and operational workflows.
3.) Poor Support:
Many identity vendors offer cloud-based solutions to mitigate deployment costs but often compromise on functionality and customization. Upgrading to these solutions may require significant adjustments to align with the new platform’s capabilities. Leveraging existing business platforms to run the IGA program can eliminate the need to sacrifice security, flexibility, or maintenance. This approach not only ensures a unified user interface across various business domains but also provides robust cloud architecture and streamlined workflows.
4.) Biting Off More than You Can Chew:
With the average business utilizing hundreds of SaaS applications, managing security and governance across these platforms presents a significant challenge. Automating IGA tasks can help organizations streamline efforts and ensure comprehensive governance of all enterprise applications. By integrating IGA with IT Service Management through automated workflows, IT teams can bridge gaps between disparate systems and enhance application management.
5.) Politics:
Organizational transitions triggered by new executives may introduce changes in preferred vendors and teams. While such shifts can be beneficial, organizations must assess compatibility within the existing framework to avoid disruptions and inefficiencies. Deliberate selection of identity solutions that align with business objectives and operational processes is crucial for maintaining business continuity and productivity.
The failure of IGA programs can be attributed to various factors, including misaligned expectations, inadequate implementation, and a lack of immediate value. To overcome these challenges and maximize the benefits of identity programs, organizations must set realistic goals, plan strategically, embrace change, and progress incrementally. By addressing common pitfalls in IGA implementation, businesses can enhance security measures, streamline compliance efforts, and harness the full potential of their IGA investments.