Provisioning Patterns

Automating Identity Lifecycles

Provisioning is the architectural discipline of ensuring that the right people have the right access to the right systems at exactly the right time. In a modern enterprise, manual account creation is a security risk and an operational bottleneck. A mature provisioning strategy automates the entire “Joiner-Mover-Leaver” (JML) process—automatically creating accounts when an employee is hired, updating permissions when they change roles, and instantly revoking all access the moment they leave the organization.

PROV

Lifecycle Automation

Core Mission

Synchronization of Truth. Propagating identity data from the "Source of Truth" (like an HR system) to every downstream application, ensuring that digital identity always mirrors organizational reality.

Like a Universal HR Concierge: When a new employee joins a hotel, the concierge doesn't just give them a room. They automatically register them for payroll, order their uniform, set up their email, and program their keycard for the specific floors they need to work on. When the employee is promoted, the concierge swaps their keycard for one with more access—all without the employee having to ask.

Enterprise Onboarding / Automated Revocation / SCIM

Provisioning Architecture Models

Different organizations require different methods of account creation, ranging from real-time “Just-In-Time” creation to heavy-duty centralized synchronization.

Strategic Provisioning Matrix

Model	Mechanism	Best For	Security Value
Hub-and-Spoke	Central IDM pushes data to apps.	Large enterprises with legacy apps.	High (Central Audit)
Just-In-Time (JIT)	App creates user upon first SSO login.	SaaS apps, Rapid onboarding.	Medium
SCIM (Standard)	Continuous API-based sync.	Modern SaaS, cloud-native hubs.	High (Real-time)
Federated	Cross-domain identity sharing.	B2B partnerships, guest access.	Medium-High

The Identity Journey (JML)

A secure provisioning system manages the user’s digital footprint throughout their entire tenure at an organization.

1

Join (Onboarding)

Data flows from HR to the Identity Provider. Direct accounts and default "Birthright" permissions are automatically created in core systems like Email, Slack, and ERP.

2

Move (Transition)

A change in job title or department triggers a delta-sync. Old permissions are revoked, and new, role-appropriate permissions are granted (e.g., losing Sales access, gaining Engineering access).

3

Leave (Offboarding)

Termination in the HR system sends a "Kill Signal" across the ecosystem. All active sessions are terminated, and accounts are disabled or deleted within seconds to prevent insider threats.

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Technical Provisioning Pattern Guides

Master the implementation of automated user lifecycles and standard sync protocols.

SCIM 2.0

Using the industry standard API for cross-domain identity management.

Just-In-Time (JIT)

Implementing seamless on-demand provisioning during the SSO authentication flow.

Secure Offboarding

Ensuring absolute access revocation and data cleanup during the termination phase.

Lifecycle Management

Designing workflows for approvals, attribute mapping, and automated role-mining.

Next Steps

• Explore SCIM Connectors for building custom provisioning integrations.
• Review Access Certifications for auditing provisioned accounts.
• Check Entitlement Mapping for translating HR roles into technical permissions.