The growing adoption and deployment of networked devices has integrated IT teams into physical security discussions, with IT departments increasingly charged with deploying and managing security solutions. Today, IT professionals seek even greater involvement in the security solutions pre-deployment process to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure. In doing so, both security and IT practitioners can realize the benefits of security convergence in reducing overall risk and achieving operational efficiency.
One such approach involves automating physical access to better align facility badging processes with the IT network using Physical Identity Access Management (PIAM) solutions. Modern PIAM solutions provide the ability to autonomously manage individual identities throughout their intended lifespans across the enterprise, automating tasks related to:
- onboarding,
- physical access provisioning,
- insider threat detection, and more.
But not all PIAM solutions are built the same.
Traditional access management relies on legacy systems and manual processes, involving department managers issuing access permissions manually, leading to errors and delays. Early iterations of PIAM solutions brought computerization, role-based access control, and centralized access permissions but also required hard coded rules that were inflexible to changes. Then advanced PIAM solutions came along and effectively revolutionized access management by leveraging data-driven automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML). These advanced systems aggregate and analyze a vast array of data, including identities, credentials, permissions, and information from various business systems, such as HR software and physical access control systems (PACS) – to provide organizations with operational and cost efficiency.
But with so many PIAM solutions available on the market, how can both IT and security teams ensure they choose the right solution for their business needs? Consider the following five factors:
1. Compatibility with Existing Systems
Before diving into the world of PIAM solutions, IT teams must assess the compatibility of PIAM solutions with their existing IT infrastructure. A PIAM solution that seamlessly integrates with the organization’s current systems, such as PACS, IT/IAM, Azure/Active Directory, HR Systems, Time Keeping, POS, Privacy, and other data governance systems ensures a smoother implementation process and reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO).
2. Scalability and Future-Proofing
Organizations evolve, and so should their identity and access management investments. IT teams should prioritize solutions that are scalable and can adapt to the organization’s growth. A future-proof PIAM system should support integration with a variety of systems and technologies that may be adopted down the road, such as contractor management solutions, visitor identity management solutions, etc.
3. Customization and Flexibility
Two factors that IT professionals typically consider when analyzing new software are the available customization options and flexibility in integration. As an organization grows, business needs change, and the last thing any organization wants is to invest in a solution that will require additional costs to adjust to new business needs. Vector Flow provides easy-to-use, no-code playbooks that help you build upon your investment without requiring developers’ hard-coding involvement.
4. Vendor/Contractor Systems Compatibility
Many organizations work with external vendors or contractors who may require temporary access. IT teams should consider PIAM solutions that integrate with external systems, facilitating the management of identities beyond the organization’s internal structure. Vector Flow’s Contingent Workers PIAM Portal is a unique tool that allows end-users to submit their information remotely, ensuring they can obtain necessary access without compromising security.
5. Data Security and Compliance
Integration should not compromise data security or compliance standards. IT teams must prioritize PIAM solutions that adhere to industry regulations and maintain the highest standards of data security, especially when dealing with sensitive identity information. Vector Flow solutions are SOC-2 and HIPPA compliant.
As IT teams embark on the journey of researching Physical Identity Management solutions, a strategic approach to integrations, ease of deployment, and scalability is non-negotiable. By considering solutions adhering to compliance standards, IT teams can make informed decisions that align PIAM solutions with the organization’s broader IT strategy, ultimately enhancing overall security and efficiency.
