The key to working safely and efficiently in a digital world

Introduction

Every organisation relies on digital systems daily: HR platforms, financial software, cloud applications, CRM systems and collaboration environments. And all these systems demand one thing: access.

Who is allowed to access what information? How do you ensure someone is who they claim to be? And what happens when someone leaves the company?

These questions go to the core of Identity & Access Management (IAM) – the way organisations manage digital identities and control access to systems.

IAM is not just an IT solution, but a strategic foundation for security, compliance and efficiency.

What exactly is Identity & Access Management?

Identity & Access Management (IAM) comprises the processes, technologies and policies that determine who has access to which systems, data and applications, and under what conditions.

In short:

IAM ensures the right person, at the right time, with the right permissions, accesses the right resources — and no more than that.

IAM consists of two main components:

1. Identity Management – managing digital identities (user accounts, roles, functions).

2. Access Management – granting, controlling and revoking access to applications and data.

Why IAM is becoming increasingly important

The digital workplace is changing rapidly. Where organisations once had a single internal network, employees now work hybrid, from home, at the office and via mobile devices. At the same time, companies use dozens of cloud applications.

Without proper IAM, this leads to:

• Unmanageable access rights

• Security risks

• Employee frustration

• And compliance issues

IAM helps maintain order and control in this complex environment.

The building blocks of IAM

1. Provisioning and deprovisioning

New employees automatically receive an account and access to the appropriate applications once they start (provisioning). When someone leaves, all rights are immediately revoked (deprovisioning).

➡️ This prevents former employees from retaining access to company data — a common risk.

2. Single Sign-On (SSO)

With SSO, an employee logs in once to gain access to all linked applications. No password chaos, more ease of use and fewer security risks.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

IAM supports enforcing multiple verification steps, such as an SMS code, app confirmation or biometric scan. This way, you can ensure someone really is who they claim to be.

4. Role Based Access Control (RBAC)

Access rights are linked to roles or functions. An HR employee automatically receives HR rights, a developer access to development tools. This prevents arbitrary or overly broad access.

5. Audit and logging

IAM records who had access to what and when. This is crucial for audits (such as for ISO 27001) and detecting suspicious activity.

6. Self-service access

Employees can request additional applications themselves through a controlled workflow. Less administration, more autonomy.

The role of IAM in security

IAM forms the first line of defence against data breaches, phishing and unauthorised access.

Without IAM, it is nearly impossible to maintain control over:

• Password policies

• Access to sensitive data

• Permissions of temporary employees or external partners

With IAM, organisations can apply a Zero Trust security model:

Trust no one by default – always verify identity, context and rights.

Zero Trust and IAM reinforce each other. IAM provides the identity and access controls needed to enable Zero Trust.

IAM and compliance

More organisations need to comply with strict data security requirements, such as GDPR and ISO 27001.

IAM supports compliance by:

• Clear assignment of responsibilities (who can access what)

• Complete traceability (audit trails)

• Faster audit preparation

• Controlling data access to the strictly necessary level

With a well-implemented IAM system, you can easily demonstrate that you are “in control”.

IAM combined with Entra ID and Active Directory

Many organisations already use Microsoft Active Directory (AD) as a basis for identity management. AD regulates access to local systems, printers and network resources.

But with the move to cloud applications, Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) is the logical next step.

Active Directory (AD)

• Strong for on-premises environments

• Focuses on devices and internal networks

Entra ID

• Designed for cloud and hybrid working

• Manages access to Microsoft 365, SaaS apps and external users

• Supports modern security features like Conditional Access and MFA

By combining AD and Entra ID through a platform like Joinly IAM, a central layer for managing all identities is created – both on-prem and in the cloud.

In practice: how IAM makes a difference

Without IAM

• Employees wait days for access

• IT constantly resets passwords

• Former employees retain access to applications

• Audits take weeks of manual work

• No one knows exactly who has access to what

With IAM (e.g. through Joinly)

• New employees receive immediate access on their first working day

• Access is automatically set up via HR (e.g. AFAS or YouServe)

• SSO and MFA provide secure, smooth login

• Offboarding is automatic

• Audits are clear and substantiated

IAM is therefore not a luxury – it is necessary to work safely, compliantly and efficiently.

Common misconceptions about IAM

“IAM is only for large organisations.”
Not true. Medium-sized companies benefit from automation because they often have limited IT resources.

“IAM is too complex to implement.”
Modern IAM solutions like Joinly are modular, quickly integrable and have standard connections with systems like Entra ID, AD, AFAS and YouServe.

“IAM is primarily an IT project.”
IAM affects the entire organisation — HR, IT, compliance and security. It is a shared responsibility.

The future of IAM

IAM is developing rapidly. We see three major trends:

1. Passwordless authentication – logging in via facial recognition, fingerprint or security key.

2. Adaptive access – access based on context, location and behaviour.

3. Automated governance – AI helps analyse and automatically adjust access rights.

IAM is evolving from a technical solution to a strategic layer within digital transformation.

Conclusion

Identity & Access Management is much more than user management. It is the backbone of modern security, compliance and efficient working.

With IAM:

• employees get immediate access to what they need,

• data remains protected against unauthorised access,

• and you maintain control over who has access to what.

Joinly IAM helps organisations achieve this easily – with automatic provisioning from HR, integrations with Entra ID and Active Directory, and secure SSO and MFA functionalities.

🔑 IAM brings balance between convenience, security and control.

👉 Want to know how Joinly can help your organisation with a future-proof IAM policy?
Contact us to schedule a demo or for non-binding advice.