Reinventing Identity and access Management – How to Support Business Growth Securely

Renewing an organization’s Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution is no small decision. Yet IAM forms the very foundation of the entire digital environment: it governs who can access which data and systems. Its reach can be surprisingly broad from employees to external partners, and all the way to automation and machine accounts.

No wonder the mere thought of replacing the system can cause cold sweat. But why is now the right time to stop and reconsider the relevance of your IAM solution and what can it bring to the business?

When does IAM need renewal?

Many organizations only recognize the need for an IAM system once daily work starts becoming inefficient. If HR sends new employee information to IT by email, and IT then manually creates accounts and passwords, that is far from modern automation. The same inefficiency is visible to end users: if access rights must be requested via email and every application requires a separate login, time and patience are wasted while security risks grow.

Other signs of outdated IAM include obsolete technology, poor integrations, clunky user interfaces, or security that no longer meets current requirements. Often, projects are launched only under external pressure, say, after an audit finding or a security incident. In such cases, decisions may be rushed without a clear strategy.

What does modern IAM deliver?

Next-generation IAM systems are not just back-end technical tools. They bring organizations three key benefits: security, a better user experience, and efficiency.

From a security standpoint, IAM is a critical line of defense. A system implemented years ago may no longer meet today’s requirements, leaving the organization vulnerable. In addition, legislation and regulations such as GDPR and NIS2 require controlled access management and transparency.

From a user experience perspective, a modern solution can be almost invisible: employees receive the right access immediately upon starting their job, log in once, and seamlessly use all necessary applications without friction. For administrators, the system is easy to manage without lengthy and costly training. When IAM is integrated with HR, service management, and business applications, access rights are created automatically and remain up to date throughout the entire employee lifecycle. This frees up time from manual tasks for actual business development.

Problems often arise when organizations focus too much on individual features during selection. Later, during implementation, they discover the solution is more complex and expensive to maintain than expected. That’s why the choice should emphasize business value and long-term goals—not just a checklist of technical requirements.

How to succeed in renewal?

Once the need for renewal is identified, organizations should proceed step by step. The first step is to assess the current state: how are identities managed today, and does the system meet regulatory requirements? Next comes defining the IAM strategy—what are the goals, such as stronger security, better efficiency, or improved user experience? The final step is a realistic set of requirements to ensure the system supports the business without becoming overly complex.

Success requires involving all key stakeholders from the very beginning—not just IT, but also business units, HR, security, and audit. When perspectives are combined, the initiative becomes not just a technical project but a strategic undertaking.

Looking ahead

Identity and access management is constantly evolving. New requirements emerge as digital environments grow more complex from stricter regulations to new types of identities, like AI agents. That’s why it is essential to choose a partner who actively develops their IAM services and ensures the solution meets both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.

Competitive advantage, not just another IT initiative

Renewing your IAM system is not merely an IT project. It is a strategic investment that improves security, streamlines processes, and simplifies daily work. Done right, identity management is not just an expense—it is a competitive advantage.

Is your organization ready to take the next step?

About the author:

For more than a decade, Joonas Jokinen has been helping organizations make their digital services secure, efficient, and easy to use through Identity and Access Management (IAM). Today, he brings his expertise to Haidion as an IAM Architect, where he continues to bridge the gap between technology and business needs.