User lifecycle management software is a fundamental part of a smooth and reliable security framework - it removes human error.
The reality is ULM software can have down-time and limited functionality with your existing tech stack. And the fact is - it cuts into productivity and stops you from having complete visibility.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best user lifecycle management software in terms of compatibility, automation, and reliability for all tech companies.
What is User Lifecycle Management?
User Lifecycle Management (ULM) refers to the process of managing the creation, modification, and removal of user identities and access across a company’s infrastructure.
ULM includes onboarding, role-based provisioning, access changes, and deprovisioning when users leave.
Automating these processes is critical for making sure there are smooth operations, improving security, and complying with regulatory requirements. Companies increasingly rely on ULM software to speed up these tasks, reduce human error, and make sure there are timely access changes.
Top 10 User Lifecycle Management Software Tools
1. Infisign ULM
Infisign is one of the best user lifecycle management software as it has AI access assist, as well as, automatic provisioning and deprovisioning built on a zero-trust framework. This makes assigning access to applications quick and a lot easier - and security breaches less likely than with other ULM software.
Infisign is a customer lifecycle management software that comes with SSO and adaptive MFA making it versatile to use. Infisign also comes with conditional access and attribute-based access control, making granular access control easy to implement across specific groups for specific conditions. Moreover with directory-sync free of cost - using universal SSO takes needs a lot less effort for admins.
With conditional access and an access policy framework you can customize based on your company - it also allows flexibility. One major aspect of this ULM tool is the fact that it is built on a zero-trust framework.
Moreover, unlike other tools, it offers all functionality with its base plan without hidden payments - this means both free migration and the use of device passkeys for better biometric authentication.
While not the most well-known - we’ve put Infisign on the top of this list for its pricing, universal SSO, and lack of downtime.
Key Features of Infisign
- Automated Workflows: Automates provisioning and deprovisioning of users based on role changes and access requirements.
- Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication: This type of MFA changes based on conditionals and circumstances balancing both security and usability. This helps ensure your platform is easy to access yet also prioritizes security. With methods like Biometrics, magic links, OTPs, and authorization apps - MFA is easy to use.
- Social Login and SSO: When it comes to signing up users to your software as well as your own workforce using SSO and Social login have huge value. In the case of new users - social logins both add a level of trust and easy access. In the case of SSO - you reduce the redundancies when signing in to tools.
- Conditional Access: Conditional access allows you to limit user access based on device, IP location, geo-location alongside other aspects. This helps you control unauthorized access and reduce the chances of security breaches or account sharing.
- AI Access Asisst: With AI access assist you reduce the overall demand on IT administration teams - allowing users to be granted access to policies you set beforehand. Aside from this, you can also grant users access faster through requests on Slack or Teams.
- Attribute-Based Access Control: With this, you can change user access based on specific attributes in your directory or user database. It makes granular access a lot more detailed and straightforward to execute.
- Directory-Sync: This allows changes made to user access to reflect across your tech stack on a scheduled basis.
- Compliance Auditing: Tracks and reports access changes for compliance audits.
2. Microsoft Entra ID
Microsft Entra ID or as it was formerly known as Azure AD, is another popular ULM software. This user lifecycle management solution is excellent for option companies that mostly work with Microsft applications as its integration is relatively easy. That said, some users felt like there was a steep learning curve when it came to using the software itself.
Moreover, for some software, some users felt there were limited options for integration and not as many APIs as other IAM or CIAM software on the market.
Key Features of Microsoft Entra ID
- Self-Service Password Reset: Users can reset passwords on their own without help desk involvement.
- Conditional Access Policies: Controls access based on user risk, location, and device compliance.
- Identity Governance: Has automatic lifecycle management with role-based access and certification reviews.
3. IBM Verify
Predominantly CIAM software, IBM verify is one of the best ULM software when it comes to on-premises, cloud-based, and hybrid cloud environments. One of the aspects that helps it stand out is the fact that it can be used alongside legacy applications for CRM or other types of business tools.
That said to have a good user experience you need to have a reasonable knowledge of IAM software or access systems. However, it’s worth mentioning that this software leans towards the expensive side for both small and medium-sized businesses.
Key Features of IBM
- Automatic Role Assignments: Assign roles based on predefined rules and needs.
- Audit and Compliance Management: Tracks user activity and access for easier audit readiness.
- Provisioning and Deprovisioning: Automatically provisions and deprovisions users across multiple systems.
4. SailPoint IdentityNow
SailPoint IdentityNow is a cloud-based user lifecycle management tool designed to automate identity governance across an enterprise.
By working easily with HR systems and applications, this ULM software has automatic provisioning, de-provisioning, and role management for employees, contractors, and partners.
Key Features of SailPoint
- AI-Driven Identity Governance: Leverages AI to automate access provisioning and role assignments.
- Access Reviews: Simplifies regular reviews of user access rights and automates the recertification process.
- Cloud-Based Provisioning: Allows automatic provisioning across multiple cloud and on-premises applications.
5. OneLogin
OneLogin is a reliable IAM tool and user lifecycle management software designed for enterprises of all sizes.
It allows automated provisioning and deprovisioning, integrates with cloud and on-premise directories like Active Directory and Workday, and supports flexible entitlement mappings and admin approval workflows.
However, while it offers extensive pre-built app integrations and custom connectors, some advanced features require additional subscriptions.
Key Features of OneLogin
- Unified Directory: Syncs users from various systems into a unified directory for easy management.
- Automated Workflows: Automates the entire lifecycle from user onboarding to offboarding.
- Role-Based Access: Allows for easy assignment of access based on roles and departments.
6. Ping Identity
While not the most popular lifecycle management tool, Ping Identity is a software platform for managing user identities. It supports protocols such as SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect, making sure there is compatibility with various systems while maintaining complete data compliance standards.
Ping Identity's API-driven approach allows for extensive customization, helping businesses to customize the system to their specific requirements.
Key Features of Ping Identity
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Provides easy access to multiple applications with one set of credentials.
- Centralized Access Management: Manages users and permissions across all applications from a central location.
- Automatic Provisioning and Deprovisioning: Speeds up user access updates when roles change.
7. JumpCloud
JumpCloud is an advanced user lifecycle management platform known for its cloud-native Directory-as-a-Service (DaaS) approach. It improves identity management by allowing automatic provisioning and deprovisioning of users across multiple platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
However, some limitations exist, such as occasional conflicts with macOS integrations. Overall, however, it’s a reasonable software for businesses seeking scalable and centralized identity management
Key Features of Ping Identity
- Directory-as-a-Service (DaaS): Provides a cloud-based alternative to traditional directory services like Active Directory.
- Automated Access Control: Grants and revokes access automatically based on pre-defined policies.
- Cross-Platform Support: Manages users across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.
8. Rippling
Rippling is a popular user lifecycle management software, excelling in working with HR and IT functionalities for easy employee management. It supports automatic onboarding, provisioning, and de-provisioning across devices and applications, making sure that access remains tightly controlled.
Key features include dynamic MFA policies, role-based access control, and compliance reporting for frameworks like SOC 2 and GDPR.
Key Features of Ping Identity
- Automatic Provisioning: Automatically provisions users in software, devices, and IT systems during onboarding.
- Offboarding Automation: Instantly removes access to all company systems when an employee leaves.
- Integration with HR Systems: Syncs with HR systems for smooth employee data updates.
9. Saviynt
Saviynt is one of the newer choices for a user lifecycle management tool - it’s a cloud-native platform with extensive identity governance capabilities. This software does a good job in unifying identity security across applications, machines, and users within multi-cloud environments.
However, some users note that while its advanced analytics are a strength, the platform can feel complex during initial setup for teams unfamiliar with identity-centric approaches.
Key Features of Saviynt
- Automated User Provisioning: Automatically provisions users based on policies and roles.
- Access Certification: Makes sure that users have only the access they need, with regular access reviews.
- Cloud Security Governance: Extends security and governance policies across cloud infrastructures.
10. Okta Lifecycle Management
Okta Lifecycle Management is a user lifecycle management software. It simplifies identity management by automating key processes like provisioning, de-provisioning, and access request workflows.
However, while its feature set is powerful, its advanced functions may require additional configuration for full utilization.
Key Features of Okta
- Automated Provisioning: Easily provides users with necessary access to applications and systems during onboarding.
- Deprovisioning: Instantly revokes access to apps and systems when users leave the company.
- Lifecycle Workflow Automation: Automates approval processes for access requests, role changes, and deactivations.
Key Features to Look for in the Most Suitable User Lifecycle Management Software Tools
Scalable and Easy to Use For Growing Companies
When looking at ULM software it’s important to consider the rate at which your company and user-base is looking to grow. With some ULM software scaling up the number of users is often met with timeouts and the authentication system going down.
Aside from that, you’d want to look for software that allows granular control, or condition based access and attributes which can make applying settings for specific groups a whole lot easier as when your company scales.
Automated Provisioning and Deprovisioning
Automated onboarding and offboarding are essential for simplifying user lifecycle management. These tools automate access permissions, making sure that users are granted and revoked the right access at each stage of their journey.
By reducing manual processes, security risks are reduced, and operational efficiency is optimized. This feature is integral for maintaining security protocols while offering precise control over user access management.
Audit Trails and Reporting
In ULM, audit trails and reporting allow transparency by tracking every user interaction, from registration to account activity. Detailed logs and customizable reporting allowing businesses to monitor user behavior.
This also helps address potential issues, and maintain regulatory compliance, all while improving operational oversight and making sure there is data integrity across the user lifecycle.
Centralized Point of Management
A centralized point of management simplifies overseeing user access across multiple systems. With a unified interface, security teams can monitor and control user activity as and when it happens.
This centralization reduces administrative overhead and allows compliance with security protocols. It also facilitates better auditing and reporting, helping teams to make quick, informed decisions.
Policy Management
Policy management is a key feature when selecting user lifecycle management software. This tool helps define and keep user access controls, authentication protocols, and security measures across the entire lifecycle.
By setting and maintaining policies, businesses can maintain regulatory compliance, safeguard data, and manage user roles effectively, which is essential for protecting sensitive information throughout the user journey.
Compliance Management
Compliance management in user lifecycle management tools helps improve adherence to regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. These tools automate the tracking of user consent, access permissions, and data retention policies.
This allows legal compliance while maintaining operational efficiency. By centralizing compliance functions, security risks are reduced, and audit processes become more transparent and accessible.
What are Some Benefits User Lifecycle Management Software Can Add to Your Business?
- Streamlined Onboarding and Offboarding: User lifecycle management software automates account creation, access provisioning, and role assignments during onboarding. Similarly, it ensures timely deactivation of accounts and removal of access during offboarding to prevent security risks. This reduces manual effort, accelerates employee readiness, and enhances security.
- Enhanced Security and Compliance: By providing granular control over user permissions and access, the software ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive systems. Detailed audit trails and activity logs support compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. These features help protect your business from insider threats and meet regulatory requirements effectively.
- Better Operational Efficiency: Centralized management of user accounts across multiple systems simplifies day-to-day administrative tasks. Automated workflows for role changes, access reviews, and password resets save time and reduce human error. This allows IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine account maintenance.
- Better Role and Access Management: Lifecycle management software enforces role-based access control (RBAC), ensuring employees have only the permissions they need. Automated periodic reviews help maintain an up-to-date access inventory, reducing privilege creep. This approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and simplifies audits.
- Easier Integration Across Systems: User lifecycle management software integrates with HR, IT, and identity systems to synchronize data as and when data is updated. This helps allow consistency across platforms, eliminating duplicate accounts and outdated access. The result is a unified user experience and reduced administrative workload.
Why Infisign is One of the Best User Lifecycle Management Software Tools?
A lot of the time companies slide away from upgrading their user lifecycle management software! Why? Well, a lot of the time it has with wanting to spend more on marketing or RND.
However, it can save you both time and thousands of dollars, through automated provisioning, creating a system with minimal risks or redundancies. With software like Infisign, you can use AI access assist that will reduce the cost of administrative spend.Also, unlike other software, Infisign comes with directory sync and limitless migrations without hidden costs. Interested to know more? Why not try our free trial.
