Single Sign-On (SSO) and OperationsCommander - What do you need to Consider?

Single Sign-On (SSO) offers a streamlined and secure way for your organization's users to access OPS-COM. Instead of managing separate usernames and passwords for OPS-COM, users can log in once using their existing company or institutional credentials, gaining seamless access to various services, including OPS-COM. This simplifies the login experience and enhances overall security.

What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?

At its core, SSO is about simplifying access. Imagine having one key that opens multiple doors. With SSO, that key is your single set of login credentials (username and password) that grants you access to various online applications and websites. Many organizations use SSO to provide their employees or members easy and consistent access to all their digital tools. When OPS-COM is integrated into your SSO system, your users can access our services without needing to create or remember another distinct account.

How SSO Works in a Simple Way

SSO acts like a central gatekeeper for your online services:

1. You Request Access: When you try to log into an online tool or website (like your work email or a school portal), the system recognizes it's an SSO-enabled service.
2. Redirection to SSO: Instead of asking for your username and password directly, the website sends you to a dedicated SSO service – a trusted system specifically designed to handle logins for all your integrated applications.
3. Your Single Login: On this SSO service page, you'll enter your username and password. This is the only time you'll need to enter these details to access multiple integrated services.
4. Verification: The SSO service checks your login information. Once it confirms your identity, it creates a secure, temporary "digital pass" or token.
5. Return to OPS-COM: This "digital pass" is securely sent back to OPS-COM (or the original application you wanted to access).
6. Access Granted: OPS-COM recognizes and trusts this "digital pass," allowing you to immediately access your account and start using the system without any further login prompts.

Why Organizations Use SSO

• Convenience: Users only need to remember one set of login details for multiple applications.
• Time-Saving: Quick and effortless access to various services eliminates the need to repeatedly log in, improving productivity.
• Enhanced Security: With fewer passwords to manage, users are less likely to create weak passwords, reuse them across sites, or write them down, which generally leads to stronger overall security.

Key Considerations Before Setting Up SSO with OPS-COM

Implementing SSO requires planning and coordination to ensure it aligns with your organization's specific needs and security protocols.

• Investment Required: SSO is a premium feature within OPS-COM. There is a setup fee and recurring fees associated with its functionality. To begin the process and discuss pricing, please contact your Sales Representative or email support@ops-com.com.

• User Types and Access:

  • Will certain groups of users (e.g., students, staff) use SSO, while others (e.g., the general public) continue to use a direct OPS-COM login?
  • Do you need different login methods for different user types?

• User Data Management:

  • How do you prefer to get your user accounts into OPS-COM initially?
  • Do you want new user accounts to be created automatically "on the fly" when a user logs in via SSO for the very first time?
  • Do you need user information in OPS-COM to automatically stay synchronized with your main organizational system (Identity Provider) over time, or is a one-time import sufficient?
  • Which specific user details (like name, email, student ID) from your existing system do you want to be shared and synchronized with OPS-COM?

Our Client Success team is ready to guide you through these important considerations and help tailor the SSO setup for your organization's success and seamless operation.