Identity management standards are changing almost daily. This post explains a new approach to identity management that promotes data sharing between disparate databases and systems.
1. Most Current Environments
Up until now, when it came to badging, you’ve had two choices:
1. Badging system that comes with its own database
2. Badging system that hooks up to your existing database
This works fine as long as you’re only going to use the badge for visual identification. It’s when you decide to use your badge for any other applications that you start running into problems.
That’s because any security applications you might add to your badging system all require their own separate database(s); they can’t live off the existing database. You may also have separate databases that contain information relating to a specific individual that are not security application databases.
Now you’ve got separate databases for each application. What happens when you have to add a new person (Joe)? You will have to go through and manually add him into each system – and the process is different for each application. It’s time consuming and definitely not easy. Many times, there will be phone calls, emails, and paperwork that needs to be processed to ensure everything is done correctly.
Now once you’ve finally gotten Joe into all those different systems, what happens if you need to remove him? For example, Joe gets another job. Now you’ve got to deactivate him in each of those systems, touching all of them AGAIN. It’s a multi-step process all the time – it’s not easy and it’s not very secure.
2. What the BadgePass developers decided to do about this
The bottom line is, they didn’t like the old way of doing things so they decided to create something different. They came up with a system that allows you to create more interoperable communication between your existing databases and all security related applications.
In plain English, they made it quicker and easier for you to take Joe and get his information into all your different applications.
How did they do that?
3. They start by creating a centralized identity database (BadgePass Server)
Then, they provide you with all the additional security applications (ID, Access Control, Visitor Management, Video Security…) you could possibly want. These security modules are additional modules, or add-ons, of the overall BadgePass solution. BadgePass Server is the backbone for everything including your non-security databases or other existing databases. You can start with BadgePass server, and then add the additional BadgePass modules or other non-BadgePass applications as required.
Since all of the BadgePass applications are coming from one source, they all reside in one identity database and they all “get along” with one another. They’re interoperable.
With all your applications working on one database, the challenge is then how to tie in your existing database(s).
4. Data-Sync Tool
BadgePass does this with a “data-sync” tool which allows your identity database to stay synchronized with your already existing database(s). FYI, every database ID Centre (Datacard’s ID Software) has ever integrated with, BadgePass can also integrate with because BadgePass uses the same connection method (ODBC connection).
5. AD – Plug In
BadgePass can also hook up with Active Directory using the AD Plug-In. For specifics on how this works, the BadgePass developers will need to be involved in the discussion.
6. Two way communication process
So now, because you’re sharing information from your existing databases, you have actual 2 way communication between all of the BadgePass systems (modules) and your other applications.
7. What does that mean for the various BadgePass Modules?
Now you’ve got Joe – and as soon as you create him a badge, all his information is automatically stored in that centralized identity database and shared in all of the other BadgePass modules. It happens automatically; there is no multi-step process involved anymore.
For example, his badge will automatically have access rights in access control and his name will instantly show up in the list of employees that can have visitors in your visitor manager system.
8. Event Notification System for Non-BadgePass systems
The BadgePass server event notification service allows for communication with outside, non-BadgePass systems. Without getting overly technical, it gives you the ability to create custom events and automatic notification across all your other applications that utilize closed or proprietary databases.
The BadgePass solution is a best practices solution for identity management and is offered exclusively by Data Equipment in middle Tennessee. If you have any questions related to BadgePass, please feel free to contact me via this site, check out the BadgePass website at www.badgepass.com, or call our toll free number 800-874-4183 for more information. If I can’t help you, I will find someone who can.
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