Org Charts Help Identity ManagementOrg Charts Help Identity Management

Outside threats usually create the most problems for IT security administrators. But inside threats, users who open attachments from unknown senders or who fail to keep their security software up to date, also can cause security breakdowns and create work for the IT staff. So being able to quickly identify which internal users are entitled to be on the network and access data and applications, as well as which ones are engaging in poor security practices, is essential.

Using a software-based organizational chart in conjunction with an ID-management system can help to build and maintain accurate employee records and reporting lines, according to M-Tech Information Technology Inc., which Tuesday unveiled its ID-Org management system. The software, which ships next month, works with M-Tech's Identity Management Suite to route security-change requests to approved authorizers, find alternate authorizers when needed, and identify the right managers to certify and review user access rights.

Most businesses keep such data in manual form in the HR department, and it's often inaccurate, incomplete, and not available for online use. ID-Org prompts managers to identify their subordinates, so a company can fill in missing employee information and correct mistakes, and then feeds the compiled data into a corporate directory.

Few businesses can manually maintain an up-to-date organization chart with an accurate record of part-time workers, new hires, and those who have been let go. "With ID-Org it should take five clicks from a manager, every three months," says Dan Keldsen at analyst firm Delphi Group. "It should take them about 10 minutes."