Automated provisioning is the systematic process of automatically creating, modifying, and deactivating user accounts and access privileges across an organization's IT infrastructure. Within Identity & Access Management (IAM), this technology orchestrates the entire lifecycle of digital identities—from onboarding new employees and granting initial access rights, to adjusting permissions when roles change, and securely removing access upon departure. By integrating with authoritative identity sources such as HR systems and connecting to target applications, networks, and cloud services, automated provisioning ensures that access privileges are dynamically managed based on predefined policies and roles.

This automation eliminates manual errors and significantly reduces the time required for identity lifecycle events, enabling organizations to enforce consistent security policies and uphold the principle of least privilege. Automated provisioning strengthens security posture by preventing unauthorized access and eliminating orphaned accounts—user credentials that remain active after an individual has left the organization. Additionally, it enhances operational efficiency, reduces administrative overhead, and helps organizations maintain compliance with regulatory requirements by providing audit trails and ensuring timely access changes.