The Problem
Access requests handled via email and Teams create predictable gaps: inconsistent decisions, limited traceability, and frequent manual errors.
Requests are re-keyed into tickets, approvals happen without consistent context, and exceptions become the default.
When audit season arrives, teams lose time reconstructing who approved what, when, and why.
How we solve it: Standardised requests with owner-based approvals and configurable workflows
We implement a standardised request experience in SailPoint that routes approvals to the right owners, enforces policy where needed, and produces consistent evidence.
- Standardised access catalogue
We define what is requestable (applications, roles, entitlements) with clear naming and risk tiers so users request the right access the first time. - Owner-based approvals aligned to governance
We route approvals to application owners, data owners, and line management based on defined ownership rules, with escalation paths to prevent stalled requests. - Configurable workflows that reflect how the organisation operates
We design workflows for standard access, elevated access, and time-bound exceptions, including required justification, expiry, and approval conditions. - Provisioning and traceability built in
Approved requests translate into consistent provisioning actions across connected systems, with audit-ready logs and reporting. - Operational controls and optimisation
We set measurable SLAs, reporting, and periodic catalogue/approval reviews so request governance improves over time rather than degrading.
Expected outcome
- Fewer tickets and less rework through standardised requests and automated routing
- Stronger control with consistent ownership, conditions, and time-bound exceptions
- Simpler audits with approval trails, repeatable evidence, and clear accountability
Quick Answers
What is an access request workflow?
A controlled process where access is requested, approved by the right owners, and provisioned with traceability and evidence.
Why do email and Teams approvals create audit risk?
They rarely produce consistent approval trails, decision context, or enforceable controls across systems.
What changes when requests move into SailPoint?
Approvals become owner-based and policy-aware, requests are standardised, and evidence is produced automatically for audit readiness.