What is Just-In-Time

Just-In-Time (JIT) Provisioning is a modern approach to employee account creation. Instead of pre-provisioning accounts across all systems using protocols like SCIM, JIT provisioning creates an account only when the employee first signs in or needs to access the platform.

JIT Access for Downstream SaaS Services

The availability of Just-In-Time (JIT) provisioning for a downstream SaaS service depends on the service itself. Often, you’ll see this option presented as “Allow anyone from your domain to join.” This means that anyone attempting to sign in or sign up with your domain is automatically granted an account. Typically, this feature is controlled at the domain level, although some services allow further customization—such as setting IP address restrictions—to fine-tune access rules.

Benefits of JIT Access

Cost Efficiency

By provisioning accounts only when necessary, organizations can save on resources. There’s no need to maintain unused accounts, which can reduce overhead and administrative costs.

Dynamic Resource Management

Resources are allocated as needed, ensuring that the system scales with actual usage rather than predictions or assumptions.

Enhanced Security

With fewer standing accounts, the risk of dormant or unused accounts being exploited is minimized. This helps tighten security around sensitive systems.

Trade-Offs and Challenges

Delayed Engagement

Since an account is only created when the employee first signs in, there can be a delay in engaging with them. For example, if an employee hasn’t yet signed in to Slack, there’s no way to send them messages or onboard them through that platform until their account exists.

Onboarding Hurdles

If parts of the organization rely on pre-created accounts for communication or sharing purposes, the absence of an account until sign-in might disrupt workflows or delay important interactions.