As an internal IT supplier, Otto Group IT supports the entire Otto Group with innovative and efficient "fit-for-purpose" IT solutions, which are continuously developed through standardization, ongoing quality improvements, and innovations. The rapid development and heterogeneous corporate structure of the Otto Group place enormous demands on the IT infrastructure – and on security. For managing permissions and identities in this highly agile and complex environment, Otto Group IT has relied on the IAM solution from One Identity – and on IPG – for years. Thanks to the versatile customization options, the software meets the needs of all departments and subsidiaries and keeps pace with technological development. From the very beginning, Otto Group IT has been able to rely on the solid expertise and extensive experience of IPG’s IAM experts.

Productive and integrated employees from day one.

The extensive IAM project began in 2014 with a predecessor version of One Identity. The goal was to build and operate a user lifecycle management system. Data was delivered from various systems, including SAP, and propagated into the target system. As a result, new employees now receive a "starter package" that allows them to start working from day one: ID card, user profile, and accounts, including hardware. Additional resources needed can be ordered by employees or their supervisors through the IT SHOP. Thanks to the high level of automation behind the processes, no involvement from Otto Group IT staff is required.

The close collaboration with IPG has been in place since 2016; IPG’s experts accompany every single process step as IAM partners, know all the company-specific nuances by heart, and always know what to do in case of the unexpected. The motto of Malte Krüß, the responsible software architect at Otto Group IT: "The main reason for working with external partners is their specific expertise and experience from other projects, which our team doesn't have in-house."

Partners with expertise, a shared history with a future.

The continuous development of the IAM solution ensures smooth and reliable operations in the long term, regardless of the constantly growing number of target systems. Today, over 190,000 products (permissions, software, hardware) are available in the Otto Group IT IT-SHOP. IT security must also always be maximally ensured. As larger and smaller IAM projects are continuously being implemented, the employees of IPG and Otto Group IT are in regular exchange.

A central focus is ensuring that all systems are always up to date with the latest technology. All applications are continuously monitored, and regular audits with detailed reports are conducted. This complexity is also challenging for seasoned IT professionals, which is why close collaboration with the specialists at IPG is essential for the customer. IPG's proximity to One Identity as a premium partner, as well as its independence from manufacturers, provides unbeatable advantages. The next major step will be the migration to the latest One Identity version 9.2.

Disruptions or outages would quickly become very costly.

 The main focus of Otto Group IT regarding IAM is on automation and IT security. Other key topics include regular certifications and recertifications, as well as the ongoing development of the user lifecycle. Every two to three years, the entire toolset is reviewed, and each time, One Identity continues to impress. What’s also exceptional is the high degree of customization. Few companies have an IAM solution with such an extensive feature set in place.

With OTTO Payments, Otto Group’s internal payment service provider, new, very strict regulations had to be implemented. The various subsidiaries work according to their own philosophies, which all need to be integrated into one system. With two update rounds per week, Otto Group IT operates in a highly agile manner. The Otto Group is continuously growing and constantly evolving – always with significant security requirements in mind. Instead of fewer large updates, the developers make many small changes at short intervals, ensuring smooth integration.

The central IAM system is a single point of failure – a disruption would quickly become very costly, as all employees would be unable to work productively in the event of a failure. Only with an experienced IAM expert, like IPG as a partner, does Otto Group IT have the assurance that everything will run smoothly and that they can rely 100 percent on it – both now and in the future.

Enormous degree of customization and automation.

The user lifecycle in one of the largest German retail and service groups operates with a high degree of automation and continues to grow in a constantly changing environment.

Advantages at a glance:

• Successful implementation of a complex user lifecycle
• IAM process for new employees with a high degree of automation
• Guarantees efficient and secure operations
• High degree of customization
• Very high flexibility in development and automation
• Low time requirements for new implementations
• Results of new adjustments are quickly visible
• Compliance with audit requirements
• Regular informational events hosted by IPG