In our ongoing series showcasing the power of custom software, this edition focuses on the success story of how our client worked with SunNet to implement dynamic permissions in their custom applications. This resolved the challenge of complicated user permission control and lowered their long-term IT costs. Let's delve into their story and the world of dynamic permissions, exploring the advantages and how to analyze potential drawbacks to make the best decision for your business.
This client's system had a very large number of users, and they struggled with a rigid permission system. Every time the client needed to adjust users' accesses, they had to wait for SunNet's development team to make the changes, incurring IT support costs.
The Power of Flexibility: Pros of Dynamic Permissions
- Streamlined User Management: Dynamic permissions allowed the business to effortlessly modify user permissions through a user-friendly interface, granting or revoking access as their needs evolved. This translated to significant time and cost savings by enabling self-sufficiency.
- Enhanced Data Security: Dynamic permissions enabled granular control, allowing fine-tuning of access for specific users within a role to ensure sensitive data remained protected. For instance, even within "User Role A," certain users might only require viewing privileges, while others needed the ability to add data.
- Scalability for Growth: As the business expanded, the user base and permission needs changed. Dynamic permissions ensured a system that adapts, allowing efficient access control management for a growing user base.
Considering the Trade-Offs
- Development Complexity: Implementing dynamic permissions requires upfront development effort compared to a static system, potentially translating to higher initial development costs.
- Increased Maintenance: The additional functionality introduces complexity that requires ongoing system maintenance.
- Potential for Misuse: Granting access control to non-technical users introduces a small risk of misuse. Proper training and clear guidelines become crucial to ensure responsible permission management.
The Right Fit: Choosing Between Static and Dynamic Permissions
Dynamic permissions offer significant advantages if you anticipate frequent permission changes or require a high level of user access granularity. However, if your permission needs are relatively static, a simpler, static approach might suffice. For this client, the number of users had been increasing dramatically every year, leading to more IT support work and user waiting times. In this situation, the client gained greatly from dynamic permissions' benefits compared to the trade-offs. After implementation, dynamic permissions empowered the client to manage user access directly within their application's interface whenever needed, cutting down user waiting times and boosting satisfaction.
The Takeaway
Dynamic permissions empower you with control and flexibility in managing user access. By carefully considering the pros and cons and understanding your business's specific needs, you can choose the most suitable approach, ensuring a custom solution that streamlines your workflow and empowers your team.
