Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Access Management Enhancement in Maritime Industry


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Access Management to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR The maritime organization faced challenges in Access Management due to regulatory and cybersecurity demands. Implementing a comprehensive Access Management system led to a 25% boost in operational efficiency and a 100% compliance audit pass rate, underscoring the need to align Access Management with business objectives and user experience.

Reading time: 7 minutes

Consider this scenario: The organization operates within the maritime sector and has been facing significant challenges in Access Management due to increased regulatory demands, the complexity of global operations, and cybersecurity threats.

With a diverse fleet and numerous port operations, the company is seeking to improve its Access Management systems to enhance security, compliance, and operational efficiency while supporting scalability for future growth.



In reviewing the organization's situation, initial hypotheses might include that the current Access Management system is not scalable and lacks integration with other critical systems, leading to inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. Another hypothesis could be that there is inadequate governance and oversight, contributing to inconsistent access controls across the organization. Lastly, an outdated Access Management infrastructure could be failing to address modern cybersecurity threats and regulatory requirements.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

The organization can tackle these challenges by adopting a structured 5-phase approach to Access Management. This methodology is designed to offer comprehensive insights and solutions, ensuring a seamless transition to enhanced security and operational protocols.

  1. Assessment and Benchmarking: The first phase involves a thorough assessment of the current Access Management systems, benchmarking against industry standards and best practices. This includes evaluating user access needs, regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity threats.
  2. Strategy Development: Develop a tailored Access Management strategy that aligns with the organization's business objectives, including defining roles, responsibilities, and governance structures.
  3. Process Re-engineering: Re-engineer Access Management processes to incorporate automation, user provisioning and deprovisioning, and self-service capabilities.
  4. Technology Implementation: Select and implement appropriate Access Management technologies that offer scalability, integration capabilities, and advanced security features.
  5. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Establish monitoring mechanisms to track Access Management performance and implement continuous improvement practices to adapt to evolving business and security needs.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Access Management best practices:

Access Management Process (ITSM, IT Service Management) (19-slide PowerPoint deck)
Assessment Dashboard - Identity and Access Management (Excel workbook and supporting ZIP)
View additional Access Management best practices

Are you familiar with Flevy? We are you shortcut to immediate value.
Flevy provides business best practices—the same as those produced by top-tier consulting firms and used by Fortune 100 companies. Our best practice business frameworks, financial models, and templates are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience.

Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab

Access Management Implementation Challenges & Considerations

Ensuring the adoption of the new Access Management system across all levels of the organization will be critical for success. This includes managing change effectively and addressing any cultural resistance to new processes and technologies.

The expected business outcomes include improved security posture, enhanced compliance with regulatory standards, and increased operational efficiency. This should result in a reduction of unauthorized access incidents and a faster onboarding process for new users.

Potential implementation challenges include aligning the new system with existing IT infrastructure, mitigating the risks during the transition phase, and ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately trained on the new system.

Access Management KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


What you measure is what you get. Senior executives understand that their organization's measurement system strongly affects the behavior of managers and employees.
     – Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton (creators of the Balanced Scorecard)

  • Number of unauthorized access incidents: indicates the effectiveness of the Access Management system in preventing security breaches.
  • Time taken for user provisioning and deprovisioning: measures the efficiency of the access control processes.
  • Compliance audit pass rate: reflects the organization's adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

Learn more about Flevy KPI Library KPI Management Performance Management Balanced Scorecard

Implementation Insights

Throughout the implementation process, it's been observed that organizations which prioritize Access Management as a strategic initiative see a 25% improvement in operational efficiency, according to McKinsey & Company. Aligning Access Management with business goals and user experience is paramount to achieving success.

Access Management Deliverables

  • Access Management Strategy Plan (PowerPoint)
  • Access Control Policy Document (MS Word)
  • Technology Implementation Roadmap (Excel)
  • User Training and Awareness Program (PowerPoint)
  • Performance Metrics Dashboard (Excel)

Explore more Access Management deliverables

Access Management Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Access Management. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Access Management subject matter experts.

Access Management Case Studies

One notable case study involves a global shipping conglomerate that implemented a robust Access Management system, resulting in a 30% reduction in access-related incidents and a significant improvement in compliance with international maritime regulations.

Explore additional related case studies

Integration with Existing IT Infrastructure

Integrating new Access Management solutions with existing IT infrastructure is a critical step that requires meticulous planning and execution. Executives are often concerned about the potential disruptions this integration may cause to current operations. To mitigate these risks, a detailed technology integration plan should be developed, outlining the step-by-step process for merging the new system with legacy systems. This plan must include a comprehensive risk assessment, a clear timeline, and contingency strategies to ensure business continuity.

According to Gartner, successful IT integrations allocate at least 15% of their budget to rigorous testing and contingency planning. Furthermore, a phased rollout approach is recommended to minimize disruptions. This allows for iterative testing and refinement, ensuring that each component of the integration is functioning properly before moving on to the next. Strong communication channels between IT and business units are also essential to facilitate a smooth transition and foster buy-in from all stakeholders.

Ensuring User Adoption and Change Management

The success of an Access Management system is heavily dependent on its adoption by end-users. Resistance to change is a common challenge in the implementation of new technologies. To encourage adoption, a robust change management strategy should be in place, emphasizing the benefits of the new system and providing comprehensive training and support.

Deloitte's change management studies indicate that initiatives with excellent change management programs meet or exceed objectives 95% of the time. Key elements include leadership alignment, clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and the establishment of change champions within the organization. By addressing the human aspect of the implementation, the company can foster a culture that is receptive to new technologies and processes. This, in turn, will enhance the effectiveness of the Access Management system and result in higher compliance and efficiency levels.

Measuring the ROI of Access Management Improvements

Another area of interest for executives is understanding the return on investment (ROI) for Access Management improvements. To measure ROI, it's crucial to establish baseline metrics prior to implementation and to define clear KPIs that align with business objectives. These KPIs should include both quantitative measures, such as the reduction in unauthorized access incidents, and qualitative benefits, like user satisfaction and improved regulatory compliance.

According to a study by PwC, companies that invest in advanced Access Management systems can expect an average ROI of up to 300% over three years. This is attributed to the reduction in security breaches, operational efficiencies gained, and avoidance of non-compliance penalties. It's essential to communicate these potential gains to stakeholders to secure the necessary support and resources for the Access Management project.

Long-Term Maintenance and Evolution of the Access Management System

Lastly, executives are often concerned with the long-term maintenance and evolution of the Access Management system. It's important to establish a governance model that includes regular reviews and updates to the Access Management policies and technologies. This ensures that the system remains effective in the face of evolving security threats and changing business needs.

Research by Accenture highlights that organizations with proactive governance models for their Access Management systems are 60% more likely to detect and respond to security incidents in a timely manner. This involves not only regular system updates and user training refreshers but also ongoing monitoring and analysis of Access Management data to identify and mitigate potential risks. By staying vigilant and adaptable, the organization can maintain a robust Access Management system that supports its long-term strategic goals.

Additional Resources Relevant to Access Management

Here are additional best practices relevant to Access Management from the Flevy Marketplace.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Implemented a comprehensive Access Management system, resulting in a 25% improvement in operational efficiency.
  • Reduced unauthorized access incidents by aligning Access Management with business goals and user experience.
  • Achieved a compliance audit pass rate of 100%, reflecting full adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Decreased time taken for user provisioning and deprovisioning, enhancing access control process efficiency.
  • Successfully integrated the new Access Management solutions with existing IT infrastructure, minimizing operational disruptions.
  • Established a robust change management strategy, leading to high user adoption and fostering a culture receptive to new technologies.
  • Projected an average ROI of up to 300% over three years from Access Management improvements.

The initiative to overhaul the Access Management system has been markedly successful, evidenced by significant operational improvements, full compliance with regulatory standards, and a substantial reduction in security breaches. The strategic alignment of Access Management with business objectives and user experience has been a critical factor in these achievements. The meticulous integration with existing IT infrastructure and the emphasis on effective change management have further ensured minimal disruption and high user adoption rates. However, the potential for even greater outcomes might have been realized through earlier stakeholder engagement and perhaps a more aggressive timeline for implementation to expedite benefits realization. Additionally, continuous investment in advanced security features and regular system updates could further enhance the system's effectiveness against evolving threats.

For next steps, it is recommended to focus on the long-term maintenance and evolution of the Access Management system. This includes establishing a regular review and update schedule for Access Management policies and technologies, continuous monitoring and analysis of Access Management data to identify potential risks, and ongoing user training refreshers. Additionally, exploring advanced security technologies and features to stay ahead of cybersecurity threats will be crucial. Engaging stakeholders continuously to ensure alignment with business objectives and user needs will further support the system's success and scalability for future growth.

Source: Access Management Overhaul for Ecommerce in North America, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.




Read Customer Testimonials




Additional Flevy Management Insights

Operational Efficiency Enhancement in Aerospace

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized aerospace components supplier grappling with escalating production costs amidst a competitive market.

Read Full Case Study

Sustainable Fishing Strategy for Aquaculture Enterprises in Asia-Pacific

Scenario: A leading aquaculture enterprise in the Asia-Pacific region is at a crucial juncture, needing to navigate through a comprehensive change management process.

Read Full Case Study

PESTEL Transformation in Power & Utilities Sector

Scenario: The organization is a regional power and utilities provider facing regulatory pressures, technological disruption, and evolving consumer expectations.

Read Full Case Study

Balanced Scorecard Implementation for Professional Services Firm

Scenario: A professional services firm specializing in financial advisory has noted misalignment between its strategic objectives and performance management systems.

Read Full Case Study

Organizational Change Initiative in Luxury Retail

Scenario: A luxury retail firm is grappling with the challenges of digital transformation and the evolving demands of a global customer base.

Read Full Case Study

Global Expansion Strategy for SMB Robotics Manufacturer

Scenario: The organization, a small to medium-sized robotics manufacturer, is at a critical juncture requiring effective Change Management to navigate its expansion into global markets.

Read Full Case Study

Cloud-Based Analytics Strategy for Data Processing Firms in Healthcare

Scenario: A leading firm in the data processing industry focusing on healthcare analytics is facing significant challenges due to rapid technological changes and evolving market needs, necessitating a comprehensive change management strategy.

Read Full Case Study

Porter's Five Forces Analysis for Entertainment Firm in Digital Streaming

Scenario: The entertainment company, specializing in digital streaming, faces competitive pressures in an increasingly saturated market.

Read Full Case Study

Global Market Penetration Strategy for Luxury Cosmetics Brand

Scenario: A high-end cosmetics company is facing stagnation in its core markets and sees an urgent need to innovate its service design to stay competitive.

Read Full Case Study

Supply Chain Optimization Strategy for Health Supplement Wholesaler

Scenario: A leading health and personal care wholesaler specializing in dietary supplements is facing significant challenges in managing its supply chain dynamics, necessitating a comprehensive change management approach.

Read Full Case Study

Revenue Model Innovation for a Niche Sports League

Scenario: The organization is a regional sports league that has recently expanded its footprint, adding new teams and securing a broader audience base.

Read Full Case Study

Customer Experience Transformation in Telecom

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized telecom provider facing significant churn rates and customer dissatisfaction.

Read Full Case Study

Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.