In the intricate realm of enterprise resource planning, the seamless integration of systems and simplification of user experiences are critical in ensuring long-term success.
This is where Single Sign-On (SSO) technology emerges as a beacon of efficiency, offering automatic authentication services and intelligent user ID storage functionality to simplify login processes and improve productivity.
From eliminating the need for multiple credentials in one application to fostering a cohesive and efficient user authentication process, SAP SSO stands at the intersection of technological innovation and user-centric design, making it easier than ever to manage and maintain effective verification processes.
This article explores the key features and advantages of SAP Single Sign-On, how it revolutionizes user access and convenience, and where our SAP consultant team can come in to help.
What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?
Single sign-on refers to a session and user authentication service that enables users to use one set of login credentials to access multiple applications or services within their existing technical landscape.
Intelligent SSO functionality empowers small and midsize organizations and larger enterprises to ease the management of multiple user credentials for different areas of their technical environment, enhance system security, and improve the overall user experience with streamlined authentication processes.
How Does SSO Work in the Modern Technical Landscape?
SSO is a federated identity management solution that runs on the Open Authorization (OAuth) framework, an intelligent system security foundation that enables a user’s account information to be used by third-party services without exposing the user’s confidential password.
When a user attempts to access an application from a particular service provider, the service provider sends an automatic request to the identity provider to verify the user’s identity and authenticate access permissions. Once the user has been authenticated, the service provider completes the login process and grants the user access to the application.
With a basic web SSO service, an agent module on the existing application server extracts the required authentication credentials for an individual user from the SSO policy server and authenticates the user against a comprehensive user repository.
The SSO service not only authenticates the user for any requested applications but also eliminates all future password prompts for other applications within the same web session.
Understanding Single Sign-On in SAP
By seamlessly integrating into existing authentication processes, SAP Single Sign-On utilizes advanced technology and security options to enhance the protection of their critical systems and data.
SAP Single Sign-On capabilities also make it easier for companies to reduce total operating costs and improve user productivity by eliminating password-related helpdesk calls and allowing users to choose their own system preferences related to cookies and related technologies.
Here are the three main SSO configuration options offered within the SAP ecosystem:
Kerberos
Once user credentials are provided and authorized in a Kerberos-based configuration environment, a ticket-granting ticket (TGT) is provided to fetch service tickets for other applications without requiring the user to reenter their credentials.
Smart Card
With smart card-based authentication capabilities, end users can use a card holding the sign-in credentials for their first login, including either certificates or passwords, to ensure they aren’t required to reenter usernames or passwords.
SAML
Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an Extensible Markup Language standard that facilitates the exchange of user authentication data across domains, maintaining secure and efficient communication between the user, identity provider, and service provider.
Key Features of SAP Single Sign-On
Here’s a closer look at a few key features of SAP Single Sign-On for business users:
Simplified access
SAP Single Sign-On offers simplified software rollout and configuration capabilities that support SSO operations for both SAP desktop clients, like SAP GUI, and other web applications.
Single sign-on functionality in SAP also enables users to reuse existing infrastructure, including smart cards, hardware security tokens, Microsoft Active Directory, and more.
Advanced security
With straightforward lifecycle management for server-side certificates and advanced security tools, users can leverage both risk-based and two-factor authentication to protect their critical systems and secure access for stakeholders outside of the company.
Companies can also facilitate intelligent user authentication through smart cards or radio frequency identification (RFID) tokens, making it easier to accept or reject access to their existing systems and ensure users have access to relevant data.
Authentication options
SAP Single Sign-On enables users to leverage various authentication technologies, including Kerberos, SAML, or Smart-based authentication protocols to streamline system access and protect sensitive content from unauthorized access.
By leveraging Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), companies can improve identity federation across teams. Users can also provide single sign-on in heterogeneous environments through X 509 certificates and accelerate implementation timelines by using Kerberos functionality based on an existing corporate Windows domain.
Top 5 Advantages of SAP Secure Login Services
Single Sign-On (SSO) for SAP users offers several advantages, streamlining the authentication process and enhancing the overall user experience. By simplifying authentication processes and promoting a user-friendly environment, SSO empowers a more efficient and secure SAP landscape and improves ease of use for users across the full enterprise.
Here are the top five benefits of SAP Single Sign-on for business users:
Improved User Convenience
SSO simplifies the login process by allowing users to access multiple SAP applications and systems with a single set of credentials, eliminating the need to manage multiple usernames and passwords, enhancing user convenience, and reducing the likelihood of password-related issues.
Enhanced Productivity
With SSO, users experience a significant boost in productivity as they can seamlessly move between different SAP applications and systems without logging into each application separately.
This streamlined access accelerates task execution and reduces the time spent on authentication, contributing to overall efficiency in managing daily workflows.
Increased Security
By leveraging SSO services, users are less likely to resort to insecure data management and login practices, as they only require one set of credentials to access different areas of their SAP system.
SSO systems also often incorporate advanced security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and personalized user settings, further fortifying access controls.
Centralized User Management
SSO solutions often integrate with centralized identity management systems, allowing organizations to efficiently manage user access and permissions.
Changes in user roles, access levels, or account status can be centrally controlled depending on individual system settings, ensuring consistent and secure user management across the SAP landscape.
Seamless Cross-System Integration
SSO facilitates seamless integration across various SAP systems and modules, enabling users to navigate between different SAP applications, such as SAP ERP, SAP CRM, and SAP NetWeaver, without encountering multiple login prompts.
How Can We Help?
From helping your internal team implement new SAP Single Sign-On functionality for the first time, providing additional support to help you manage your own preferences for system access, and ensuring secure login for all users, Surety Systems is here to help.
Our senior-level, US-based SAP consultant team has the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you take control of your own SAP systems and facilitate continued success over time.
Getting Started with Our Team
Whether you’re looking to begin your journey with SAP’s enterprise solutions or you’ve been a dedicated SAP user for years, our SAP consultant team has what it takes to handle all your critical project needs. Interested in learning more about our SAP consulting services or want to get in touch with our team?
Contact us today!
