Active Directory for All Associates - FAQ
Here is some additional information and an explanation for why we are giving all associates an Active Directory account.
Q: What is an Active Directory (or AD) account?
A: In the old days, this was an account that allowed a user to log into a PC. It still works that way, but it now does more. All our Active Directory accounts are synchronized to Microsoft 365 (AxureAD). This means that associates can log in to Office.com AND any applications that use those accounts to authenticate. (e.g. Storis - SCiX, Podium, DispatchTrack, Freshservice). We use licenses and groups to control what features our users see when they log in with their AD account. We use AD accounts to control access to most IT resources.
This does NOT give everyone email, Teams, or other Office apps.
This does NOT give everyone a login to a Remote Desktop server.
Those will still need to be requested as in the past.
Q: How will this help our associates?
A: This will enable them to sign in to office.com and view the Storis Training videos that have been produced and put on SharePoint. It will also be the only login method for The Storis client (SCiX). Since all our associates need Storis, we need to give them all an AD account now to prepare for the change. This account will be their HR Portal account as well, and we hope it will eventually be used to access Paycor as well. Overall, this will reduce the number of passwords associates need to have, and will make it easier for them to access everything with one account.
Q: How will this help Management?
A: This will simplify training new associates. All password issues will be resolved via a single point of contact. New user onboarding will be more consistent. No more "Willey only" users. All users will set up their accounts on HR and on office.com the same way. This will also streamline the user creation process. You will not need to notify IT of new users. Their accounts will be created automatically when they're hired, and disabled automatically when they leave. In addition, job changes will be made automatically. We hope that mailing lists and most other access changes will be automatic as well when associates move to new roles.
Q: How will this help IT?
A: it's new and cool! What else do nerds need? Seriously, though, this solves several longstanding issues for us. We've long needed a better process for tracking new hires and employees departing. This gives us that. It simplifies the password reset process for us. Almost all associates will eventually only have one password. We are able to keep Paycor and our users in synch and we no longer have to wait to hear about internal transfers. Our helpdesk burden will be reduced and you, our customers, will receive better service because our environment will be simpler and easier for us to navigate.