Introduction
EXERA, a leading Risk and Security Solution Company, decided to address the inconvenience of separate logins for their platform and Tableau, in order to improve their customer experience. This project was under tight deadlines due to license renewal, and the transition needed to be executed without causing any service downtime for customers.
Read how Kitameraki consultants delivered a solution involving Single Sign-On (SSO) integration and Tableau Embedded Analytics. This complex project required a diverse range expertise encompassing software development, technical architecture, and Tableau Business Intelligence expertise.
What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?
Consider a scenario where users who have successfully logged into a mobile banking app are repeatedly asked to enter their PIN or password every time they want to perform a new transaction. This frequent authentication process could lead to user frustration.
A method called Single Sign-On (SSO) unifies several application login windows into a single, seamless experience. With SSO, customers may access all of their Software as a Service (SaaS) apps by entering their login information (password and username) just once on a single page. With SSO, a user logs in once and is then given access to various features and services within the app without the need to repeatedly enter their credentials. It's like completing your initial registration and then seamlessly enjoying different aspects of the app throughout your usage.
General Requirement Analysis
EXERA currently operates on two separate platforms, creating a disjointed experience for clients accessing internal operations and their service platform. The primary issue lies in the necessity for clients to navigate distinct platforms. The overarching goal is to establish a unified access portal, consolidating Tableau and Azure website services.
Solution Proposal
Migrating from Tableau Cloud to Tableau Embedded Analytics
EXERA currently employs Tableau Cloud for reporting and analysis, utilizing a role-based licensing system with monthly payments. To enhance flexibility, they plan to transition to a usage-based licensing model offered by Tableau Embedded Analytics. Kitameraki, EXERA's technology vendor for their reporting system development, proposes to spearhead the migration, ensuring a smooth transition to the new licensing model.
Integrating Tableau Dashboards on Azure Website
EXERA customers currently access Tableau and Azure website independently for their services. The proposed solution involves integrating Tableau services into the Azure website, offering customers a unified access point. Kitameraki's consultants will play a pivotal role in this integration, enabling EXERA customers to authenticate once and seamlessly interact with Tableau dashboards from the Azure website.
Technical Notes
Continuous Operation of Tableau Cloud
To maintain uninterrupted services during integration development, the current Tableau Cloud product must remain operational. This ensures EXERA customers can access the services without disruptions.
Impact of Changes to Tableau or Azure Website Setup
Any alterations or additions to the existing Tableau or Azure website setup may influence the integration workload. Careful consideration and planning are essential to mitigate potential challenges.
Upgrading Azure Web Tier for Development
To expedite the development process, the company will undertake an upgrade of the Azure web tier in development environments. This strategic move aims to enhance development speed and efficiency.
Technical Challenges
Integration with Previous and External Systems
One of the technical challenges faced by EXERA in the implementation of the Single Sign-On (SSO) Project revolves around the integration with previous and external systems. Historically, EXERA distinct methods for authentication. The transition to a unified access portal introduces the challenge of preserving the functionality associated with the prior authentication methods.
Legacy Authentication Compatibility: The challenge lies in ensuring that the functionalities dependent on the previous authentication methods continue to operate seamlessly within the new SSO framework. This necessitates a meticulous approach to maintain backward compatibility while embracing the benefits of a unified access system.
Transition Period Management: During the transition phase, where both the previous and new authentication systems coexist, careful planning is essential to prevent disruptions in services. The company must navigate this delicate balance to guarantee uninterrupted access for users accustomed to the legacy authentication methods.
Integration Between Authentication Systems
As EXERA strives to connect not only with previous authentication systems but also with the upcoming integration of Tableau, a unique challenge emerges – the integration between the two distinct authentication systems.
Harmonizing Authentication Protocols: Bridging the gap between the legacy authentication methods and the new SSO solution requires harmonizing authentication protocols. Ensuring a smooth transition without compromising security is critical, demanding a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of both systems.
Synchronization of User Credentials: Integrating Tableau into the unified access portal adds complexity to user authentication. The challenge involves synchronizing user credentials between the existing systems and Tableau, warranting a robust mechanism for data exchange while maintaining data integrity.
User Experience Consistency: Another challenge lies in providing a consistent and intuitive user experience. Users should seamlessly navigate between the legacy systems and Tableau without encountering disruptions or discrepancies in the authentication process.
Conclusion
The SSO Project signifies a bold step toward creating a seamless and efficient access portal for its clients. The migration to Tableau Embedded Analytics and the integration of Tableau services into the Azure website showcase a commitment to enhancing user experiences and operational efficiency. As the project unfolds, careful consideration of technical nuances and collaboration with technology partners will be crucial to achieving a successful outcome. The future holds promising developments as they pave the way for a more integrated and user-friendly platform.
Kitameraki consultants are ready to bring efficiency and unity to your technological landscape. Elevate your customer experiences with a seamless access portal – contact us today!
Kitameraki (www.kitameraki.com) is the trusted partner for comprehensive IT Consulting and IT services in Indonesia. With strong focus on IT Solutions, Web Development, Mobile App Development, and Cloud Solutions, we help businesses navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Our expertise extends to Cloud Services, Cloud Migration, Data Analytics, Big Data, Business Intelligence, Data Science, and Cybersecurity.