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CyberArk Identity reduces complexity, increases security for New Zealand Agricultural Organization
Technology Category
- Cybersecurity & Privacy - Identity & Authentication Management
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - API Integration & Management
Applicable Industries
- Agriculture
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
Services
- System Integration
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
Find a single sign-on solution to dramatically reduce complexity, minimize calls for password assistance, increase security and help keep users engaged and using key apps. Designed to act as a portal for growers, packers, exporters and local marketers, the NZ Avocado system provides access to highly-specialized apps including a Spray Diary to log essential information about growing activities, as well as an AvoTools app and associated websites used to ensure compliance to international regulations. In order for New Zealand growers to export overseas, they must register with the association and record all use of sprays on their orchards. This is an essential component in assuring quality, guaranteeing that international standards are met and protecting a multi-million dollar industry. But with over 1350 members, NZ Avocado was having significant issues with users logging into their applications and online tools. Each app required its own set of credentials for access and that meant users had to remember multiple passwords. Compounding the issue was the fact that each orchard required its own user name and password as well, so owners of multiple orchards often found themselves managing dozens of passwords. As a result, the NZ Avocado team was frequently inundated with calls for password assistance. The problem was so great that the organization resorted to keeping user names and passwords on a spreadsheet that was available to most of the office staff. Lacking its own IT department, NZ Avocado contacted IT consultant Andrew Nimick with Point Concept, and enlisted his help in finding a solution that would dramatically reduce complexity, minimize calls for password assistance, increase security and help keep users engaged and using the apps.
About The Customer
New Zealand Avocado Growers Association (NZ Avocado) is the public face of the $130 million New Zealand avocado industry, created to promote the sale and consumption of avocados. As a non-profit, NZ Avocado manages research and development programs, coordinates and disseminates industry information, lobbies and liaises with government officials and provides a structure to foster growth across the industry. The organization serves over 1350 members, including growers, packers, exporters, and local marketers, providing them with access to specialized applications and tools necessary for compliance with international regulations and quality assurance.
The Solution
NZ Avocado selected CyberArk Identity due to its feature set, its ability to reduce system load and incorporate legacy apps, and its ability to provide security at a reasonable cost. Nimick considered developing an in-house solution that could leverage Active Directory by building an LDAP service from the ground up, but that seemed too labor intensive. The best option was to find an SSO service provider whose solution could fit into the existing infrastructure with minimal pain and cost, and that would also give access to complementary features as the organization grew and evolved. Nimick started looking at different service providers, but found the response from most to be lacking. The response from CyberArk was anything but ordinary. After an evaluation of all options, Nimick recommended CyberArk Identity due to its feature set, its ability to incorporate legacy apps, and its ability to provide security and increase customer satisfaction at a much lower cost than building an in-house solution. In terms of future data sharing with government departments, the SAML component was also very important. SAML is the official protocol recommended by the New Zealand government for authorization and access control.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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