What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?
Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to access multiple applications, websites, or systems using one set of login credentials. For companies using iCoStore to host their company store, SSO lets employees log in once with their secure company credentials and access the store without needing separate login information.
Benefits to Your Company Store:
- Easy Store Access: With SSO, the intranet dashboard displays links to all services, including the company store. Employees only see the links they have access to, keeping navigation simple and secure. If a company offers multiple stores, only authorized employees will see the relevant store links.
- Improved User Experience: SSO eliminates the need for employees to remember multiple usernames and passwords, improving ease of access. This reduces login friction, ensuring employees can use the company store efficiently and without delay.
- Increased Security: SSO integrates with the company’s authentication methods, like multi-factor authentication (MFA), ensuring only authorized personnel access the store. This central login also minimizes the risk of weak or repeated passwords.
- Streamlined Onboarding and Offboarding: New employees automatically gain access to the company store with their existing credentials. When employees leave, the system immediately removes their store access, maintaining security and preventing unauthorized use.
- Passing Key Data: SSO allows clients to pass key user data—like department, manager, location, and anniversary date—directly to iCoStore. iCoStore uses this information for backend billing, reporting, and processing orders, streamlining administrative tasks.
- Centralized Control: IT administrators control user permissions through a single interface, simplifying management of store access. Administrators can quickly update permissions without needing to manage multiple accounts or systems.
- Faster Access to Products: Employees can quickly access the company store for uniforms, swag, and other items without login delays. This speeds up purchasing and improves employee satisfaction.
- Enhanced Compliance: SSO ensures that store access complies with internal security protocols, keeping the authentication process secure. Employees authenticate through the company’s network, which enforces security policies automatically.
At iCoStore, we highly recommend SSO. It enhances the user experience, eliminates login issues, and ensures that user information stays up-to-date. When employees change departments or managers, their access updates instantly. SSO provides significant benefits for both companies and employees, boosting efficiency, security, and overall satisfaction. SSO also plays a key role in PunchOut systems by securely logging users in with their company credentials. This integration allows employees to authenticate once and seamlessly access the PunchOut system, streamlining the purchasing process without the need for additional logins.
Our goal at iCoStore is to educate about online company stores, the promotional products industry and what to expect when selecting a vendor. For more insights and helpful tips, explore our additional content in the Resources section.
