Challenge

Heriot-Watt University, established in 1821, is Scotland’s most internationally-focused university, delivering degree programmes to more than 30,000 students based all over the world.

Download case study

It needed to deploy a more agile and flexible Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution, one that would be easier to manage and could be operated at enterprise scale. 

To do so, and to enable the future growth and expansion of the system, Heriot-Watt looked for an expert partner who could connect them to the technology they needed.

Download case study

How can a global student body be safely connected to the people and applications they need every day?

Solution

An integrated approach, delivering modernised access and automated provisioning

ProofID provided Heriot Watt with a comprehensive solution, encompassing not only IAM, but also a service for Identity, Governance and Administration (IGA). This allowed the University to manage user lifecycles end-to-end, including delegated approval workflows for external users.

The deployment of NetIQ Identity Manager linked the University’s identity, HR and student record systems with a range of day-to-day applications used by staff and students alike. As a result, the provisioning and de-provisioning of user accounts could be automated.

Counter Vector
COMPANY FIGURES
0  Students
worldwide now benefit from automated provisioning and access management. 
0  Hour
lead time eliminated with real-time provisioning for new joiners. 
0  Students
worldwide now benefit from automated provisioning and access management. 
0  Hour
lead time eliminated with real-time provisioning for new joiners. 
Results

Stripping complexity and risk out of provisioning - for every type of user

When combined with the rollout of Office 365 and a new HR system, the results for Heriot Watt were transformative. New students and members of staff can now be provisioned immediately, eliminating the previous 24-hour lead time.

Furthermore, the accommodation of the IGA solution meant that other users (i.e. those not staff or students) could be properly provisioned, too. This replaced a previous manual and error-prone process, and closed a potential loophole in which legacy users could have retained unauthorised access to university systems.

  • Real-time provisioning of new staff and students
  • Removal of manual paper trails
  • Closure of potential loopholes for unauthorised access
  • Future additions of further target applications
  • Streamlined processes through workflow automation
  • Tailor-made, end-to-end user lifecycle management

“IGA was a big win for us and has proven to be one the most successful aspects of the whole project. We’re now planning to further develop the service by adding additional target applications and make the most of the NetIQ platform to streamline our processes through workflow automation.”

Neil Morris
Head of Applications, Heriot-Watt University
Neil Morris
Head of Applications, Heriot-Watt University

Highlighted case studies

1 Aug 2025 - 2 min read

Identity and access management technology, made faster, simpler and more scalable

Customer Identity SailPoint Case Study Education

1 Jul 2025 - 2 min read

Making identity and access management a success in the “Mile High City”

SailPoint Case Study Government Legacy Migration

9 May 2025 - 2 min read

Banking customers can count on: unified identity in finance with Ping Identity, ProofID and Tesco Bank

Customer Identity Case Study Banking & Finance

10 Apr 2025 - 2 min read

Making Immedis’ onboarding and identity access faster - without compromising sensitive data security

Workforce Identity Case Study Tech
GET STARTED

Let's talk about your project

We're ready to discuss your needs and explore how we can help you achieve your goals.

Contact us