User Access Reviews are no longer just a compliance checkbox—they’re a vital part of modern Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) programs. But how do you justify the investment in access review processes, tools, and automation? The answer lies in measuring Return on Investment (ROI).
Understanding the financial and operational benefits of User Access Reviews helps security and compliance leaders gain buy-in from stakeholders and drive smarter identity governance strategies.
Cost Savings Through Automation
Manual access reviews can be resource-intensive. They often involve spreadsheets, emails, and long approval chains. By automating User Access Reviews, organizations save on:
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Labor hours spent compiling, reviewing, and following up on access data
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Audit preparation time, thanks to real-time reports and logs
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IT support costs, due to reduced access-related errors and incidents
A midsize company can save hundreds of hours per year by automating access reviews—freeing up valuable IT and security resources.
Risk Reduction Benefits
One of the biggest returns comes from reduced security and compliance risk. Regular and efficient User Access Reviews prevent:
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Privilege creep, where users accumulate excessive access over time
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Data breaches from over-provisioned accounts
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Regulatory fines due to non-compliance with frameworks like SOX or GDPR
Even one avoided security incident or audit penalty can offset the cost of a robust IGA solution.
Improved Productivity and Governance
By granting and revoking access faster—and only when needed—User Access Reviews improve user productivity while enforcing least-privilege policies. This leads to:
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Faster onboarding and offboarding
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Better control over third-party access
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Clear audit trails for governance and reporting
These operational gains contribute significantly to long-term ROI.
Conclusion
Measuring the ROI of User Access Reviews isn’t just about dollars saved—it’s about risk avoided, efficiency gained, and trust maintained. When integrated into your Identity Governance program, access reviews become a strategic tool that delivers measurable business value
