User Management Automation

Our Client is a healthcare service provider in the United States, faced significant challenges in managing their Active Directory (AD) environment and integrating it with other critical systems.

The client struggled with the following key challenges:

• Manual Active Directory Management: Time-consuming and error-prone manual processes for AD account creation, group assignments, and employee onboarding.

• Lack of Centralized Logging and Debugging: Difficulty in tracking and debugging issues due to the absence of a unified logging system.

• Data Synchronization Delays: Lag in synchronizing data between HR systems and Active Directory, leading to inconsistencies and inaccurate user information.

• Limited Automation and Reporting Capabilities: Inability to automate data flows and generate custom reports for insights into user management and system performance.

• ServiceNow API Integration Issues: Problems integrating with the ServiceNow API for posting data, resulting in failed responses and field mismatches.

• PCC Account Mismatches: Discrepancies in PCC (Point Click Care) accounts during automation, requiring extensive investigation and debugging.

• Reporting Errors and Support Tickets: Frequent reporting errors and support tickets related to data inaccuracies and inconsistencies.

Our team implemented a comprehensive automation solution utilizing a range of technologies to address the client's challenges:

• SQL Server (SSMS):

  • Developed stored procedures and process queues within SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to orchestrate the automation logic.

• SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS):

  • Created data flow packages using SSIS to automate tasks such as importing logs (e.g., CSV to SQL), processing status updates, and moving data between different systems.

• SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS):

  • Built custom reports using SSRS to provide insights into user management, system performance, and error tracking.

  • Successfully addressed numerous issues raised through support tickets, ensuring accurate and reliable data presentation.

• C# / .NET APIs:

  • Developed .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR) library components for interacting with Active Directory and handling REST API requests.

  • Implemented functionalities for GET/POST API interactions and created a converter for seamless data translation between JSON and SQL formats.

• PowerShell Automation:

  • Automated a variety of AD tasks using PowerShell scripts, including moving users, assigning/removing group memberships, and disabling accounts.

  • Implemented comprehensive logging based on CSV and SQL to track the execution of PowerShell scripts and facilitate troubleshooting.

• ServiceNow API Integration:

  • Resolved issues with posting data to ServiceNow via the API by troubleshooting failed responses and addressing field mismatches.

• PCC Account Debugging:

  • Investigated and resolved mismatches in PCC accounts during the automation process by identifying missing suffixes, correcting mismapped external user IDs, and fixing underlying logic issues.

• Report Fixes and Enhancements:

  • Successfully resolved numerous bugs and data inconsistencies in SSRS reports across various environments, significantly improving data accuracy and reliability.

• SQL Server (SSMS, SSIS, SSRS)

• C# / .NET Framework

• PowerShell

• REST APIs

• ServiceNow API

• Active Directory

• CSV + SQL Logging

• Windows Task Scheduler

The implemented automation solution delivered significant business benefits:

• Reduced Manual Effort: Automation of user provisioning and onboarding significantly reduced the manual workload for IT and HR teams, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives.

• Improved Accuracy in AD Group Assignments: Automation ensured accurate AD group assignments based on employee roles and locations, improving security and access control.

• Faster Debugging and Error Tracking: Centralized logging and reporting enabled faster debugging and error tracking, leading to quicker resolution of issues and improved system stability.

• Streamlined Communication with ServiceNow: Successful ServiceNow API integration facilitated streamlined communication between systems, improving data accuracy and workflow efficiency.

• Enhanced Reliability of PCC Automation: Improved error handling and debugging capabilities enhanced the reliability of PCC automation, minimizing disruptions and ensuring data integrity.

• Quicker Resolution of Report Issues: Faster resolution of reporting issues improved end-user confidence in the data and enhanced data clarity for informed decision-making.

By leveraging a combination of SQL Server technologies, C#/.NET, PowerShell, and API integrations, our team was able to deliver a comprehensive solution that addressed the client's challenges and significantly improved their overall IT infrastructure. The result was a more efficient, reliable, and secure user management environment, empowering the client to focus on their core business objectives.