The Future of IAM Consulting

As AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) continue to evolve, the landscape of Identity and Access Management (IAM) consulting is undergoing a significant transformation. These technologies are not just automating routine tasks; they are also shifting the value proposition for IAM consultants.

In this article based on a recent webinar from IAMONES with Andrea Rossi and Rob Byrne , I’ll outline my perspective on how AI will impact the future of IAM consulting and provide predictions on the roles and activities that will disappear, evolve, or emerge.

Automation of Standard IAM Tasks

One of the most significant impacts of AI and LLMs in IAM is the automation of routine operations. Tasks that previously required manual oversight will be handled by AI, freeing up consultants and organizations to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Disappearing Activities: Routine access management tasks such as role assignments, permission approvals, and recertification campaigns will no longer require manual intervention. AI will handle these activities, making processes faster and reducing human error.

Impact: This automation will drastically reduce operational workload, allowing consultants to concentrate on higher-value tasks.

Easier Integration and Preparation

Integration of IAM solutions is traditionally a complex and time-consuming process. However, AI will simplify this by offering suggestions and predictions, making the process more efficient and accurate.

Emerging Activities: AI-powered tools will assist in access mapping, role calculations, data cleansing, and predicting permission assignments. This will reduce technical complexities and errors in IAM deployments, making it easier to integrate these systems into existing environments.

Impact: Consultants will need to pivot toward guiding and overseeing AI-driven integration processes rather than performing the manual technical work themselves.

Improved End-User Experience

AI will completely transform how end users interact with IAM systems. Through conversational interfaces and AI-guided user assistance, interacting with IAM systems will become intuitive and seamless.

Revolutionized End-User Experience: Conversational AI will allow users to interact with IAM systems using natural language, making access requests, permissions interpretation, creating and evaluating reports easier. This will significantly reduce the need for traditional user support or involvement of specialists.

Impact: Consultants will focus on designing user-centric IAM environments that leverage AI, resulting in reduced support demands and more efficient user interactions.

Shifting Up the Value Chain: Strategic Consulting

With routine tasks automated and integration simplified, consultants can now shift their focus toward strategic areas that create real value for businesses.

Evolving Roles: The future of IAM consulting will emphasize advising on security strategy, governance models, and regulatory compliance. AI will assist in real-time compliance monitoring and governance, but consultants will provide the expertise needed to tailor these solutions to business objectives.

Impact: IAM consultants will play a crucial role in aligning AI-driven IAM systems with the strategic goals of the business, ensuring governance and compliance frameworks are in place and effective.

Final Thoughts

Time is moving on and keeping up with trends and emerging technology is and was always crucial for the consulting business. AI and LLMs are not just tools for automation - they are enablers that allow IAM consultants to move up the value chain and focus on strategic consulting.