Salford Software’s Identity Management software automatically processes the thousands of A-level results which are fed to universities before students themselves are notified. This information is then used for clearing-hotline queries, offers and confirmation process.
“UCAS data is fed into the Student Records System which triggers a flurry of identity-driven events. Providing the required information meets the business criteria, we create an account for each student in a dedicated Identity Directory with a unique username and a pseudo-random password,” said Len Marshall, senior technical consultant at the university.
The software creates identical accounts across different directories so that identity-driven applications such as a portal or virtual learning environment can be set up. Any changes to data, such as passwords, can then be automatically synchronised across all different applications. That means students only need to remember a single username and password to access a range of IT applications on and off campus.
The university now has far more centralised control over its student data. If a student fails to enrol, then their entry will be flagged up for automatic deletion. Equally, once a student has graduated, the Student Record System will automatically delete all accounts from live services, while retaining identity information in case of future requirements.
We are looking at ways of exploiting identity management to further improve the student experience – there’s no reason why the publication of A-level results has to be the trigger that initiates the processes that take place, added Marshall.
