How to Build a Centralized Multi-Tool Access Management System

Develop a robust centralized access management system that integrates dozens of tools and databases. This React-based web application utilizes Azure Active Directory for authentication and implements role-based access control, allowing organizations to efficiently manage and secure access to multiple systems from a single interface.

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Simple Summary

A centralized access management system for dozens of tools and databases, integrating Azure AD authentication and role-based access control with a React frontend.

Product Requirements Document (PRD)

Goals:

Create a centralized platform to manage access to multiple tools and databases
Implement role-based access control with admin, manager, and regular user roles
Integrate with Azure Active Directory for secure authentication
Allow admins to add and manage system information and access permissions
Enable granular access controls including read-only constraints

Target Audience:

Organizations with multiple internal tools and databases
IT administrators and managers
Employees requiring access to various systems

Key Features:

User authentication via Azure AD
Role-based access control (admin, manager, regular user)
System mapping and classification interface
Access management dashboard
Tool integration with customizable access constraints
Phased implementation approach

User Requirements:

Secure login using company credentials
Easy-to-navigate dashboard of accessible tools
Clear indication of access levels for each tool
Ability for admins to manage system information and user permissions
Seamless launching of authorized tools with appropriate access constraints

User Flows

Admin Tool Management:
- Admin logs in
- Navigates to system management interface
- Adds new tool (name, URL, description, division, DB schemas)
- Sets access permissions for user roles
- Classifies tool as active/inactive
User Tool Access:
- User logs in
- Views personalized dashboard of accessible tools
- Clicks on desired tool
- System verifies permissions and launches tool with appropriate constraints
Manager Permission Assignment:
- Manager logs in
- Accesses user management section
- Selects a user and a tool
- Assigns or modifies access level (e.g., read-only, full access)
- Saves changes, updating user's permissions

Technical Specifications

Frontend:

React for building the user interface
Redux for state management
Material-UI for consistent design components

Backend:

Node.js with Express.js for API server
MongoDB for storing system and user data
Azure AD SDK for authentication integration

Authentication:

Azure Active Directory with OAuth 2.0 or OpenID Connect

Access Control:

Custom RBAC implementation using JWT tokens
MCP (Master Control Program) layer for enforcing access constraints

Integration:

RESTful APIs for communication between frontend and backend
Custom agents for interfacing with individual tools' authentication systems

API Endpoints

POST /api/auth/login - Authenticate user with Azure AD
GET /api/systems - Retrieve list of accessible systems for user
POST /api/systems - Add new system (admin only)
PUT /api/systems/:id - Update system information (admin only)
GET /api/users - Retrieve user list (admin/manager only)
PUT /api/users/:id/permissions - Update user permissions (admin/manager only)
GET /api/audit-logs - Retrieve access logs (admin only)

Database Schema

User {
  id: ObjectId,
  azureAdId: String,
  name: String,
  email: String,
  role: Enum['admin', 'manager', 'user'],
  permissions: [{ systemId: ObjectId, accessLevel: String }]
}

System {
  id: ObjectId,
  name: String,
  url: String,
  description: String,
  division: String,
  dbSchemas: [String],
  isActive: Boolean,
  accessLevels: [String]
}

AuditLog {
  id: ObjectId,
  userId: ObjectId,
  systemId: ObjectId,
  action: String,
  timestamp: Date
}

File Structure

/src
  /components
    /Dashboard
    /SystemManagement
    /UserManagement
    /AccessControl
  /pages
    Home.js
    AdminPanel.js
    UserDashboard.js
  /services
    api.js
    auth.js
  /redux
    /actions
    /reducers
    store.js
  /utils
    constants.js
    helpers.js
  App.js
  index.js
/server
  /controllers
  /models
  /routes
  /middleware
  /config
  server.js
/public
/tests

Implementation Plan

Phase 1: System Mapping

Set up project structure and basic React app
Implement Azure AD authentication
Create admin interface for adding and managing systems
Develop database schema for storing system information
Implement API endpoints for CRUD operations on systems

Phase 2: System Classification

Enhance admin interface to include active/inactive classification
Add filtering and sorting capabilities to system list
Implement audit logging for system changes

Phase 3: Access Control and Integration

Develop role-based access control system
Create user management interface for admins/managers
Implement MCP layer for enforcing access constraints
Develop integration agents for connecting to external tools
Create user dashboard for accessing authorized tools

Phase 4: Testing and Refinement

Conduct thorough testing of all features
Gather user feedback and make necessary adjustments
Optimize performance and security
Prepare documentation and training materials

Deployment Strategy

Set up development, staging, and production environments
Use Docker for containerization to ensure consistency across environments
Implement CI/CD pipeline using GitLab CI or GitHub Actions
Deploy backend to cloud platform (e.g., Azure App Service)
Host frontend on CDN for improved performance
Use Azure Key Vault for managing secrets and credentials
Implement monitoring and logging using Azure Application Insights
Conduct staged rollout, starting with a small group of test users
Gradually expand access to more users and systems
Provide training and support for admins and end-users

Design Rationale

The centralized access management system is designed with scalability and security in mind. React was chosen for the frontend due to its component-based architecture and large ecosystem, making it ideal for building complex user interfaces. Azure AD integration ensures secure authentication, leveraging existing corporate identity systems.

The backend uses Node.js for its efficiency in handling concurrent requests and ease of integration with frontend JavaScript. MongoDB was selected as the database for its flexibility in storing varied system information and user permissions.

The phased implementation approach allows for iterative development and testing, ensuring that each component is robust before moving to the next phase. The MCP layer and custom agents provide a flexible way to enforce access constraints across diverse tools, while the role-based access control system allows for fine-grained permission management.

The deployment strategy emphasizes consistency and security, using containerization and cloud services to ensure reliable operation and easy scaling as the number of integrated tools grows.