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Business Refinement: User Login and Access Management

This epic, User Login, is the backbone of the feedback platform's security and functionality. Its purpose is to ensure that only authorized users, with defined roles (Contributors, PDMs, and Administrators), can access the system and its specific features, establishing a secure and organized foundation for all interactions.

Integrated Process Overview

The User Login process can be divided into three main flows, all focused on ensuring secure and controlled access:

  1. Initial Access and Registration (Administrator): To ensure control and security from the outset, administrators are registered in a controlled manner, via command line. This ensures that only authorized personnel can manage the platform at its highest level.
  2. First Access and Password Setup (Contributors and PDMs): Contributors and PDMs, once pre-registered in the system, are guided through a secure first-access flow. This includes email validation with a security code (OTP - One Time Password) so they can set their passwords securely, ensuring that only the legitimate user performs this setup.
  3. Regular Login and Password Recovery (All Users): For daily use, the platform offers a standard login flow with email and password. In case of a forgotten password, a robust recovery process, also mediated by an OTP code sent via email, allows the user to reset their credentials securely, minimizing access interruptions and strengthening account security.

Business Objectives

  • Ensure Data Security: Ensure that only authenticated and authorized users can access sensitive information and platform functionalities.
  • Role-Based Access Control: Implement a robust authorization system that ensures contributors, PDMs, and administrators only access features relevant to their respective profiles, preventing unauthorized access.
  • Optimized User Experience: Offer an intuitive and secure login flow, minimizing barriers and frustrations for the user, whether during first access, daily login, or password recovery.
  • Compliance and Auditing: Establish a foundation for user action traceability, facilitating audits and ensuring compliance with information security policies.
  • Reduce Administrative Load: Automate processes like password setup and recovery, reducing the need for manual intervention from the support team.

Key Business Gains

  • Reduction of Security Risks: Minimizes vulnerabilities to unauthorized access, protecting confidential system and user information.
  • Operational Efficiency: Optimizes users' time by providing quick and unimpeded access, while also offloading the IT team with the automation of access flows.
  • Improved Productivity: Users can access their tools quickly, focusing on their main tasks related to feedback and development.
  • System Reliability: A robust and secure login system builds trust among users, encouraging the adoption and continuous use of the platform.
  • Future Scalability: A solid foundation for authentication and authorization allows for the easy addition of new features and user types in the future without major restructuring.

Strategic Considerations

  • Usability vs. Security: Find the ideal balance between a secure login process (with OTP, password encryption) and a simple, straightforward user experience.
  • Integration: Prepare the architecture for future integrations with user directory systems or SSO (Single Sign-On) if the company adopts such practices.
  • Error Management: Error messages should be clear and helpful, guiding the user without exposing sensitive system information.
  • Maintenance: The codebase for authentication and authorization must be clean and well-documented, facilitating future updates and maintenance.