SAML SSO Pre-Implementation Checklist

Project Planning Resource: Comprehensive project planning document with week-by-week implementation timeline, risk assessment, and success metrics for SAML SSO deployment.

This comprehensive checklist helps customers plan and execute a successful SAML SSO implementation. Use this alongside the Complete Setup Guide for technical configuration details.


Readiness Assessment

Administrative Access Requirements
Ensure you have the necessary administrative privileges before beginning implementation.

Google Workspace:

  • ☐ Super Admin access to Google Workspace Admin Console
  • ☐ Ability to create and configure SAML applications
  • ☐ Access to user and group management
  • ☐ Permissions to download identity provider metadata

Safedevops:

  • ☐ Organization Admin access in Safedevops
  • ☐ Organization settings access
  • ☐ Ability to coordinate with Safedevops support team

Technical Prerequisites
Verify your technical infrastructure is ready for SAML SSO implementation.

Domain and Infrastructure:

  • ☐ Verified domain in Google Workspace (e.g., yourcompany.com)
  • ☐ Confirmed Safedevops organization URL (e.g., yourcompany.safedevops.app)
  • ☐ Network firewall rules allow access to:
  • ☐ https://service.safedevops.app (SAML endpoints)
  • ☐ https://safedevops.app (frontend application)
  • ☐ https://accounts.google.com (Google authentication)
  • ☐ Corporate proxy/firewall configured for SAML traffic

Security and Compliance
Ensure organizational security and compliance requirements are addressed.

  • ☐ SAML SSO approved by security team
  • ☐ Compliance requirements documented (SOC2, HIPAA, etc.)
  • ☐ Security policies reviewed for SSO integration
  • ☐ Data residency requirements confirmed with Safedevops

User Management Planning
Plan your user provisioning and access management strategy.

User Identification:

  • ☐ List of users who need Safedevops access
  • ☐ Google Groups created for Safedevops users (recommended)
  • ☐ User roles and permissions planned
  • ☐ Pilot user group identified (5-10 users recommended)

User Data Mapping:

  • ☐ Confirmed that all users have complete Google Workspace profiles
  • ☐ Email addresses are primary identifiers
  • ☐ First and last names populated in Google profiles
  • ☐ Department/organizational unit information available (if needed)

Implementation Timeline

Week 1: Planning and Preparation
Establish project foundation and prepare your environment.

Day 1-2: Initial Setup

  • ☐ Contact Safedevops support to initiate SAML setup
  • ☐ Provide organization details and requirements
  • ☐ Schedule kickoff call with implementation team
  • ☐ Review technical requirements and dependencies

Day 3-5: Google Workspace Preparation

  • ☐ Create Google Group for Safedevops pilot users
  • ☐ Add pilot users to the group
  • ☐ Document current user management processes
  • ☐ Review Google Workspace SAML app creation process

Week 2: Configuration and Testing
Configure SAML applications and complete backend setup.

Day 1-3: Google Workspace Configuration

  • ☐ Create Safedevops SAML application in Google Workspace
  • ☐ Configure service provider details (from Safedevops)
  • ☐ Set up attribute mapping
  • ☐ Assign pilot users to the application
  • ☐ Download and send Google metadata to Safedevops

Day 4-5: Backend Configuration

  • ☐ Confirm Safedevops backend configuration is complete
  • ☐ Receive confirmation from Safedevops support
  • ☐ Schedule initial testing session
  • ☐ Prepare test scenarios and validation criteria

Week 3: Testing and Validation
Comprehensive testing with pilot users and security validation.

Day 1-3: Pilot Testing

  • ☐ Test SSO login with pilot users
  • ☐ Validate user account creation
  • ☐ Test different browsers and devices
  • ☐ Verify user permissions and access levels
  • ☐ Document any issues and resolutions

Day 4-5: Security Validation

  • ☐ Review audit logs in Google Workspace
  • ☐ Confirm session management works correctly
  • ☐ Test logout functionality
  • ☐ Validate access controls and restrictions
  • ☐ Security team sign-off on configuration

Week 4: Rollout and Support
Production deployment and user training.

Day 1-2: Production Rollout

  • ☐ Expand user assignment to full organization
  • ☐ Monitor login activity and error rates
  • ☐ Provide user support during initial rollout
  • ☐ Document final configuration for future reference

Day 3-5: Post-Implementation

  • ☐ Conduct user feedback survey
  • ☐ Document lessons learned
  • ☐ Establish ongoing maintenance procedures
  • ☐ Plan regular access reviews
  • ☐ Archive project documentation

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Technical Risks
Identify and mitigate potential technical challenges.

Potential Risks:

  • ☐ SAML configuration errors causing authentication failures
  • ☐ Network connectivity issues preventing SSO
  • ☐ Browser compatibility problems
  • ☐ Session timeout and logout issues

Mitigation Strategies:

  • ☐ Thorough testing with pilot group before full rollout
  • ☐ Maintain alternative login methods during transition
  • ☐ Document rollback procedures
  • ☐ Establish direct support contact with Safedevops

User Experience Risks
Address potential user adoption and experience challenges.

Potential Risks:

  • ☐ User confusion about new login process
  • ☐ Resistance to change from existing authentication
  • ☐ Difficulty accessing Safedevops during transition
  • ☐ Loss of saved passwords/bookmarks

Mitigation Strategies:

  • ☐ Comprehensive user communication plan
  • ☐ Training materials and documentation
  • ☐ Phased rollout approach
  • ☐ Dedicated support during transition period

Success Metrics

Key Performance Indicators
Measure the success of your SAML SSO implementation.

Technical Metrics:

  • ☐ SSO login success rate > 95%
  • ☐ Average login time < 10 seconds
  • ☐ Zero security incidents related to SSO
  • ☐ User account creation accuracy 100%

User Experience Metrics:

  • ☐ User satisfaction score > 4/5
  • ☐ Support ticket reduction by 50%
  • ☐ Time to access Safedevops < 30 seconds
  • ☐ Zero critical user access issues

Business Metrics:

  • ☐ Reduced password reset requests
  • ☐ Improved compliance audit results
  • ☐ Enhanced security posture
  • ☐ Streamlined user onboarding process

Final Go-Live Checklist

48 Hours Before Go-Live
Final preparation and validation before production deployment.

  • ☐ All pilot testing completed successfully
  • ☐ Security team approval received
  • ☐ User communication sent
  • ☐ Support team briefed and ready
  • ☐ Rollback plan tested and documented
  • ☐ Monitoring and alerting configured

Day of Go-Live
Execute the production rollout with full support coverage.

  • ☐ Implementation team available for support
  • ☐ Safedevops support team on standby
  • ☐ Monitoring dashboards active
  • ☐ User support channels open
  • ☐ Escalation procedures activated
  • ☐ Go/no-go decision point established

Post Go-Live (First 24 Hours)
Monitor and validate the successful deployment.

  • ☐ Monitor user login activity
  • ☐ Track error rates and support requests
  • ☐ Gather real-time user feedback
  • ☐ Document any issues and resolutions
  • ☐ Confirm all systems operating normally
  • ☐ Schedule post-implementation review

Support & Resources

Project Support

Questions or concerns? Contact Safedevops support for assistance with your SAML SSO implementation.

  • Email: support@safedevops.app
  • Subject Line: "SAML SSO Implementation Support"
  • Implementation Assistance: Available for all customers

Related Documentation

Success Tip: SAML SSO implementation is most successful when approached as a planned project with clear timelines, stakeholder involvement, and thorough testing. Use this checklist to ensure no critical steps are missed.
SAFe® and Scaled Agile Framework® are registered trademarks of Scaled Agile, Inc.