Single Sign-On Process Swimlane Diagram

This swimlane diagram example illustrates the Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication process using SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language), where users can access Google’s application through an identity provider. This process enhances user experience by allowing them to log in once to access multiple applications securely. The diagram is divided into swimlanes, each representing a different participant in the SSO workflow: the Customer, Google, and the Identity Provider.

Diagram Design and Components

The flowchart breaks down the SSO process into clear, sequential steps across the following swimlanes:

1. Customer: Represents the user attempting to access Google’s application.
2. Customer’s Browser: Acts as the medium through which the authentication requests and responses are transmitted.
3. Google: This swimlane is divided into Google’s Application and Google’s ACS (Assertion Consumer Service) Service. The application initiates the authentication request, and the ACS handles the SAML response.
4. Identity Provider: Responsible for authenticating the user and providing a SAML response to Google, confirming the user’s identity.

Key Steps in the Process

Authentication Request:

The process begins when the Customer tries to access Google’s application. If the user is not already authenticated, a request is sent to Google’s application.

Google’s Application generates an auto request and sends an SSO Redirect Request to the Identity Provider, initiating the authentication.

User Authentication:

The Identity Provider authenticates the user via login or cookie validation. Once authenticated, it generates a SAML Response to convey the user’s identity status back to Google’s application.

SAML Response Verification:

Google’s ACS service verifies the SAML Response. If the response confirms a valid user, they are redirected to the application’s destination page, where they can access the desired service.

If the verification fails (e.g., for an invalid user), the user is redirected to an error page.

Customer’s Access to Application:

Upon successful authentication, the customer is welcomed to the Google App. In case of an invalid response, they are shown an error page, ending the process.

Flowchart Design Principles

When designing a swimlane diagram for a process like SSO authentication, consider these flowcharting principles:

Shape Usage:

1. Rectangles indicate process steps, like “Request to Google’s App” or “Authenticate User.”
2. Diamonds are used for decision points, such as verifying authentication, where the flow can diverge based on valid or invalid outcomes.
3. Terminator shapes (ovals) represent start and end points, while specific symbols like circles show transitions, such as from authentication to the destination page.

Clear Swimlanes: Organize swimlanes by participant roles (Customer, Google, Identity Provider) to clearly depict who is responsible for each step, ensuring the reader understands the process flow and accountability.

Flow Consistency: Maintain a top-down or left-to-right sequence with arrows that consistently guide the user from one stage to the next, preventing any confusion in the flow direction.

Error Handling: Include error handling paths, such as redirecting the user to an error page if authentication fails, ensuring that the flowchart represents all possible outcomes in the process.

Create your Swimlane diagrams using MockFlow

This swimlane diagram example provides a structured view of the SSO authentication process. Using MockFlow’s flowchart maker, you can customize this diagram to reflect different authentication setups, adjust for additional error handling, or include more detailed stages based on specific requirements. This template offers a foundation for visualizing cross-functional workflows, especially in systems requiring secure authentication.