Just-in-Time Provisioning

What is just-in-time provisioning, and why is it important?

Just-in-time provisioning means you’re granting users access to systems or tools only at the moment they need them, instead of setting everything up in advance. 

It can reduce overhead and limit unnecessary access, but it has trade-offs. Think of it like ordering pizza when you’re already hungry, only for it to show up cold after the football game’s ended. In some cases, it’s better to prepare in advance, especially when delays could slow down onboarding or disrupt work.

What’s the alternative?

A more proactive strategy is to set up systems and equipment in advance with IT procurement automation. Automating procurement and provisioning workflows can help organizations ensure devices, licenses, and permissions are ready before someone needs them, without relying on guesswork or last-minute scrambling.

This approach helps IT teams stay ahead, especially in fast-paced environments where timing matters.

Our Perspective

At Dots, we have seen that just-in-time provisioning is no longer the best option for distributed teams. Instead, we encourage companies to use just-in-case provisioning, where critical stock is already held in warehouses close to employees. This ensures that new hires are not left waiting for devices and replacements can be sent without long lead times. The platform makes it easy to see what is on hand and what needs to be replenished. For IT managers, this approach reduces stress and uncertainty. A new employee in Madrid or São Paulo can receive their laptop from nearby stock rather than waiting for an overseas shipment. In today’s environment, where supply disruptions are common, just-in-case provisioning supported by Dots gives companies the reliability they need.