Managing Users and Permissions in Catalyst

Catalyst allows you to add an unlimited number of users to your account, empowering your team to take control and maintain your environment without limitation. This tutorial teaches you everything you need to know to become familiar with users and user permissions.

This article contains the following topics: 

• Definition
• User permissions
• Important information
• How to add a new user
• Group permissions
• Navigation permissions
• Hierarchy security
• Permissions summary
• How to impersonate a user

What are User Accounts?

Think of user accounts as individual profiles for your team members who require access to Catalyst. Each user has a unique username, password, and a specific set of permissions that control what they can see and do within the application. You'll find user management under the "Administration" section within Catalyst.

Security and Permissions: Controlling User Access

Catalyst offers robust security features to ensure only authorized users can access specific tools, screens, and data. User permissions allow administrators to grant granular access at different levels within the application.

Key Points to Remember

• Permissions are additive: Higher-level permissions take precedence. For example, if a user has "Read" access for something but also "Edit" access, they can edit it.

• Groups simplify permission management: Assigning users to groups with predefined permissions saves time.

Adding a New User

1. Navigate to the "Administration" tab and select "Users."

   

2. Click "Add User" in the bottom right corner.

   

3. Fill out the user information form.

   • "Is Client Admin" grants full access and should be reserved for top administrators.

   • We recommend keeping "Allow System to Generate Password" selected for a secure initial login.

     

4. Click "Save." The user will receive login instructions with a strong password via email.

Managing User Permissions

Group Permissions: Streamlining Access Control

Groups allow you to assign common permissions to multiple users efficiently. You can create groups before or after adding users if needed. Learn how here.

Navigation Permissions: Defining User Visibility

Navigation permissions determine which sections (e.g., Planning, Administration) and tiles within those sections (e.g., Financial Planning, User Management) a user can see and access.

• Read access allows users to view sections and tiles.

• Edit access allows users to view and interact with sections and tiles.
  
  

Hierarchy Permissions: Controlling Access to Specific Data

If security is enabled for a hierarchy (managed on the "Manage Hierarchy" page), users need explicit permission to access the associated data. Granting access involves selecting the desired hierarchy level and setting filters in the "Hierarchy Permissions" section.

Reasons to Grant Hierarchy Access:

• Permit specific users or groups to access detailed data like Company, Item, or Account information.

• Allow users to access management tools within "Manage Hierarchies" (mapping accounts, adding hierarchies).

Permission Summary: Putting it All Together

The final "Summary" page provides a clear overview of a user's permissions and access within Catalyst.

 You can also view all user permissions in a filterable table within the admin section of Catalyst. 

Impersonate User (Admin Only)

This feature allows admins to temporarily assume another user's identity for troubleshooting purposes (password reset, etc.). Access it from the user's ellipsis menu and end impersonation from your user profile menu.

By following these steps and understanding the different permission types, you can effectively manage user access and maintain a secure environment within Catalyst.