Enabling Rapid ArcGIS User Onboarding

Onboarding new ArcGIS users can be a time-consuming process. Between account setup, permissions, and group assignments, the process often requires input from an administrator, which can cause delays. For times where agility matters—infrastructure projects, emergency response—these delays can be critical. 

The ArcGIS Self-Service Onboarding GitHub repository outlines how to deploy a lightweight onboarding site—typically in Azure, though it can be adapted for other platforms. This site allows you to generate a URL (or QR code) that users can visit to onboard themselves into pre-defined groups in your ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Online organisation. 

After scanning the QR code, users sign in with their existing ArcGIS account or (if enabled) create a new one. The site then automatically adds them to the correct ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise group and redirects them to a pre-defined URL, which could be an ArcGIS Experience, QuickCapture project, or something else!

How It Could Be Used 

• Emergency Response Teams
  During flood or cyclone events, agencies need to onboard additional field staff rapidly. A self-service system means responders can access critical mapping tools immediately, supporting faster decision-making and coordination. 
• Infrastructure Projects with Multiple Contractors
  Large projects—think roading or water infrastructure—often involve external consultants who need access to shared maps and dashboards. Self-service onboarding ensures these users can join the right collaboration groups quickly, without exposing sensitive data or requiring lengthy email chains. 
• Regional Council Onboarding Seasonal Staff
  Councils often hire temporary staff for environmental monitoring during summer. Instead of IT manually creating accounts for each contractor, the onboarding portal allows them to self-register, automatically assigning them to the correct ArcGIS Online groups for data collection apps like ArcGIS Survey123.