What is the Joiner-Mover-Leaver (JML) Process in IT?

Jazzy Singh
Apr 29
2 min read

Introduction

When employees join, change roles, or leave a company, there's more at stake than just a handshake or farewell email. Behind the scenes, IT teams are responsible for managing access, devices, and data security every step of the way. This structured process is known as the Joiner-Mover-Leaver (JML) lifecycle — a vital framework for ensuring seamless, secure employee transitions within an organization.

What is the Joiner-Mover-Leaver Process?

The JML process refers to the IT procedures for managing an employee's lifecycle in a company:

Joiner: Onboarding a new employee — provisioning accounts, devices, and access to systems.
Mover: Internal changes like promotions or department switches — adjusting access and responsibilities.
Leaver: Offboarding — removing access, recovering assets, and ensuring data security.

A well-defined JML process protects sensitive information, improves onboarding efficiency, and supports compliance with industry standards like GDPR and ISO27001.

Illustration showing three connected blue circles labeled Joiner, Mover, and Leaver, each with icons representing user onboarding, role changes, and offboarding

Common Risks Without a JML Framework

🔓 Security breaches: Former employees still having access to systems.
📦 Lost or untracked assets: Laptops, phones, and credentials not reclaimed.
🧩 Inefficiencies: Delays in provisioning or revoking access that frustrate users and slow productivity.
⚠️ Compliance failures: Poor audit trails and missed revocation logs.

Benefits of Automating the JML Process

✅ Faster onboarding with pre-approved access and device delivery

✅ Accurate permission adjustments as users move roles

✅ Secure and documented offboarding with device recovery

✅ Automated workflows integrated with HR systems

✅ Reduced burden on internal IT teams

With automation tools like Microsoft Intune, Azure AD, and modern MDM platforms, businesses can execute a JML process that’s not only secure — but scalable.

How Circuit Minds Implements the JML Process

At Circuit Minds, we help small to medium-sized businesses implement robust, automated JML frameworks that reduce risk and improve IT efficiency.

Our services include:

🔹 Joiner-Mover-Leaver design and mapping based on your org chart

🔹 Microsoft 365 and Azure integration for seamless access provisioning

🔹 MDM-based device tracking for joiners and leavers

🔹 Offboarding automation with policy-based access removal

Explore our onboarding packages to see how we can help your business stay secure and organized.

Conclusion

IT isn't just about support — it's about structure. The Joiner-Mover-Leaver process ensures that your people, data, and devices stay aligned as your organization evolves. Whether you're scaling fast or simply tightening your security, a formal JML process is essential.

👉 Book your free consultation to find out how Circuit Minds can help implement automated, stress-free JML workflows.