Yes, it is possible to manage users created manually or by CSV along with other synchronization methods. However, it is important to consider how this impacts authentication and group assignment.
Managing users with multiple methods
The platform allows:
- Creating users manually
- Importing users via CSV
- Synchronizing users from other methods (such as Microsoft Entra ID, Google, or Auth0)
These methods can coexist without issues.
User authentication
If authentication is used with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure Active Directory), Google, or Auth0:
- Users must exist in the corresponding identity provider
Therefore:
- If a user created by CSV does not exist in the directory → they will not be able to authenticate using that method
- If the user does exist → authentication will work correctly
Group behavior
Manually created groups
- Are never automatically unassigned
- Remain assigned to users regardless of synchronizations
Automatically created groups
- Are managed by the synchronization method
- If they cease to exist in a new synchronization:
- Users are unassigned
- But the group continues to exist on the platform
Groups assigned by CSV
- Are considered part of an automated method
- Are unassigned by subsequent synchronizations (Microsoft Entra ID, Google, etc.)
How to prevent group unassignment?
To ensure users keep their groups:
- Create the group manually from:
Users and Groups > Groups > "New Group" - Then assign users to that group via CSV
This way:
- The group will not be affected by subsequent synchronizations
Considerations
- Synchronization methods can overwrite automatic assignments
- Authentication depends on the configured identity provider
- It is important to define a user and group management strategy
💡 Best practices
- Manually create groups that should remain stable
- Verify user existence in the identity provider before using SSO
- Define a single primary management method to avoid inconsistencies