Governing access inside enterprise ERPs is notoriously painful. SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite weren’t built with fine-grained access control in mind, but auditors still expect answers.
That’s why Pathlock exists: it automates SoD controls, flags compliance violations, and gives teams defensible answers when auditors come asking about ERP access.
The problem is that most enterprise stacks have outgrown ERPs as the center of gravity. Security and compliance teams manage hundreds of SaaS apps; multi-cloud infrastructure across AWS, GCP, and Azure; and data warehouses. And depth in ERP governance only gets you so far when your stack has outgrown ERPs.
That’s what’s driving the search for alternatives. Teams want API-first platforms that cover the modern stack, not just specialized tools for governing monolithic ERPs.
For this guide, we went through user reviews on G2 and Capterra, read product documentation, and browsed Reddit threads where teams talk openly about their access governance tools. We shortlisted 7 top competitors that keep coming up.
Why look for an alternative to Pathlock?
No tool is perfect, and Pathlock has its share of frustrations. These complaints came up repeatedly in G2 reviews:
- No automated upgrade testing: When Pathlock pushes updates, teams report having to manually test and validate that nothing broke. That’s extra overhead every time there’s a new release. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Steep learning curve and unclear terminology: Some users find the interface cluttered with acronyms and jargon that aren’t immediately intuitive. Onboarding new team members can take longer than expected. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Limited integration scope: Users mention that Pathlock’s connectivity focuses heavily on core ERP systems, with less coverage for adjacent financial tools and data streams. If you need a unified view across your full finance stack, you may hit walls. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Implementation complexity with thin documentation: Getting Pathlock configured isn’t straightforward, and users note that the documentation doesn’t always fill the gaps. Expect to lean on support or professional services. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Slow database upgrades: Maintenance windows for database upgrades can stretch longer than anticipated. For teams with tight uptime needs, that’s a real consideration. [Read Full G2 Review]
Key features to consider in a Pathlock alternative
Switching platforms is a big decision, so it helps to know what to look for. These are the capabilities that tend to matter most when you’re outgrowing ERP-centric governance:
- Broad integration coverage: ERPs are one piece of the puzzle. You need a platform that governs access across your entire environment, from SaaS apps to cloud-based infrastructure to data warehouses.
- Just-in-time access: Permanent permissions mean permanent risk exposure and run counter to zero trust. Platforms that support time-bound access let you grant exactly what’s needed, then revoke it automatically.
- Automated access reviews: Access certifications are tedious enough without doing them manually. Automation keeps reviews on schedule, reduces the chance of rubber-stamping, and lowers the risk of data loss from over-permissioned accounts.
- Self-service access requests: Ticketing systems weren’t built for efficient access requests. Look for platforms where users can request, get approval, and gain access without IT as a middleman.
- Fast deployment and time to value (TTV): Legacy platforms can take months to implement. Modern alternatives should have you running access reviews within weeks.
Top 7 alternatives to Pathlock on the market right now
If your governance needs begin and end with ERPs, Pathlock is a solid bet. But if your stack has sprawled into SaaS apps, cloud infrastructure, and data systems that sit outside ERP boundaries, you’ll need something built for that scenario.
Here are the alternatives worth evaluating:
1. ConductorOne
ConductorOne is an AI-native identity security platform built to govern access across SaaS apps, cloud and on-prem infrastructure, and legacy and homegrown applications.
While Pathlock specializes in ERP governance for SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite, ConductorOne takes on the broader modern stack. It automates the entire identity lifecycle and orchestrates self-service requests, just-in-time access, automated access reviews, and secure revocations.
Plus, there are AI agents that handle routine helpdesk tasks, process access requests, and surface risk-based recommendations so security and IT teams can focus on high-risk exceptions.
ConductorOne customers typically go live in about four weeks, far faster than legacy IGA platforms. The platform ships with 300+ prebuilt connectors and no-code options for custom apps, so teams can govern their entire environment without months of integration work.
Key features
- Just-in-time access: Users request access through Slack, Teams, CLI, or web and receive it automatically upon approval. Access expires and revokes on schedule, so teams don’t accumulate standing privileges that sit unused.
- Intelligent access reviews: The platform automates access review campaigns and uses AI to outline risk-based recommendations for each certification. Reviewers can focus on flagged exceptions instead of rubber-stamping thousands of line items.
- 300+ prebuilt connectors: The platform connects to SaaS apps, cloud and on-prem directories and infrastructure, databases, and more out of the box. For homegrown or niche apps, C1’s no-code custom connectors and open-source connector SDK offer multiple options for quick and easy integration.
- Identity lifecycle automation: ConductorOne speeds onboarding for new hires, adjusts permissions when roles change, and fully offboards users the moment they leave. Dynamic access controls ensure users always have the right access and nothing more.
- Unified Identity Graph: The platform aggregates identity and access data from every connected app into a single view. Security and IT teams get a complete picture of who has access to what (and where sensitive information might be exposed) across the entire environment.
- Non-human identity governance: ConductorOne discovers and inventories service accounts, API keys, tokens, certificates, and AI agents across your environment. Security teams can map ownership, track risks, and govern digital identities alongside human ones.
Why are companies choosing ConductorOne over Pathlock?
- Governance for the full environment: Pathlock focuses heavily on SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite, with limited reach into the rest of your stack. ConductorOne covers everything from one platform.
- AI-native platform with intelligent automation instead of manual overhead: Pathlock users report manual testing after every update and hands-on maintenance that eats into team bandwidth. ConductorOne automates routine governance tasks and surfaces risks so teams spend less time on repetitive work.
- Faster time to value: Pathlock implementations can stretch for months and often need professional services to fill documentation gaps. ConductorOne customers typically go live in about four weeks with 300+ prebuilt connectors that work out of the box.
- Intuitive experience for end users and admins: Pathlock’s interface draws complaints about jargon, acronyms, and a steep learning curve for new team members. ConductorOne offers an intuitive platform and user experience via web, Slack, MS Teams, or CLI.
- Modern stack for modern compliance needs: Pathlock fits audits that focus on ERP controls alone. ConductorOne provides a unified view of access across every system, so security and IT teams can answer auditor questions about SaaS, cloud, and infrastructure access too.
What real customers are saying about ConductorOne
System1 went public with a looming SOX deadline and fragmented visibility from prior acquisitions. They got ConductorOne up and running in three weeks and reduced quarterly audit prep from weeks to one day through automated reviews.
Ramp, a fast-growing fintech, faced a similar time sink. The team logged 40-50 hours each quarter on manual access data collection across 200+ resources. ConductorOne slashed IT effort on access requests by 95% and automated quarterly compliance reviews for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS.
“The onboarding process was smooth. We were able to get our systems integrated within three weeks, thanks to great documentation.” — Paul Yoo, Head of Security Assurance
Infrastructure providers handle the heaviest review volumes. DigitalOcean lost hundreds of hours per quarter to spreadsheet wrangling and manager follow-ups. With ConductorOne, they finished 1,200 reviews using 85% less effort and reached 100% on-time completion for SOC2 and SOX audits.
2. SailPoint
SailPoint is a well-known player in identity governance. It covers the full identity lifecycle, automates access reviews and policy enforcement, and handles compliance reporting out of the box.
The platform has leaned heavily into AI in recent years, using machine learning to recommend access decisions, flag risky permissions, and help teams right-size entitlements across their environment. It’s geared toward large enterprises with complex environments spanning on-prem and cloud.
Key features
- Automated identity lifecycle management: Joiner, mover, and leaver workflows run automatically, so provisioning and deprovisioning happen without manual intervention.
- Broad connector library: SailPoint integrates with a wide range of applications and systems, including AWS, SAP, Salesforce, and hundreds of others.
- Machine identity security: Extends governance to non-human identities like service accounts and bots, which often get overlooked until something breaks.
Limitations
- Slow support responses: Getting help through support takes longer than expected. Users cite unnecessary back-and-forth that slows down time to resolution. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Broken links in guides: Documentation doesn’t always keep up with the product. Broken links and outdated guides make it harder to troubleshoot on your own. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Extra costs for key features: SailPoint has expanded its feature set, but most additions come at an extra cost. Budget accordingly if you need more than the core IGA. [Read Full G2 Review]
Pricing
Like many enterprise IGA vendors, SailPoint requires you to request a custom quote. There’s no public pricing available.
Some industry sources estimate annual costs at about $75,000 for smaller setups, $240,000 for mid-sized companies, and upwards of $800,000 for large-scale enterprise deployments.
Learn more → 10 Best SailPoint Alternatives (Rated by User Reviews) - ConductorOne
3. Saviynt
Saviynt is a cloud-native platform that brings identity governance, privileged access management, and application access governance under one roof.
It’s primarily aimed at enterprises with sprawling hybrid and multi-cloud environments that don’t want to piece together separate products for each identity type.
Key features
- Converged IGA and PAM: Saviynt combines identity governance with privileged access management in the same platform, so you can govern standard and elevated access without separate tools.
- Third-party identity and access management: Automates onboarding and access for contractors, vendors, and external users while keeping their permissions scoped and compliant.
- Cloud infrastructure entitlement management: Spots over-permissioned accounts across AWS, Azure, and GCP and enforces least-privilege access in multi-cloud environments.
Limitations
- Clunky user experience: The interface isn’t as polished as competitors’. Users say it takes time to get comfortable navigating the platform. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Multi-language support is tricky: Running the platform in multiple languages isn’t seamless. Teams with global operations may find localization more cumbersome than expected. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Large-scale certification bugs: Access certifications can get buggy when you’re working with tens of thousands of users. Workarounds exist, but it’s something to watch. [Read Full G2 Review]
Pricing
Saviynt doesn’t publish pricing publicly. The platform uses custom quotes based on identity count and modules selected. There are also implementation and customization costs on top of the subscription.
4. Okta Identity Governance (OIG)
Okta Identity Governance is the governance add-on for Okta’s Workforce Identity platform, where it handles lifecycle management, access certifications, and self-service access requests in one place.
Teams already on Okta or Auth0 for SSO and MFA can layer in governance without managing a separate vendor. No-code workflows and built-in automation do most of the work.
Key features
- Automated access certifications: Run scheduled campaigns to review who has access to what. Reviewers approve or revoke access, and decisions flow through automatically.
- No-code workflows: Okta Workflows lets you automate identity processes like onboarding, offboarding, and access changes without writing code. It’s also useful for teams without dedicated developers.
- Self-service access tickets with approval workflows. Users can request access to apps and resources directly from the Okta dashboard. Admins set up reusable approval flows with time-bound access and automatic revocation.
Limitations
- Developer overhead for deep customization: The APIs and SDKs are capable, but getting the most out of them takes developer time. Teams without dedicated engineering resources may find full customization out of reach. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Limited UI branding options: The interface doesn’t offer much flexibility for enterprise branding. If matching your company’s look and feel matters, expect constraints. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Tricky initial configuration: The setup process can be rough, particularly when connecting certain apps. Expect extra coordination with third parties before everything works smoothly. [Read Full G2 Review]
Pricing
The “Essentials Suite” from Okta runs $17 per user per month (billed annually) and combines identity governance with access governance, lifecycle management, and 50 workflows.
Okta doesn’t offer identity governance separately, so the suite is your only option, with a $1,500/year minimum spend.
5. Microsoft Entra ID Governance
Entra ID Governance is Microsoft’s answer to identity governance, built directly into the Entra platform. It primarily focuses on entitlement management, access reviews, lifecycle automation, and privileged access controls.
Organizations already invested in Microsoft 365 or Azure get native integration without stitching in a third-party tool.
Key features
- Entitlement management: Bundle apps, groups, and resources into access packages that users can request through self-service. Approvals, expiration dates, and automatic removal are all configurable.
- Lifecycle workflows: Automate onboarding, offboarding, and status change tasks based on signals from HR systems like Workday and SuccessFactors. New hires can be productive on day one without manual provisioning.
- Native Microsoft integration: Works seamlessly with Active Directory, Azure, Microsoft 365, and hundreds of third-party apps through pre-built authentication and access connectors.
Limitations
- Limited developer support: The developer community isn’t as active as you’d hope. Troubleshooting niche problems often means longer searches and fewer ready-made solutions. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Works best within Microsoft: Great if you’re all-in on Microsoft. Less great if you need smooth connections to third-party apps, where integrations can require more effort. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Key features locked behind paid tiers: The free tier is limited. Once you need real governance and application security features, you’re looking at per-user costs that add up. [Read Full G2 Review]
Pricing
There are three subscription levels for Microsoft Entra ID Governance:
- P1 runs $6/user/month and works for both SMB and enterprise scenarios
- P2 costs $9/user/month and brings Microsoft 365 E5 integration for enterprise setups
- Entra Suite sits at $12/user/month and combines governance with network access rights, identity protection, and deeper cybersecurity functionality
6. SAP GRC (Access Control)
SAP GRC Access Control is SAP’s native solution for managing access risk in SAP environments. It automates SoD analysis, streamlines access provisioning, and monitors for violations in SAP ECC, S/4HANA, and connected environments.
Connectors do exist for non-SAP applications, but the platform is purpose-built for SAP-centric governance.
Key features
- Segregation of duties (SoD) analysis: Automatically identifies SoD conflicts in current user access and simulates risks before new roles get assigned.
- Business role management: Centralizes role design and maintenance, with built-in checks to prevent SoD risks from being baked into roles before they’re assigned.
- Integration with SAP Process Control: Shares organizational structure and controls with SAP Process Control, so compliance teams can connect access risks to broader control monitoring.
Limitations
- Custom reports need SAP skills: Customizing reports isn’t straightforward. You’ll likely need advanced SAP knowledge or external help to get outputs tailored to your needs. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Limited non-SAP connectivity: The platform works best when everything is SAP. Connecting to outside tools takes extra effort and often doesn’t feel seamless. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Interface needs modernization: UX isn’t a strong point. The interface looks and feels older than what you’d get from newer competitors. [Read Full G2 Review]
Pricing
SAP GRC Access Control uses custom pricing based on modules, user count, and deployment model. Licensing can range widely depending on scope and the specific components you need.
7. One Identity Manager
One Identity Manager is an enterprise IGA platform that governs user access and automates provisioning across hybrid environments.
It connects natively to SAP and Active Directory, with a broad connector library for other systems. A SaaS option called “Identity Manager On Demand” is available for cloud-first organizations.
Key features
- Highly customizable workflows: The platform brings extensive configuration without heavy coding. Organizations with complex or non-standard use cases can adapt processes to fit their specific needs.
- Self-service access requests: Users request access through a shopping-cart style interface, with workflow-driven approvals routed to the right people automatically.
- Unified governance for privileged access: Integrates with One Identity’s PAM tools so standard user access and privileged access can be governed from the same platform.
Limitations
- Reporting and dashboards need work: The reporting side feels underdeveloped. Users want more refined log data on dashboards without extra configuration. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Complex UI for new users: Beginners will struggle at first. The platform is capable, but navigation isn’t intuitive until you’ve spent time with it. [Read Full G2 Review]
- Incomplete module docs: Not all modules are documented equally. You may need to lean on support or community forums to fill in the blanks. [Read Full G2 Review]
Pricing
One Identity Manager charges annually on a per-user basis, with pricing tiers that vary depending on company size. You’ll need to contact them for a custom quote.
How to choose the right Pathlock alternative
There’s no single best alternative. The right purchase decision depends on your environment, your compliance needs, and how much complexity your team can handle.
These are the factors worth weighing before you commit:
1. Define your primary problem: ERP compliance vs. identity and access governance and security
Not every governance problem looks the same. If your audit findings keep pointing to SAP or Oracle, that’s a different problem than trying to wrangle permissions across hundreds of SaaS apps and multi-cloud environments.
The tools built for these two worlds don’t overlap as much as vendor marketing suggests, so knowing which camp you fall into is the first filter.
If your challenges revolve mainly around SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, you’re in ERP territory. The drivers here are typically SOX and financial audits. Tools built for this go deep on a handful of key systems rather than wide across everything.
If your challenges look more like SaaS sprawl and cloud infrastructure entitlements, you’re in modern stack governance. SOC 2 and data security audits are usually the drivers, along with the need to enforce least privilege across a distributed stack.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each path looks like:
ERP compliance focus | Cloud & infrastructure focus |
SoD violations inside SAP, Oracle, NetSuite | Hundreds of SaaS apps to govern |
Audit findings tied to financial systems | AWS/Azure/GCP entitlement sprawl |
Access reviews within ERP modules | Access requests across the modern stack |
Compliance drivers like SOX and financial audits | Compliance drivers like SOC 2 and a broad security posture |
Consider Pathlock, SAP GRC | Consider ConductorOne, Okta, Saviynt, Microsoft Entra |
If you need both, lean toward the platform that covers your highest-risk systems. For most organizations, that means cloud-native tools with broad reach. That said, if your auditors care most about ERP controls, depth in that area might be the priority.
2. Evaluate your security philosophy: manual auditing vs. automated governance
Access governance sits on a spectrum. Manual and audit-driven on one end and fully automated with just-in-time access and auto-revocation on the other. Most organizations fall somewhere in the middle, but the right tool depends on where you’re headed, not where you started.
Signs you’re still in manual mode:
- Access reviews still run through spreadsheets
- Audits come around once a quarter or once a year
- Access changes happen after someone files a ticket or flags a problem
- Provisioning and deprovisioning need IT to get involved manually
Signs you need more automation:
- Access requests pile up waiting on IT
- Reviewers rubber-stamp approvals to get through the queue
- Audit prep turns into a fire drill every cycle
- Offboarded employees still have accounts lingering in systems
Not all of these platforms automate to the same degree. Some prioritize visibility and leave action to you, while others automate the full lifecycle from provisioning to revocation.
For example, ConductorOne, Saviynt, and Okta lean toward full automation. SAP GRC and Pathlock offer strong controls but typically need more manual involvement.
Match the tool to where you need to be. If your team is stretched thin or your environment changes constantly, automation isn’t a nice-to-have.
3. Assess your existing identity and IT provider ecosystem
Your existing stack should influence the decision. If you’re already deep in Microsoft, Okta, or SAP, their native governance tools integrate with less friction.
Fighting your ecosystem usually means extra integration work, higher maintenance, and vulnerabilities that take longer to close.
Here are some examples of natural fits based on your environment:
- Microsoft-heavy (M365, Azure, Active Directory) → Microsoft Entra ID Governance slots in with minimal overhead
- Okta for SSO and MFA → Okta Identity Governance builds on what’s already there
- SAP-centric ERP landscape → SAP GRC or Pathlock speak the language natively
- Multi-cloud and SaaS-first → ConductorOne offers broad connector coverage without assuming a single ecosystem
- One Identity for AD management → One Identity Manager keeps governance in the same family
Going outside your ecosystem isn’t wrong, but it adds work. You’ll spend more time on integrations, deal with potential data sync issues, and possibly manage multiple vendor relationships for support.
That trade-off can be worth it if the native option has major feature gaps or doesn’t scale with your needs. But if the built-in tool checks most boxes, the path of least resistance often wins.
4. Prioritize the end-user and admin experience
UX matters for two audiences: end users requesting access and admins managing governance. If either side hits too much friction, adoption breaks down. You end up with workarounds, underused features, and a platform that never delivers its full value.
The table below breaks down what matters for each:
End users need | Admins need |
Self-service access requests without filing IT tickets | Configuration that doesn't require consultants for every change |
Intuitive interface that doesn't require training | Dashboards that surface actionable insights, not just data |
Fast approvals so work doesn't stall waiting on access | Workflow builders that non-developers can manage |
Clear visibility into request status and existing permissions | Certification campaigns that don't take weeks to set up |
Before you commit, get hands-on with the product. A demo is fine for features, but have someone from your team actually try requesting access or configuring a workflow. That’s where problems usually come up.
ConductorOne: The Ideal Pathlock alternative
If your access governance needs are ERP-specific, Pathlock can do the job. But most enterprises have well outgrown SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite.
ConductorOne gives security and IT teams one platform to govern access across SaaS apps, cloud infrastructure, on-prem systems, and custom tools, with AI agents that handle the manual work legacy platforms can’t.
Here are just some of the things you get with ConductorOne:
- Governance that covers the full modern stack, from SaaS apps and cloud infrastructure to on-prem directories and homegrown tools
- AI agents that automate access decisions, process helpdesk requests, assist with review campaigns, and flag high-risk exceptions
- 300+ pre-built connectors, no-code custom connector options, and a four-week average deployment time
- Self-service access requests through Slack, MS Teams, CLI, or web, with just-in-time provisioning and automatic revocation
- Compliance-ready insights across every connected system for audits that span SOC 2, ISO, SOX, and more
ERP-centric governance made sense when ERPs were the center of your stack. That’s no longer the case for most teams.
Book a demo to see how ConductorOne governs access across your full environment.



