Customer identity and access management (CIAM) plays an essential role in keeping customers happy online. If your CIAM system breaks or creates too much friction, customers will quickly flock to your competitors. Having an effective CIAM strategy is necessary in building a sustainable and compelling CIAM service. Your CIAM service is supported by five towers of CIAM competencies: 1) business process integration; 2) enrollment; 3) authentication; 4) authorization; and 5) user self-service.