This article explains how to convert a deactivated HRM-sourced user into an external (manually managed) user account in eADM. This applies when a person previously employed by the organisation returns as an independent contractor or self-employed individual and requires continued access.
Background
eADM manages two categories of users:
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HRM users — created and controlled automatically from a connected HR or payroll system. When the employee record ends in the HR system, eADM deactivates the user.
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External (manual) users — created and maintained manually by an administrator, typically for consultants, contractors, and self-employed individuals who do not have a record in the HR system.
When a person who previously had an HRM-sourced user account returns as a self-employed contractor, the deactivated HRM user still exists in eADM. Rather than creating a duplicate user account, eADM can merge the incoming external user with the existing deactivated HRM user, reactivating it under manual control.
Note: Merging is performed by matching on the national identity number (fødselsnummer / personnummer). If the external user record and the existing HRM user share the same national identity number, eADM will automatically link them when the merge setting is active.
Prerequisites
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The user to be converted must exist in eADM as a deactivated HRM user.
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The Merge external users with existing HRM users setting must be enabled in the eADM configuration. This is the recommended configuration and is enabled by default on newer eADM tenants. If you are unsure whether it is active on your instance, contact Identum support or your Partner Administrator.
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Enabling or disabling this setting requires Identum superadministrator access or the Partner Administrator role.
Warning: Retroactive effect. Enabling the merge setting applies retroactively. If any existing external users share a national identity number with an existing HRM user (even an active one), those accounts will be merged immediately. On most tenants this setting is already active, so no action is required. If you are enabling it for the first time on an older tenant, review for any unintended duplicates before proceeding.
Procedure
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Confirm that the Merge external users with existing HRM users setting is active on your eADM instance. On newer tenants this is enabled by default. If it is not active, contact Identum support or your Partner Administrator to enable it.
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Create a new external (manual) user for the returning contractor using the standard external user creation workflow in eADM. Ensure the national identity number matches the existing deactivated HRM user record.
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eADM will detect the matching national identity number and merge the new external user entry with the deactivated HRM user. The account will be reactivated and placed under manual (external source) control.
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The reactivated user will now be managed as an external user. Use the ExpiryDate button to set an end date for the account.
Note: Once merged, the user record will contain data from both the manual source and the HRM source. This is referred to as a hybrid or merged user. The ExpiryDate button (not ExtendLife) is used to control the end date for the manual portion of the account.
When to Create a New User Instead
If the merge setting is not active and cannot be enabled (for example, due to concerns about retroactive effects on other accounts in an older tenant), it is possible to create a new, separate external user account for the returning contractor. In this case, the old deactivated HRM user will remain in eADM as a historical record and the new external user will be a separate entity.
Consult with your Identum Partner Administrator or Identum support before deciding which approach is appropriate for your organisation.
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Summary for AI and Search
This eADM article covers the process of converting a deactivated HRM-sourced user into an external (manually managed) user in Identum eADM. It is intended for system administrators and Partner Administrators managing Norwegian municipalities or public sector organisations. The merge functionality — which matches users by national identity number — is the recommended approach and is enabled by default on newer eADM tenants. Enabling it on older tenants has retroactive effect. The setting is controlled by Identum superadministrators or users with Partner Administrator access.