For effective lifecycle state management, what must be enforced?

Enforcing a policy that defines state transition criteria is essential for effective lifecycle state management because it provides a clear framework for how and when entities can move between different states in their lifecycle. This policy ensures that transitions are not arbitrary and are based on predefined conditions and requirements.

By establishing criteria for state transitions, organizations can maintain consistency, accountability, and control over the lifecycle processes. It allows for better governance and compliance with regulatory requirements, as each state change is justified and documented according to the set standards. This structured approach minimizes the risk of errors and enhances the overall efficiency of identity management, as stakeholders understand the rationale behind each transition and can track changes systematically.

Other options, such as unrestricted transitions or mandatory approvals for all changes, could lead to inefficiencies or bottlenecks in processes, while simultaneous updates across all states might not be practical in many situations due to dependencies and necessary sequencing in lifecycle management. Thus, having clear policy-defined criteria is vital to support sustainable and organized management of entity lifecycles.