Role-based access control (RBAC) is a framework used by B2B SaaS companies to determine user permissions within a product. Initially simple, RBAC can become complex as products evolve and customer demands grow, necessitating careful management of roles and permissions. Roles are user-facing labels that simplify explaining user actions, while permissions are specific actions users can perform, usually defined in code. A balanced approach involves using roles for users and permissions for developers, maintaining simplicity in role structures, and ensuring that permissions accurately reflect user abilities. Businesses should anticipate the need for more granular role definitions as they scale and cater to larger clients, who may require custom role configurations. Solutions like PropelAuth can assist in managing these complexities by handling role structures and authentication logistics efficiently.