PAYMENT ORCHESTRATION PLATFORM

FAQs

• What is payment orchestration?

  Think of payment orchestration as the maestro of a world-class orchestra, where the conductor manages the complex symphony of cross-border, connected, digital transactions. Smart, easy, smooth, and fast payment orchestration services assist clients in handling the growing challenges of modern POS systems.

  Seamless integration of multiple payment technologies, providers, methods, channels, and systems into a centralized platform creates a unified payments ecosystem. The benefits? Agility to adapt to new payment technology, scalability to manage growing transaction volumes, and cost efficiency through optimized routing and free partner selection.

  Security and compliance are prioritized, ensuring transactions are safe and meet all regulatory standards. Plus, with access to new data points, valuable insights can be gained to make smarter decisions. This coordination leads to a superior user experience, making payment processes as smooth as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6.

• Is in-person payment orchestration the same as payment orchestration?

  Simply put, in-person payment orchestration (IPPO) is a specific subset of payment orchestration. Payment orchestration coordinates all payment processes seamlessly, from online to mobile to face-to-face transactions. To continue the analogy of the orchestra, it's like the conductor of said orchestra, ensuring different payment methods and systems harmonize effortlessly.

  IPPO, especially, fine-tunes the customer experience in places like retail stores or restaurants. It manages hardware, software, and network components with precision, meeting industry standards and regulations. In face-to-face scenarios, where interactions with people are central, orchestration also supports merchant employees on-site. By efficiently managing device setups and other operational aspects, orchestration enhances the overall experience for both customers and staff.

  What’s more, payment orchestration cleverly navigates hardware dependencies and maintenance in the background. Whether integrating new hardware or syncing with existing legacy systems, it ensures a smooth transition and continuous operation. This capability empowers businesses to focus on delivering top-notch customer service, free from technical headaches.

• How does online payment orchestration differentiate from in-person payment orchestration?

  Online payment orchestration and IPPO are two different approaches to handling transactions in digital and physical settings.

  Online payment orchestration uses advanced algorithms to manage payments across various networks and methods, improving authentication and reducing costs. It focuses on flexibility by combining local systems into a central cloud platform. This helps businesses streamline operations, customize checkout experiences, gain valuable insights, and have more control over their choices.

  On the other hand, IPPO does all of this and more - especially when it comes to handling transactions face-to-face in physical locations like retail stores or restaurants. It focuses on optimizing these interactions, ensuring seamless operations and enhancing customer experiences directly on the spot. It also supports merchant employees on-site too, as it speeds up the transaction process. Both approaches have their strengths, with in-person payment orchestration specifically designed to make real-world card-present transactions smoother and more satisfying for customers and businesses alike.

• How do you differentiate (in-person) payment orchestration from gateways, terminal manufacturers and integrators?

  Payment orchestration covers everything from accepting and routing payments to optimizing performance and providing deep business insights. Unlike traditional gateways, it offers a dynamic, data-driven approach to payment routing. By gathering insights at every interaction point, orchestration intelligently directs transactions between checkout and processing partners (like processors and payment methods), enhancing efficiency and conversion rates.

  Terminal manufacturers produce hardware like POS terminals and card readers, focusing on device production and support rather than payment processing. The terminal manufacturer produces devices so that the merchant can accept payment at the checkout. In some cases, the terminal manufacturer might offer software within their devices, however the actual routing of transactions is left to third parties.

  Integrators are the companies that provide one-off software solutions that enable merchants to integrate with different payment gateways, terminal manufacturers, or other payment providers. They additionally may offer features such as reporting, analytics, or fraud prevention, but they do not have direct control over the payment flow or performance.

• What are the benefits of an in-person payment orchestration platform?

  An in-person payment orchestration platform makes transactions simple, fast, secure, and seamless. Here's how:

  • Simplifies management: Easily integrate, manage, and switch between multiple terminal manufacturers, integrators, and payment gateways. Reduce complexity, cut costs, and gain negotiation power by having the flexibility to change providers.
  • Enhances customer experience: Provide a consistent and seamless payment experience across different methods, channels, and locations. This boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Optimizes performance: Use smart routing, fallback options, and dynamic currency conversion to maximize efficiency. Increase conversion rates, reduce declines, and lower transaction fees.
  • Provides real-time insights: Access unified reporting and real-time data for all in-person payments. Gain insights into customer behavior, payment performance, and market trends to make informed decisions and improve your strategy.
  • Reduces operational overheads: Allows a single platform to manage multiple endpoints and acquirers, streamlining operations across all channels. Without orchestration, managing an in-person platform involves silos, separate software updates and individual relationships with acquirers and alternative payment options. All of this ensures consistency and standardization across markets, hardware providers and user experiences through a unified solution.

  In short, an in-person payment orchestration platform helps you boost revenue, reduce costs, and gain deep insights into customer preferences, making your payment process effortless and efficient.

• Who is in-person payment orchestration for and why?

  In a word? Everyone. Literally. By getting rid of the obstacles that slow down the industry, IPPO really does make things smoother for everyone.
  
  a) Can in-person payment orchestration be used for both small businesses and large enterprises?
  
  Absolutely. IPPO suits both small and large businesses. Merchants can choose solutions based on their needs—some offer plug-and-play options for easy integration with existing POS systems, while others provide customized solutions for complex payment workflows. Regardless of the choice, the benefits are clear: a consistent, flexible, and seamless customer experience across a variety of different channels and touchpoints, optimized payment performance, and real-time data insights. IPPO is a valuable tool for any business, delivering efficiency and ease at every scale.
  
  b) Can in-person payment orchestration be used for both locally operating businesses and globally operating businesses?
  
  Yes. The flexibility, choice and access to data in-person payment orchestration offers has indeed a true universal appeal.
  
  For local businesses like small shops, restaurants, and service providers, IPPO is a game-changer. It streamlines various payment methods such as credit cards and mobile payments, making transactions quick and hassle-free. No more setup headaches or worries about future-proofing; they’re always ahead of the game. And if they decide to grow, the groundwork is already in place, so they’re perfectly set up for success.
  
  For global giants with locations worldwide, IPPO is indispensable. Smooth cross-border transactions, multiple currencies, and local payment methods are all part of the deal. Completely customer-centric, no matter where they are in the world, it makes the transaction of paying really easy for them. Plus, device maintenance and management are quick and easy, as they can track and update everything from a central hub, keeping global operations seamless and efficient.

• Do I need in-person payment orchestration?

  Whether you're an ISO serving small merchants, an ISV, or a global player, IPPO can revolutionize your business. For small businesses, it means having everything you need to integrate payments seamlessly, with smart features and AppFlow making it simple and efficient. But if you're ready to take charge and monetize your payment systems, IPPO is your secret weapon. It gives you control, flexibility, and the data insights to dominate your payment proposition. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your game, IPPO is the key to owning your payment experience.

• How does in-person payments orchestration work?

  In-person payment orchestration (IPPO) is all about power and flexibility, achieved through a cutting-edge, cloud-based single platform that's endpoint/device agnostic. It handles transactions and data seamlessly, integrating workflows and managing endpoints with precision and efficiency.
  
  Here's how it works:
  
  IPPO integrates with core interfaces, ensuring the platform is fully compatible with all related systems in the payment value chain, including e-commerce platforms and acquirers’ existing systems for onboarding merchants.
  
  In addition to this, IPPO:

  • Combines any endpoints from different manufacturers and processors.
  • Uses orchestration tools to connect, interact, and transact with all partners in the payment journey.
  • Employs a tokenization vault to securely store and transport sensitive information.

  
  This powerful setup breaks down barriers in in-person commerce processing, achieving three key goals:

  • Freedom of choice: Connects with payment and business partners without vendor lock-in.
  • Centralized control: Manages international payment operations across channels from one central hub, offering a holistic customer view.
  • Seamless checkout: Orchestrates checkout flows across channels, devices, and partners for better customer engagement.

  
  All backed by a single, secure, and regulatory-compliant platform that's easy to integrate and operate.

• Does in-person payment orchestration introduce a single point of failure?

  Properly designed orchestration systems mitigate the risk of single points of failure by spreading transactions across multiple providers. Top-tier payment orchestrators use global cloud infrastructure with built-in redundancy, so even if processors go down, they still continue processing offline, as well as store-forward and failsafe routing. This ensures that merchants and ISVs can always transact without a hitch.
  
  It's crucial for merchants and ISVs to choose a reliable and secure payment orchestration platform with high availability, scalability, and redundancy. A robust platform handles high volumes of transactions without compromising performance or quality, keeping business running smoothly no matter what.

• How to choose an in-person payment orchestration platform provider?

  To choose an IPPO platform provider, consider these factors:

  • Payment methods and preferences: Evaluate how well the platform supports your customers' preferred payment methods, currencies, and languages. Integration ease: Assess how quickly and easily you can integrate with payment partners, gateways, acquirers, and processors.
  • Payment routing and optimization: Look into the platform's capabilities to optimize payment performance, efficiency, and conversion rates through advanced routing features.
  • Data insights: Review the platform's reporting, analytics, and insights into payment trends across all channels and locations.
  • Security and compliance: Ensure the platform offers robust security measures, compliance with regulations, and effective fraud prevention to safeguard customer transactions.
  • Scalability and reliability: Check if the platform can handle high transaction volumes reliably without compromising quality or performance.
  • Costs and contracts: Understand the pricing, fees, and contract terms to align with your budget and business objectives.
  • Support and service: Evaluate the support, service quality, and communication channels provided to address any payment-related issues promptly.
    
    

  Considering these factors will help you select the right IPPO platform that meets your business needs effectively.

• How secure is in-person payment orchestration?

  Security and compliance are absolutely critical for any orchestration provider. In-person payments involve physical terminals, card readers, or mobile devices accepting a variety of payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, NFC, QR codes, or cash. It's essential that any payment solution meets stringent global and local standards and regulations like PCI DSS, EMV, PSD2, or GDPR. These regulations are crucial for protecting customer data, ensuring privacy, and preventing fraud or data breaches.
  
  A reliable payment orchestration provider must offer secure and compliant in-person payment solutions that safeguard customer data throughout the entire payment process, from the point of sale to the payment gateway to the acquiring bank. They should also excel in handling chargebacks, disputes, and refunds promptly and transparently. Additionally, the provider should have the capability to remotely monitor and update payment devices, and provide robust technical support and maintenance when required.

• Can in-person payment orchestration be used for creating an omnichannel business strategy?

  Yes, IPPO is perfect for implementing an omnichannel business strategy. This strategy ensures a seamless and consistent customer experience across different channels—whether online, mobile, or in physical stores. It can also support self-service options, such as unattended environments like gas stations and parking lots. IPPO supports this strategy by enabling customers to use their preferred payment method, regardless of the channel they choose.
  
  To successfully execute omnichannel strategies like click & collect, buy-online-return-in-store, or endless aisle, it's crucial to adopt an open API approach. This approach allows merchants to easily connect their various channels and gather customer transaction data in near-real-time. By harnessing the capabilities of in-person payment orchestration, businesses can achieve comprehensive data insights similar to those from closed systems. At the same time, they retain the freedom to choose partners that align best with their strategic goals.

• Why is nobody talking about in-person orchestration?

  Here’s the thing, people are talking about it, it’s just not many people have the answers…
  
  The truth is, navigating the regulatory, commercial, and logistical complexities of in-person payments has been a tough nut to crack. The physical nature of transactions has long hindered flexibility and choice in commerce, leaving patchwork solutions as the norm. It's almost like the industry has shelved the idea of in-person orchestration due to its sheer size and complexity…but has it, though?
  
  Unlike its online counterpart, in-person orchestration remains a lesser-known concept among businesses. Yet, its potential impact is profound, promising to transform global retail transactions by injecting much-needed flexibility and efficiency. There's massive interest in solving these big industry problems, marking a pivotal moment where addressing long-standing challenges is no longer optional, it's essential.

• I heard a lot about payment orchestration, but is anyone using it?

  Payment orchestration is a fresh concept, originally thriving in online eCommerce. Here, myriad payment methods and optimal acceptance rates take center stage. However, the landscape shifted during the recent pandemic, especially with industry giants like Stripe and Adyen embracing unified commerce. Their approach resonated with retail merchants, prompting a pivot toward in-person orchestration.
  
  Today, merchants and their processing partners crave connectivity, choice, and insights similar to what these industry leaders offer, but without the restrictive paywalls.

• Does it make sense to combine in-person payment orchestration with (online) payment orchestration?

  As they say, the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts, and that’s certainly the case here. In orchestration, synergy reigns supreme. Businesses stand to gain significantly from the blend of online and in-person orchestration. By integrating IPPO with online counterparts, they can ensure a seamless payment experience across all channels while enhancing flexibility for both business and customers alike.
  
  Moreover, IPPO enriches digital counterparts by offering deeper insights into customer behavior and preferences. This data empowers businesses to refine payment strategies and optimize performance effectively. Thus, strategically combining in-person and online payment orchestration can elevate businesses' payment capabilities and boost customer satisfaction. It's a powerful move for any business aiming to stay ahead in today's competitive landscape.

• What is the future of in-person payment orchestration?

  Traditionally, payments have been a walled garden, as the individual payment software a merchant uses controls and restricts the entire payment process within its ecosystem. Orchestration can significantly help by integrating various payment services and providing a more flexible, efficient, and user-friendly system that’s unified and removes the frustration of being tied to just one platform.
  
  That said, the future of IPPO is bright, as it is poised to revolutionize the customer journey and digital identity management, enabling seamless customer identification across partners, channels, and payment methods. As digital transformation extends to in-person commerce, expect a surge in collaboration and innovation:

  • Collaboration and interoperability among payment service providers, gateways, platforms, and networks will intensify, ensuring seamless and secure payment transactions across diverse channels, regions, and currencies.
  • Emerging technologies such as biometrics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence will not only enhance payment security, speed, accuracy, and convenience but also provide comprehensive data and analytics for optimizing payments and preventing fraud.
  • There will be increased customization and flexibility in payment methods, features, and preferences, catering to the diverse and evolving needs of customers. This focus aims to boost customer loyalty and retention.
  • The payment industry will elevate its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, aligning with customer and business values while adhering to global regulations and standards.
  • There will also be reduced costs thanks to the streamlining of payment processes that can reduce operational overheads and the need for multiple integrations and maintenance.

  Therefore, the future of in-person payment orchestration will be characterized by dynamic advancements in optimization, efficiency, and cost reduction. It will also see a heightened focus on value-added services aimed at enriching the overall payment experience for businesses and customers alike, forging a holistic and optimal payment ecosystem.

• Can I integrate in-person payment orchestration with my existing POS system?

  You certainly can. Integrating IPPO with your current POS system is not only possible but also highly advantageous. Payment orchestration empowers you to seamlessly connect multiple payment methods and providers using a single API, all without the need to overhaul your POS hardware or system. This means offering your customers unparalleled choice and convenience in how they pay, while streamlining your payment management and reporting processes.
  
  Moreover, with payment orchestration, you gain the flexibility to switch between payment providers and channels based on optimal rates, availability, and performance. This strategic flexibility not only optimizes your costs but also enhances reliability for your transactions.
  
  Furthermore, payment orchestration equips you with robust security measures like tokenization, encryption, fraud prevention, and data protection, ensuring compliance with diverse market regulations and standards.
  
  By integrating in-person payment orchestration with your existing POS system, you elevate your payment capabilities and enrich customer experiences, all while reducing operational complexity and mitigating risks. It's a game-changer in simplifying payments and amplifying your business potential.