How can I process payments during a Cloud API outage?

Mitigation for Cloud API-related outages

A Cloud API-related outage entails that the cash register cannot communicate with the terminal anymore. This means, for example, that a payment that is started on the cash register will not appear on the terminal screen. Adyen’s Store and Forward solution, where payments are saved on the terminal, will not help in case of a Cloud API-related outage, as payment requests are not able to reach the payment terminal from the cash register. This article outlines the back-up options you can use. 

Back up options during IPP Cloud API outages

Notes:

• In most cases, these options require preparation and low to high effort in terms of development efforts before an outage occurs.
• Information about an outage occurring can be found on system messages and on the status page.

1. Start processing payments using standalone functionality

• Effect: Transactions are processed on a terminal without the cash register integration.
• Effort: Low.
• Important limitations & Risks:
  • Requires terminals with printer, as receipts have to be provided for compliance reasons.
  • Requires stand-alone mode enabled on the terminal for quick access.
  • Might prevent automated reconciliation of transactions, if reconciliation is based on Merchant References.
  • Might create operational overhead for Merchants and staff not used to standalone processing.
• More information about Standalone setup.

2. Start processing payments via Pay-by-Link online payments.

• Effect: Transactions are processed without the terminal.
• Effort: High.
• Important limitations & Risks:
  • Creating the links using the API requires additional integration effort.
  • The available payment methods are online payment methods.
  • Might impact reconciliation/real-time transaction status if the cash register system is not consuming webhooks.
  • Might create operational overhead for Merchants and staff not used to Pay-by-Link processing.
• More information about Pay by Link.

3. Start processing payments via Tap to Pay.

• Effect: Transactions are processed without the terminal.
• Effort: High.
• Important limitations & Risks: 
  • Using our Tap to Pay solution to accept in-person payments requires having an SDK integration, as well as mobile devices. It also has geographical limitations.
• More information about Tap to Pay.