ISV partner types on a remote keyboard at his elevated laptop

ISV implementation made easy: Two paths for merchant onboarding

Friday, January 17, 2025

Whether you choose to have your ISV supported by our team of experts or want to be in full control of your clients’ software implementation, we provide tools and resources to streamline integration and optimize your success.

Seamless payments are essential in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven environment. At Global Payments, our team manages thousands of independent software vendors (ISVs) each month, providing a streamlined, efficient process.

 

To give your clients the most seamless experience in payments — and help you onboard merchants quickly — we offer two distinct paths for you to choose from:

Each path has specific requirements and responsibilities. Let’s dive into the benefits of the two paths.

Path 1: Benefits of Global Payments-supported implementation

For ISVs seeking reliable tech support, path 1 is the optimal choice. By entrusting the process to the Global Payments team, you gain access to experts who streamline every step of the merchant setup.

This full-service process eliminates potential roadblocks, reduces implementation errors and ensures a smooth onboarding experience for your merchants. With path 1, your ISV can focus on scaling your business, while we handle the complexities of device setup, credential input and merchant training — all designed to deliver efficiency and peace of mind.

Path 1 process

Here are the steps for the path 1 process:

  1. Sales and underwriting approval
    Once the merchant is approved, Global Payments generates a merchant ID within approximately 24 hours.

  2. Automated setup
    Our system automatically creates a gateway account, assigning tasks to our boarding and scheduling teams.

  3. Boarding and scheduling
    • Boarding team: Completes backend configuration

    • Scheduling team: Coordinates directly with the merchant to confirm an implementation appointment

  4. Welcome emails
    Merchants receive onboarding emails with secure credentials and essential account setup details.

  5. Implementation appointment
    During the scheduled appointment, our team handles:

    • Processing credential input: Credentials are securely entered via remote software, LogMeIn

    • Device setup: Devices are configured, connected to the network and tested (Please note that LogMeIn does not work on Chromebooks, iPads or mobile devices.)

    • Testing and training: Test transactions are performed, and merchants receive training on reporting

Path 1 requirements

To create a smooth and efficient implementation process, your ISV should meet the following requirements:

  • Access to configuration settings

    • Expose settings window: Make sure our team can access payment settings within your software. If settings are restricted, backend access must be provided.

    • Admin-level access: Give appropriate user permission levels to access the integration settings so that our team can access them via remote control of an on-site PC.

  • Admin-level access and partner training

    • Merchants should receive training on the partner's point-of-sale (POS) system prior to the implementation. That way, they’re already familiar with logging in, running basic functions and using test accounts.

    • Without this preparation, the implementation process is often delayed as our team must assist with basic POS setup, adding unnecessary pressure on both the merchant and the implementation team.

  • Customer tests

    • To ensure that we can perform end-to-end testing after the implementation without affecting any real customer data, please have a “test” customer profile in the system that we can use for this purpose.

  • Admin portal user

    • If your admin portal has restricted access, create a unique admin user for our team. This will facilitate credential input and guarantee seamless integration activation.

    • Each lead must include a unique partner-assigned ID to ensure processing credentials are accurately matched with the merchant's profile, preventing delays or errors. These unique identifiers should be:

      • Length: Up to 255 characters

      • Format: Alphanumeric

      • Sensitivity: Case sensitive

By meeting these requirements, you’ll enable a fast and accurate setup, minimizing disruptions for your merchants.

Path 2 - Benefits of self-service implementation

For ISVs seeking more control, path 2 allows you to activate the card processing for your clients. While it requires greater responsibility and technical involvement, you’re empowered to have full control over your onboarding process.

Path 2 enables faster turnarounds and reduces dependency on our team, allowing your ISV to tailor the experience to your merchants’ unique needs. This option is ideal for those ready to take ownership of implementation while benefiting from the support and resources we provide.

Path 2 process

Here’s what your process will look like if you choose path 2:

  1. Sales and underwriting approval
    Once the merchant is approved, a merchant ID is generated within 24 hours.

  2. Automated setup
    A gateway account is created, and backend configurations are completed by the boarding team.

  3. Scheduled training
    If you would like our team to contact the client to provide training on our reporting, our scheduling team will do so at this time. (This is not required.) We will also send a welcome email that contains a link to a video training session and a link to our self-scheduling service should your client desire a training session with a live person.

  4. Welcome emails
    Both you and your merchant will receive emails confirming account setup, including secure credentials.

  5. Software and device setup
    Use the provided credentials to implement credit card processing. Devices are plug-and-play for simplicity with support available from our team.

With account credentials in hand, you can begin implementing credit card processing for your merchant. We also offer secure access to account credentials for your clients.

Path 2 requirements

We provide training and troubleshooting support, so your team has the tools they need to onboard your merchant clients.

Requirements for path 2 include:

  • Hardware installation

    • Your ISV is responsible for configuring processing devices.

    • Training and detailed documentation are available from our team to support setup.

  • Independent communication

    • To maintain efficiency, direct communication with our team is minimized.

    • This approach reduces bottlenecks and ensures a seamless experience for merchants.

By selecting path 2, ISVs gain the flexibility to manage the implementation process on your own terms, while leveraging our tools, training and support. This path is an excellent option for partners who are prepared to take on a more active role in onboarding.

Common challenges

Even with a well-structured process, certain challenges can arise that may impact timelines or merchant onboarding success. By addressing these issues proactively, ISVs can ensure a smoother integration experience and avoid unnecessary delays.

Below, we outline common hurdles encountered during implementation and practical solutions to mitigate them effectively.

  • Hidden implementation access

    • Challenge: Payment settings are often hidden behind special logins or buried in menus, causing delays.

    • Solution: Partners should make payment settings easily accessible or provide backend access with a unique partner-assigned identifier.

  • Network configuration

    • Challenge: Genius devices require specific IP ranges to function correctly.

    • Solution: Partners should confirm configurations align with local IT setups to avoid reconfiguration delays.

  • Credential security

    • Challenge: Ensuring secure entry of processing credentials during remote sessions.

    • Solution: Our team uses LogMeIn for secure remote access, verifying credentials through level-two account verification (e.g., federal tax ID, business address).

  • Reporting

    • Challenge: Data and analytics for HIPAA-compliant industries can be challenging to capture.

    • Solution: Only generic trend data is available to ensure HIPPA compliance. OpenEdge View, our secure online portal, also provides:

      • Comprehensive credit card and ACH reporting

      • Virtual terminal capabilities

      • Advanced analytics, including the ARM algorithm for geographical data and reputation management

  • User documentation

    • Challenge: Keeping ISV documentation up to date when changes are made.

    • Solution: When adding new features or updating UI elements, you will have a contact on our integration team for developer support and to provide certification on your completed changes. You’ll want to inform your contact when changes are made, so we can keep our documentation up to date for the best client experience.

Partner support resources

For technical assistance, our partner support team is on standby, exclusively for ISVs.

Here are two ways you can contact us for additional support:

Additionally, here are the technical documentations as well:

Select the right path for your business

By understanding the processes, requirements and support, your ISV can confidently deliver a robust payment experience for your merchants. Each option comes with its own set of benefits, so you can choose the approach that best aligns with your goals and technical capabilities.

©2025 Global Payments Inc. All trademarks and service marks contained herein are the sole and exclusive property of their respective owners.


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