For years, EMV Level 3 certification has been known as a resource-intensive, time-consuming process.
It was considered the “necessary evil” before a payment terminal could be deployed.
But what if we could turn this necessary chore into an efficient, maybe even almost effortless, task?
What if we automate the entire EMV certification?
Let’s break down how automation is transforming EMV certification and why it’s a big deal for both processors and merchants.
We’re talking about using software platforms and tools to handle tasks that used to require human effort in the certification process.
Consider something as simple as analyzing test results. Traditionally, a person might spend hours checking if each transaction log meets requirements. Automation means a system can do that checking instantly, flagging any issues for you. And it doesn’t stop at analysis.
Modern automated certification platforms (like Payhuddle’s Multiverse with Tecto Cloud) aim to take care of the entire workflow, from assigning test cases to running tests (even remotely on devices) to validating outcomes to generating reports.
Because it addresses the root of almost every pain point:
Speed: Automation can compress a process that took weeks into days or hours. For example, instead of waiting 48 hours for a human to review logs, an automated system might give results in 48 seconds.
Processors have seen dramatically faster certification cycles, where merchants who expected a month-long process got through in a matter of days thanks to automated testing and debugging tools. Faster certification means a quicker route to revenue, as you can deploy terminals to accept transactions sooner.
Consistency and accuracy: Computers don’t get tired or make careless mistakes. An automated platform will apply the same criteria to every test result, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
This consistency means fewer back-and-forth cycles due to human oversight. It also gives processors confidence that if the system says “it’s good,” it truly meets all the criteria.
From a compliance standpoint, you can demonstrate to card networks that every box was checked thoroughly.
End-to-end tracking in one place: The best automation solutions come with dashboards and centralized monitoring. Imagine logging into a portal and seeing all your ongoing certifications, each with a progress bar, a list of tests passed/failed, and any outstanding merchant tasks.
That’s a reality now.
This visibility is huge. It means no more wondering, “What’s the status of that big client’s new POS device?”
You can see it.
It also means merchants themselves can track their progress, which reduces their anxiety and the number of status update emails they send you (fewer emails = happier teams).
Payhuddle’s Multiverse with Tecto Cloud, for instance, provides a consolidated platform that monitors results and reports.
Better collaboration: Automation platforms often include role-based access for different parties. A merchant can log in and see just their project, upload results, and even get instant feedback from the system. The processor’s team can see all merchants. Everyone can comment or attach notes to test cases if needed.
Essentially, it becomes a collaborative workspace rather than a disjointed email thread. This is a boon when multiple stakeholders (say, the merchant’s vendor and the processor’s analyst) need to discuss a specific test failure. They can do it in-platform, referencing the exact test result rather than trying to describe things over email.
Handling volume and scalability: Automation truly shines when you have to scale up. If you have 5 certifications going on, a small team might manage manually. But what about 50? or 500?
Automated systems can queue up and run many processes in parallel. They don’t get overwhelmed by volume, and they scale with computing power.
This means a processor can grow their business (more merchants, more devices) without a linear growth in certification headcount. It decouples growth from resource strain.
Comprehensive coverage: In manual regimes, sometimes there’s a temptation to skip tests or cut corners if time is short. That can introduce risk. Automation allows you to be thorough and quick.
For instance, you might normally run 5 test cases for a certain scenario to save time, but an automated system could run all 15 recommended cases in essentially the same time frame. You get better coverage, which means higher quality certifications with fewer issues popping up later in production.
Empowering merchants and third parties: Another cool aspect of automation is that it can empower the merchants or vendors to do more on their own in a controlled environment.
A platform could allow a merchant’s developer to run preliminary tests as often as they want, with instant feedback, before asking the processor for formal sign-off. This sandbox approach means by the time the processor sees the results, they’re likely to be clean. It’s a more efficient use of everyone’s time.
In effect, merchants can self-test with guidance, and the platform ensures they did it right by bridging the gap between full self-certification and processor-controlled certification.
Indeed, merchants can continue using their existing test tools while the platform automates the analysis and validation in the background.
One of the leading solutions in this space is Payhuddle’s Multiverse and Tecto Cloud.
It’s worth noting how this solution encapsulates all these benefits in a neutral way. It’s a cloud-based L3 testing and certification platform that integrates with any EMVCo-approved test tools.
Key features include centralized monitoring, automated analysis with host simulation, automated report generation, and consolidated testing for all transaction types (chip, contactless, MSR, etc.) in one platform.
Essentially, it addresses every inefficiency you would encounter in EMV terminal certification.
By customizing workflows per processor needs, it doesn’t force a rigid process. Instead, it adapts to how the processor wants to operate, which makes adoption easier.
The bottom line is that automation is revolutionizing EMV certification, much like assembly lines revolutionizing manufacturing.
For payment processors, this is a chance to save time, cut costs, and reduce stress on their teams. For merchants, it means a faster route to getting their fancy new terminals up and running to take payments.
We’re at a point where not adopting automation in certification will soon be a competitive disadvantage. Early adopters are already able to tout faster onboarding and smoother integrations.
Those sticking purely to old methods might find merchants nudging them, “Hey, processor X can certify my device in 1 week. Why is it taking you 4 weeks?” It’s a valid question and one that will only get louder.
In conclusion, automation in EMV certification is more than just a tech upgrade; it’s a strategic improvement that elevates the whole payment ecosystem’s efficiency.
