Payment terminals in emergency operation

When payment terminals fail, it's always a big problem, as your customers are usually forced to organise cash. In this context, also read Technical and commercial risks.

(The following examples do not apply to payment terminals that are explicitly intended by Hypersoft for operation with SIM K/ GSM card)

In the event of an emergency, a concept is often used in which a SIM / GSM card is additionally inserted in some card devices, which, in the event of connection problems with the local WLAN, is to establish its own connection to the data centre via the mobile network. Therefore the connections of such EC devices can be changed, usually there are three possibilities:

  1. WLAN connection (standard)
  2. Connection via SIM / GSM card
  3. In case of WLAN malfunctions, switch to GSM card (mistakenly considered for emergency operation)

When this concept was provided by the device manufacturers, the cash register connections were unfortunately not taken into account. The POS connection via WLAN naturally requires the WLAN to communicate with the POS system and additionally establishes a connection to the computer centre via the router (via Internet). So is a. Connection via WLAN their only compatible standard for cash register connections of payment terminals.

If you press b. the terminal no longer reaches the POS and the payment order can be transmitted to the computer centre but not to the POS for confirmation.

If you press c. Even short-term WLAN interruptions can suddenly tear off a previously established connection to the POS system (since the terminal has switched to GSM and cannot access the WLAN in parallel or logically). Even with otherwise unproblematic short interruptions, this leads to incorrect switching and annoying disturbances.

But you can go to b in an emergency. if you switch off the cash register connection in the menu of the payment terminal for this purpose. For these cases, there should then be a closing button at the cash register with which an operator can settle the transaction to cashless. Tips can be added at a later date, and payment cancellations or bill splits can be transferred manually. This card device emergency operation, however, should have been practiced beforehand, or at least an emergency manual for the staff is available.

Best practice for payment terminals emergency operation

To secure Internet connectivity that is not securely available, use a router with a built-in GSM card (or better) at the point where your business is connected to the Internet. If you lose your DSL connection, the router can automatically switch to the mobile data connection (you will then only need one card for all devices). Pay attention to the bandwidth and avoid avoid avoidable overloads in emergency operation, such as by providing guests with WLAN.

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