What is a recommended Quality Assurance Test Plan for batch transmission files?
Forte recommends building a file containing a small quantity of debit (i.e., sale) and/or credit (i.e., refund) transactions each valued at ≤ $2.00. Prior to the first formal transmittal, upload the file to the root ("/") of your user account on ftp.paymentsgateway.net and request that your Integration Specialist review your file.
After this initial preparation, complete the following steps:
- Formally upload the file for processing as described in the file specification.
- Await settlement of transmitted items. To update your internal systems with the item's settlement details, use the following resources:
- Virtual Terminal online reporting
- Programmatic Web Services (Client, Merchant, SPOT, Transaction Detail API) or "S"ettlement files made available in the 'dl' folder.
- For items settled or funded to your account, build a file containing reversal transactions
- Repeat the prior three steps as needed.
Does Forte provide any sample batch files?
We sure do! Click here to download sample batch files.
Can I send debits and credits in the same batch file?
Yes, you can send debits and credits in the same file for both NACHA-type files and our File Specification v3.0 or greater.
Why are my FTP downloaded batch confirmation and settlement files unreadable?
Viewing files from the FTP server requires a zip application, preferably WinZip, which you can download for free. Once you've downloaded the file, change the name of the extension to .zip. Double click on the file and the WinZip dialog will display. Enter the processing password listed on your welcome letter and view the now readable file.
How do I build and send a file with my transaction?
Refer to the Batch Transmission File Specification and the sample files for help building and sending transaction files. The following methods can be used to deliver your batch transmission file(s) to Forte:
- Developing internal systems to communicate and perform file management tasks as detailed in the Batch Transmission File Specification.
- Manually managing your file transfers using an FTP client that supports one of the following protocols:
- secureFTP (sFTP)
- FTP/SSL implicit
- FTP/SSL explicit
- For merchants who do not have access to a secure FTP client, Virtual Terminal may be used with the following steps:
- Log into Virtual Terminal.
- Navigate to the Transaction menu.
- Select Upload.
- When prompted, enter the User ID and Password as detailed in the "Logging In" section of the Batch Transmission File Specification.
Why do my batch confirmation files come back with "Test Company"?
This issue can be caused by improper file name format. Make sure that the file is named according to the Batch Transmission File Specification.