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SquadUP: Simplifying In-Person Payments with a Seamless Payrix (Worldpay) Integration
How a mobile-first ticketing platform enhanced its in-person payments with a unified, flexible integration.
ABOUT THE CLIENT:
Project:Payment Processor Integration
Industry:Event Ticketing
Client since:2022
Headquarters:Los Angeles, California
The Challenge
SquadUP sought to simplify the in-person payment experience for event organizers by consolidating multiple payment hardware solutions into a single, integrated terminal. The goal was to deliver seamless card-present transactions while maintaining SquadUP’s mobile-first user experience.
The Solution
Softjourn delivered a flexible, phased integration approach - starting with research and PoC, progressing through agile development and certification, and culminating in successful deployment - all while maintaining transparent communication, ongoing feedback loops, and process adaptability.
The Benefits
- Delivered seamless in-person transactions using a single device.
- Adapted quickly to evolving requirements and shifting priorities.
- Implemented a more efficient code deployment flow based on client feedback.
- Established a foundation for upcoming enhancements like Tap to Pay.
Introduction
SquadUP is a US-based event ticketing platform known for its mobile-first approach to event management, ticket sales, and audience engagement. Their flexible, white-label solution empowers event organizers to create and manage events on the go, with features like RSVP tracking, guest communication, and real-time analytics.
Since 2022, SquadUP has partnered with Softjourn on various projects, including enhancing their iOS access control app and providing QA and development support.
Building on this foundation of collaboration, SquadUP entrusted Softjourn with a critical new initiative: integrating Payrix’s (now called Worldpay) Ingenico Moby 5500 payment terminal to streamline in-person payments for their clients.
Sam Mogil, CEO & Co-Founder of SquadUP
The Challenge
SquadUP set out with a forward-thinking goal: to simplify the payment process for event organizers by consolidating multiple payment device options into a single, all-in-one solution.
By integrating Payrix’s Ingenico Moby 5500 terminal, SquadUP aimed to provide seamless card-present transactions (EMV, magstripe, NFC/contactless) directly within their mobile-first platform, enhancing convenience for venues and operators.
The integration would enhance SquadUP’s competitive edge by simplifying payment acceptance for venues and event operators.
However, integrating with Payrix presented several challenges:
- Third-Party Dependencies: The project’s success required close collaboration with multiple external teams, including Payrix’s certification experts and SquadUP’s API infrastructure contributors, ensuring smooth alignment throughout the integration process.
- Evolving Requirements: Payrix’s documentation was limited and frequently required clarifications, leading to iterative adjustments in scope and planning.
- API Readiness: SquadUP’s API infrastructure needed to be updated to support the new payment workflows, which added further complexity.
- Agile Flexibility: Given the fluid scope and dependencies, flexible third-party support was necessary to adapt to evolving project needs without sacrificing quality.
Despite these challenges, Softjourn’s experience in ticketing, payment integrations, and agile project management positioned us as the right partner to deliver this solution.
The Solution
Softjourn took a phased, collaborative approach to the Payrix integration:
- Definition & Research: We conducted an in-depth analysis of Payrix’s SDK, device specifications, and certification requirements while coordinating closely with SquadUP to align expectations.
Recognizing the dynamic nature of integration projects, Softjourn proactively revisited project plans on a regular basis, ensuring flexibility in timelines and resources to accommodate evolving third-party requirements and keep SquadUP fully informed. - Proof of Concept (PoC): Our team developed a PoC application to establish initial connectivity with the Ingenico Moby 5500 and validate the payment flows using the Payrix SDK.
- Iterative Development & Integration: Leveraging agile sprints, we integrated Payrix’s payment flow into SquadUP’s iOS app, handling card-present transactions via the Moby 5500 reader.
- Collaborative Certification Process: We facilitated communication with Payrix to navigate certification hurdles and ensure compliance.
- Sandbox & Production Testing: Once the sandbox integration was complete, we worked with SquadUP through User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and finalized the build for Apple TestFlight deployment. Throughout the project, Softjourn’s Time & Material engagement model provided SquadUP with the flexibility to adjust priorities and scope as new opportunities and requirements emerged. This adaptable framework ensured that quality remained the top priority while maintaining full transparency around time and resource utilization.
- Feedback-Driven Process Refinement: Based on SquadUP’s insights, Softjourn established a streamlined code deployment process to ensure ongoing collaboration efficiency and quicker turnaround for future enhancements.
Throughout the project, Softjourn maintained continuous feedback loops, weekly progress calls, and proactive risk mitigation to ensure alignment with SquadUP’s goals.
Benefits
By partnering with Softjourn, SquadUP achieved several key benefits:
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Successful Payment Integration: The SquadUP app can now process in-person payments seamlessly through the Ingenico Moby 5500 terminal, enhancing convenience for event operators.
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Agile, Transparent Collaboration: SquadUP appreciated Softjourn’s clear communication, adaptability to changing requirements, and commitment to shared problem-solving, even when facing third-party documentation gaps.
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Industry Expertise: While this was our first direct integration with Payrix, Softjourn’s deep experience with ticketing apps and payment systems ensured we could navigate the complexities with confidence.
Acting as a central coordination hub, Softjourn facilitated seamless communication between all project stakeholders, ensuring that development efforts, API adjustments, and certification requirements stayed aligned. This proactive collaboration approach helped maintain project momentum across multiple teams and touchpoints.
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Ongoing Partnership & Support: Softjourn's collaborative approach has strengthened SquadUP’s trust, laying the groundwork for future projects such as expanding to "Tap to Pay" functionality.
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Cost-Effective, On-Time Delivery: Despite unforeseen delays from third parties, Softjourn managed project scope and budget effectively, delivering within the adjusted timeline and keeping SquadUP informed at every step.
SquadUP’s CEO, Sam Mogil, praised Softjourn’s team for their exceptional communication, accuracy in estimations, and overall professionalism, noting that the smooth coordination was a standout aspect of the partnership.
Conclusion
The Payrix Terminal Integration project was a significant step forward in SquadUP’s mission to offer a comprehensive, mobile-first event management platform.
By collaborating with Softjourn, SquadUP enhanced its in-person payment capabilities, ensuring event organizers have a reliable and seamless solution for card-based transactions.
Our work with SquadUP is not over. The next exciting chapter involves integrating "Tap to Pay" functionality, expanding payment options even further for their clients.
With a foundation of mutual trust and proven results, Softjourn looks forward to continuing to support SquadUP’s innovative roadmap.
Looking to streamline your payment integrations or enhance your mobile event platform? Let’s connect and explore how Softjourn can support your goals.
Partnership & Recognition
