Authentication
Overview
This section explains how AiFi handles check-in and authentication methods, allowing you to offer different ways of checking in a customer using the same set of APIs.
Authentication methods
AiFi supports two types of authentication:
- Credit card: Tapped or swiped through a terminal.
- Customer app: Displays a QR code scanned with a QR code scanner.
In both cases, you manage the payment provider integration and provide AiFi with an authentication method for customers to check in at the store.
This is crucial for the check-out process because your system must use the checkout webhook to track items taken by the customer, process the charge, and send the receipt.
Credit card authentication
Based on AiFi's experience across various venues, starting with credit card entry is the most effective, followed by a customer app.
A key aspect of autonomous stores is ease of use. The checkout process should be frictionless and seamless for the customer. This includes both initial and later entries. Customers shouldn't have to put much effort into entering the store, as traditional retail offers easy access.
Nearly everyone carries a credit card, making credit card-based entry a low-commitment option for customers to try autonomous stores. While an established customer app attracts existing users, new customers may not want to download an app, create an account, and add a credit card just to shop in your store.
AiFi APIs simplify credit card-based entry integration, which can be easily extended to support other authentication methods.
Built-in integrations
AiFi provides out-of-the-box integrations with Adyen and FreedomPay for credit card terminals, and AiFi continues to expand payment integrations. Contact AiFi support to confirm if your current payment provider is on the roadmap.
Risks
Credit card entry, which collects minimal Personally Identifiable Information (PII), may attract fraudulent shoppers who exploit system vulnerabilities. Assess the risk of accepting prepaid cards, and consider collecting user data upon entry.
Customer app authentication
The customer app is crucial for retailers to offer a great experience in their stores. Customers use the app to identify themselves, enter the store, and make payments.
AiFi offers a basic customer app you can brand with your retailer's colors and logo, but its current features and development potential are limited. Creating a custom customer app can be highly beneficial for both customers and retailers.
Benefits include tailored features, better alignment with the retailer's brand, greater flexibility for bug fixes, improved communication with customers, and more.
To support this, AiFi provides the endpoints needed to integrate your own app with the OASIS APIs. Below, you'll find more details on integrating the customer app with the AiFi system, along with the customer flow when using the app and store.
Next steps
The receipt delivery section provides guidance on delivering receipts. If you plan to send receipts via email or SMS, review AiFi recommendations. For app-based receipt delivery, follow the instructions in the check-in device documentation section.