Validation Process

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Overview

The validation process is a collaborative effort between your team and Kintsugi Solutions Engineering to ensure your integration works correctly and provides a great experience for mutual customers. Duration: Typically 1-2 weeks
Format: Combination of automated testing and manual validation
Outcome: Certification approval and “Kintsugi Certified” badge

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Process Steps

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Step 1: Pre-Validation Preparation

Your Responsibilities:

• Complete integration development in sandbox environment
• Test all functionality internally
• Review checklist to confirm all applicable requirements are met
• Prepare test account/environment for Kintsugi access

Kintsugi Provides:

• Sandbox API credentials
• Test data and scenarios
• Technical documentation
• Solutions Engineering support

Timeline: Variable based on integration complexity

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Step 2: Validation Kickoff

Activities:

• Schedule validation kickoff call
• Review integration scope and capabilities
• Identify platform-specific testing requirements
• Confirm test environment access
• Establish testing timeline

Attendees:

• Partner: Technical lead, developers (as needed)
• Kintsugi: Solutions Engineering, Technical Account Manager (if applicable)

Duration: 30-60 minutes Deliverable: Agreed-upon validation test plan

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Step 3: Capability Validation Testing

We validate the following based on your integration:

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Core Capability Testing (All Partners)

Tax Calculations

• ✅ New order tax calculation accuracy
• ✅ Tax updates when order changes
• ✅ Refund tax calculation
• ✅ Multi-item orders
• ✅ Different product tax categories (if applicable)

Transaction Syncing

• ✅ Transactions sync after commitment only
• ✅ Transaction data completeness (all required fields)
• ✅ Transaction data accuracy (amounts, dates, items)
• ✅ Refund/cancellation reporting
• ✅ Transaction lifecycle updates

Address Validation

• ✅ Complete address handling
• ✅ Address validation error handling
• ✅ Mismatch scenarios (state/zip, city/zip)
• ✅ Fallback behavior

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Platform-Specific Testing

Based on your platform type, we may test: Billing/Subscription Platforms:

• Credit note handling
• Debit note handling (if applicable)
• Ad-hoc charge taxation
• Consolidated invoice scenarios
• Quote vs. invoice distinction

E-commerce Platforms:

• Checkout flow integration
• Abandoned cart handling
• Order status transitions
• Partial refund scenarios

ERP/Accounting:

• Quote handling (no committed transactions)
• Multi-entity scenarios
• Approval workflow integration
• Complex invoicing scenarios

OMS/IMS:

• Multi-warehouse scenarios
• Drop-ship handling
• Multi-channel order processing

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Step 4: Error Handling & Edge Case Testing

Scenarios We Test:

• API timeout handling
• Network error responses
• Invalid data submissions
• Rate limiting behavior
• Authentication failure handling
• Partial system outages

Expected Behavior:

• Graceful error handling
• Clear user-facing error messages
• Appropriate retry logic
• Error logging for troubleshooting
• Fallback behavior where appropriate

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Step 5: Performance & Reliability Testing

What We Evaluate:

• API response times
• Timeout configurations
• Bulk operation handling (if applicable)
• Rate limit compliance
• Caching strategies

Benchmarks:

• API calls complete within reasonable timeframes
• No excessive API call volumes
• Proper error handling for failures
• Scalability for expected transaction volumes

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Step 6: Documentation Review

What We Review:

• Integration setup guide for mutual customers
• Configuration instructions
• Troubleshooting documentation
• Known limitations (if any)
• Support contact information

Quality Criteria:

• Clear, step-by-step instructions
• Screenshots/diagrams where helpful
• Common issues addressed
• Up-to-date information

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Step 7: Validation Report & Feedback

Kintsugi Delivers:

• Comprehensive validation test report
• List of passed validations
• Any issues identified with severity levels
• Recommendations for improvements
• Clear next steps

Outcome Scenarios:

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✅ Certification Approved

• All required validations passed
• No critical issues identified
• Ready for production launch
• Certificate and badge issued

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🔄 Revisions Required

• Some issues identified that need addressing
• Specific remediation steps provided
• Re-test scheduled after fixes
• Solutions Engineering support available

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❌ Major Issues Found

• Critical functionality not working
• Significant rework needed
• Full re-validation required after fixes
• Extended support provided

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Step 8: Certification Issuance

Upon Successful Validation:

• “Kintsugi Certified” status granted
• Official certification badge provided
• Partner added to certified partner directory (if opted in)
• Press release coordination (optional)
• Co-marketing opportunities discussed

Certification Includes:

• Digital badge for partner website
• Usage rights for “Kintsugi Certified” designation
• Listing in Kintsugi partner directory
• Priority support tier (if applicable)

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What You Need to Provide

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Test Environment Access

• Sandbox/staging environment credentials
• Admin/developer account access
• API access to your platform (if needed)
• Test merchant account setup

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Test Data

• Sample products/services
• Test customer records
• Various transaction scenarios
• Edge case examples

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Documentation

• Integration architecture overview
• API mapping documentation
• Configuration guide for customers
• Known limitations or constraints

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Availability

• Technical team availability for validation testing
• Ability to address issues within agreed timeline
• Point of contact for technical questions

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Testing Timeline

Total Typical Timeline: 2-4 weeks from kickoff to certification

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Validation Best Practices

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For Faster Validation

✅ Complete thorough internal testing first
✅ Have all documentation prepared upfront
✅ Provide test environment access early
✅ Assign dedicated technical contact
✅ Address feedback quickly when issues arise

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Insufficient internal testing before validation
❌ Missing or incomplete documentation
❌ Test environment access issues
❌ Slow response to identified issues
❌ Incomplete implementation of required capabilities

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After Certification

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Maintaining Certification

• API Changes: Minor changes require no action; major changes may require re-validation
• Platform Updates: Significant changes to your platform should trigger re-validation
• Annual Review: Consider annual re-certification to ensure continued quality
• Issue Reporting: Report integration issues promptly to maintain certification status

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Ongoing Support

• Priority support from Solutions Engineering
• Access to beta features (when applicable)
• Quarterly check-ins (for enterprise partners)
• Co-marketing opportunities

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Get Started

Ready to begin validation? Here’s how:

1. Complete the Integration Checklist
2. Test thoroughly in sandbox environment
3. Contact your Solutions Engineering representative or email [email protected]
4. Schedule validation kickoff call

We’re here to help you succeed! Our goal is to make this process as smooth and helpful as possible.

Integration Checklist

Ensure you’ve completed all required capabilities