How to Use Validation Service

Click on the downloadable CMD Validation Application form (6V)which can be submitted to test@itso.org.uk to reserve your preferred dates. When a date has been assigned, the Form will be returned to you complete with details of the CMDs being submitted and the correct payment to secure the service. These should be sent to CMD Validation Service, ITSO Ltd., 4th Floor, Quayside Tower, 252-260 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HF. The encoding details for each CMD submitted should be entered on the appropriate card validation form(s), and form should be sent by e-mail to test@itso.org.uk . In some circumstances ITSO may request access to a profiled ISAM but will notify relevant pass holders at the point of application.

Service Overview

An optional service, paid for by pass owners which allows for an independent verification that passes produced by suppliers, or through in house production, are correctly encoded for use to their specification.

The validation service is not intended to remove the responsibility of the pass suppliers to supply their customers with fully functioning passes. Nor is it intended to replace any testing that has been agreed between pass issuers and pass suppliers. If in doubt, potential CMD Validation users should discuss the service with their supplier.

The current service provides for a minimum check, that what is required by the issuer to be encoded onto the pass to achieve functionality is indeed encoded correctly. Functionality of the service may be extended over time and members are advised to regularly check the Service description to ensure they are aware of the offering and variable elements where those are introduced.
 

Service Pricing

For CMD/Pass Validation Service prices please refer to Schedule Six on the Pricing Page .

ITSO recommends users of the service to discuss directly with ITSO the recommended number of passes to be subjected to the service; however indicatively ITSO would suggest that, at a minimum, two passes for each product combination are validated (e.g. 2 x passes holding the basic concession, 2 x passes holding companion pass entitlement (if applicable), 2 x passes holding any other application).
 

Planning

ITSO will confirm the service timescales when an order is taken, thus providing a provisional and then confirmed date of service. Depending on demand the indicative timescales are:

  • A minimum of ½ day to validate a batch of 10 passes
  • A minimum of 3 days following validation for passes to be returned to service users

 

Illustrative Scenarios

Pass Issuers may consider the above service to be especially useful in the following scenarios:

  • A change in supplier(s)
  • A change in the scheme layout that results in a new OID and/or CPICC being issued to the Pass Issuer
  • A change in an element of the pass ordering process, such as implementation of a new 'Card Management System'
  • The addition of new products to the passes
  • The process of bringing production and encoding of passes in-house

Equally pass issuers may find the service of use, prior to cycles of large bulk issuance or re-issuance of passes.
 

Service Results

Following the CMD validation service, ITSO will update the submitted Validation Form for each CMD which will show all the parameters that were validated. Each parameter will be confirmed as a pass or fail; for those that fail, an explanation will be provided. The marked up Validation Form(s) will then be returned along with the CMDs and ISAM as appropriate.