Content: This article introduces the individual relevant metrics in the "Insights" section of "Shift4 Customer Hub," including the "Auth Approval Rate."
The "Insights" section provides a summarized analysis of transaction data and delivers key metrics for evaluating payment performance.
"Insights" can be accessed via the navigation list on the left by first selecting "Insights" and then the subcategory "Auth Insights".
Setting the Time Period
The individual metrics and data of the transaction analysis are displayed according to the selected period. The period is determined via the "Period" field. By default, the period from yesterday to today is selected. To change the period, left-click the "Period" field. In the selection menu that now opens, predefined periods are available on the right, such as "Today," "This Week," and "This Month." Use the scrollbar on the right to navigate through the list. Click to select the desired period. The period will be displayed accordingly in the calendar view on the left.
To define a custom period, click the corresponding days directly in the calendar view. To display a single day, double-click it using the left mouse button. To set a period, first click the start day with the left mouse button and then the end day. Switch months using the arrow symbols to the left and right of the month display. The current day is highlighted in blue in the calendar view.
Click "Apply" to confirm the selected period. Select "Cancel" if you want to discard the selection.
Metrics Overview
At the top, business-relevant metrics are displayed. For us, the following are particularly relevant:
- Auth Approval (Authorization Approval Rate): The "Auth Approval" rate is also displayed on the "Dashboard." In addition to the rate, the total transaction amount and the number of transactions are shown here.
- Refunds: Here, the total amount, the number of refunds, and the corresponding rate are displayed.
Other metrics that are less relevant in our market:
- Risk is only relevant for merchants who use the Shift4 tool for risk and fraud prevention. In this case, the transaction amount is displayed here; the number corresponds to the transactions approved by the risk check.
- Card Verify: Shows transaction amount, number, and success rate of card verification procedures such as AVS (Address Verification System) and CVV (Card Verification Value). Only relevant if one of the mentioned services is used.
Chargebacks: Shows the amount, number, and rate of chargebacks for processed transactions.
The "Auth Approval Rate"
The "Auth Approval Rate" is calculated using the following formula:
Approval rate = Approvals ÷ (Approvals + Declines)
Depending on the filter setting selected in the "Transactions" field at the top, the calculation is based on two different criteria:
Unique by Card: Counts the different card tokens involved in approved or declined transactions.
Unique by Customer: Counts the different customers with approved or declined transactions.
The number of "Transactions," "Authorization Approval" (Approved Payments), and "Authorization Declines" (Declined Transactions) are displayed again below the metrics.
Additionally, the "Authorization Rate" is shown as a line chart.
The time period displayed in the line chart can be adjusted using the selection menu below the line chart on the left.
The "Card Verify Insights" and "Chargeback Insights" sections are currently under development and are not yet available.
The proportion of declined transactions (shown in orange) in relation to approved transactions (shown in blue) is displayed in the bar chart further down. The period for this chart can also be changed using the selection menu in the lower left area.
Authorization / Declined Breakdown
This section provides a detailed overview of authorization rates and decline reasons for the previously selected period.
Authorization Breakdown:
Here, the authorization totals are displayed separately for approved and declined transactions. There is also a breakdown by card brands to make the performance of individual payment methods transparent.
Declined Breakdown: Here, the most common decline reasons are listed, providing valuable information to help resolve potential issues.
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