Glossary

Process Data Quickly (PDQ)

"Process Data Quickly" (PDQ) is a term historically used in the context of payment card processing technology, particularly highlighting the efficiency of reading the Primary Account Number (PAN) from a card's magnetic stripe using a Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) compared to the slower method of Manual Keyed Entry (MKE). This legacy terminology reflects the advancements in electronic payment processing methods and the emphasis on speed and efficiency in transaction processing.

When payment cards are swiped through an MSR, the device quickly reads the data encoded on the magnetic stripe, including the PAN, which is essential for transaction authorization. This method is significantly faster than manually entering card details into a system, which not only consumes more time but also increases the likelihood of entry errors and fraud risks.

The PDQ approach helped streamline transactions at point-of-sale terminals, reducing wait times for customers and improving overall transaction flow. As technology has evolved, newer methods such as chip and PIN (EMV) and contactless payments (NFC) have built upon the foundation of speed and security initially popularized by magnetic stripe technology, continuing to emphasize the importance of processing payment data quickly and securely in the retail and financial sectors.

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