Getting started with OpenPath
NOTE: This guide is intended for publishers interested in a direct integration with The Trade Desk.
As a publisher interested in having a simplified, direct connection with The Trade Desk platform, you have two integration options via OpenPath: Prebid or Standard Adapter. Here's what you need to know to get started:
- The process consists of four phases and requires close collaboration with The Trade Desk OpenPath integration team:
- Preparation and kick-off
- Configuration and development
- Testing
- Going live and post-launch monitoring
- This article provides only a high-level outline of preparation steps you need to take before the kick-off call with the integration team and the subsequent testing of your configuration.
- You will receive a technical questionnaire that will help you capture all the necessary integration details that might affect subsequent configuration choices.
- Thoroughly reviewing our marketplace quality guidelines and other policies will help you fill out the questionnaire and ensure a quick and successful integration.
- Should The Trade Desk agree to move forward with an integration, you will be required to sign the requisite paperwork, create a Coupa account linked to The Trade Desk, and provide your logo, company description, and billing information.
- You don't have to set up a cookieless solution with Unified ID 2.0 (UID2) during your integration, but you will be required to agree to using UID2 as part of the contract.
Get ready for the kick-off call
The following table outlines the key steps that you need to take to ensure a smooth integration process.
| Step | Description | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your OpenPath integration type:
|
Connection types | You must let us know what header bidding solution you use for programmatic advertising. The Trade Desk bidder adapters are designed to enable a direct integration with our demand-side platform (DSP) into your header bidding stack, on your websites and apps. |
| 2 | Review our inventory and other policies and guidelines and confirm that you can meet the requirements. | Inventory policies Global placement ID |
This ensures that your integration testing will be successful, with everything on your page sending the correct IDs, and that all other paths are verified. |
| 3 | Consider your identity management, such as cookie syncing or using UID2. | N/A | Cookie-based user matching is a requirement of the OpenPath integration. You can do a cookieless user matching solution with UID2 after the initial OpenPath integration is completed. Our integration team will help you decide the best path toward integrating all components. |
| 4 | Fill out the technical questionnaire. | N/A | The input that you provide, such as expected queries per second (QPS), inventory type, and other details will determine the right integration for you and may impact the nature of your bidder configuration. |
Following the kick-off call and after receiving your OpenPath credentials, you will be able to onboard as a supply vendor though Coupa.
Configuration checklist for testing
The following table provides a checklist of what you must complete before we test your readiness to go live.
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bidder configuration | You need to configure the OpenPath bidder within your header bidding stack. |
| Ad server configuration | You need to book line items within your ad server that correspond to different price ranges within the header bidding. |
| ads.txt and sellers.json files | Depending on whether you are a sale house or are integrating owned and operated inventory, you need to modify the respective file according to The Trade Desk Inventory policies. |
| User syncing | You need to enable one or more methods to identify users for targeting. |
| Reporting | We require daily reporting of impressions and spend, with additional time zone and currency requirements. |
Onboard with Coupa
For supply vendor purchase orders, invoices, and payments, you need a Coupa account linked to The Trade Desk. The following is a high-level workflow for onboarding a supply vendor in Coupa.
- The Trade Desk sends you an invitation to create an account in the Coupa Supplier Portal (CSP). The email comes from
do_not_reply@supplier.coupahost.com. Be sure it doesn't go to spam or get blocked by IT security. - You, as the supply vendor, create the CSP account, complete the supplier onboarding form, and submit the form within 30 days. If you already have a CSP account, share its associated email address with your Account Manager.
- The Trade Desk connects with your CSP account.
- The Trade Desk Accounts Payable (AP) team reviews your onboarding form and may ask follow up questions.
- To comply with fraud prevention measures, an AP team member verbally confirms your banking information.
For details, see Coupa Global Supplier Resources and its PDF guides for onboarding new supply vendors and managing existing ones.
Invoicing process
The Trade Desk processes payments directly from its purchase orders according to agreed-upon payment terms. For details, see Invoicing FAQs.
NOTE: The option to submit invoices in Coupa is turned off, but you can still log in to the system to view purchase orders.
General FAQs
The following is a list of frequently asked questions about OpenPath.
How do I set up inbound reporting (from the publisher to The Trade Desk)?
For inbound reporting, see Daily reports via direct upload.
How do I set up outbound reporting (from The Trade Desk to the publisher)?
The Trade Desk offers six different report templates for emailed outbound reporting.
For details, see OpenPath outbound reporting. For help, contact your representative from The Trade Desk Inventory Management team.
Invoicing FAQs
The following is a list of frequently asked questions about OpenPath invoicing.
Can I opt out of invoicing through purchase orders and still send invoices to The Trade Desk?
No. However, for your records, you may email invoices to The Trade Desk. These invoices are logged into its system and reflected in payment remittances. Payments are made based on the amounts specified in the purchase orders.
How are payments timed?
Payments are scheduled according to agreed-upon payment terms. The invoice date is set as the last day of the month when inventory is purchased, not when your invoice is received.
I haven’t invoiced The Trade Desk for media costs in previous months. Do I need to send invoices now?
No. The Trade Desk processes payments for all outstanding purchase orders, regardless of whether an invoice has been submitted.
Can I receive a copy of the The Trade Desk invoice?
No. A separate copy of the invoice from The Trade Desk cannot be provided. The purchase order serves as the official source document and includes both the PO number and the related invoice number.
What is the HUMAN fee or credit, and how is it handled?
If your company has agreed to join The Trade Desk's initiative against invalid inventory, a fee (based on your contract rate card) is paid to The Trade Desk and passed to HUMAN. This fee appears in your purchase order.
How is VAT handled?
If you are eligible for VAT (value-added tax), it's added to the purchase order and appears in your payment.
How do I change my bank account on file?
Email The Trade Desk Accounts Payable team with your updated bank details as follows:
- For U.S. accounts, contact Ap@thetradedesk.com.
- For non-U.S. accounts, contact Ap.UK@thetradedesk.com.