# Getting Started

## Getting Started with VGS CMP <a href="#getting-started-with-vgs-cmp" id="getting-started-with-vgs-cmp"></a>

Welcome to the VGS Credential Management Platform! This guide will help you quickly set up your sandbox environment and begin managing your accounts.

### 1. Create a Sandbox Account <a href="#id-1-create-a-sandbox-account" id="id-1-create-a-sandbox-account"></a>

Start by creating a sandbox (test) account. This allows you to create your organization and experiment with the APIs without affecting your production environment.

Currently, VGS offers two Dashboard experiences that support Sandbox account creation:<br>

* [CMP Dashboard](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com/cmp): A distinct experience for users of the Credential Management Platform, with support for Sandbox account creation, payment credential search, visibility on individual credential details, and configuration of CMP accounts.

<details>

<summary>Create a Sandbox account through the CMP Dashboard (preferred):</summary>

1. Log in and authenticate to the [CMP Dashboard](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com/cmp), and confirm that your preferred Organization is selected as the active Organization first - this is the Organization the account will be associated to. \
   \
   You can set your active Org by using the dropdown menu next to the title of the Organization reflected in the upper-left of the dashboard. To manage your Organizations, use the [*Vault Dashboard*](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com) *> Vault > Organization settings*

2. Navigate to the 'Accounts' dropdown menu, and select  "+ Add account"

<figure><img src="/files/ui9uAlsE2vtYtOkTd4zI" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Follow the guided experience to create a Sandbox account. Sandbox accounts created through the CMP Dashboard are preconfigured with all available services set to default settings, as applicable. <br>

   <figure><img src="/files/rd75NsRflgxImITpNvGe" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Once the Sandbox account is created, locate the Tenant ID by navigating to *Settings*.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/btv1HNCUcfFV3pDBBnzZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

</details>

* [Vault Dashboard](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com): A distinct experience for users of VGS Secure Data products and services, with support for vault/tenant creation, service account creation, access credential creation, notifications, route set up, VGS Collect, vaulting, and more.

<details>

<summary>Create a Sandbox account through the Vault Dashboard</summary>

1. Log in and authenticate to the [Vault Dashboard](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com) and locate the *Vault* dropdown in the header. Beneath the name of each Vault (also known as a *Tenant*), an alphanumeric ID is visible.\
   \
   Note: To change the name of a Vault/Tenant, navigate to [Vault Dashboard](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com) *> Vault > Vault settings.*<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/JPo5MNDvJOmzr2rWaWa0" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Click the "+New" element within the dropdown to initiate the process of opening a new Sandbox account.<br>

3. Define a name, region, and confirm the Vault/Tenant environment as Sandbox, then click 'Create Vault.'

4. Once the Vault/Tenant is created, locate alphanumeric Tenant ID and follow the next steps.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/b3lwea1Hkz47yZZKa1nj" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
Please note that for security reasons, all dashboard experience sessions automatically expire after 20 minutes.
{% endhint %}

### 2. Set Up Services <a href="#id-2-getting-set-up-with-services" id="id-2-getting-set-up-with-services"></a>

Sandbox accounts created within the [CMP Dashboard](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com/cmp) are preconfigured with all available services enabled and set to manual, as applicable.

To create a Sandbox account *without* pre-configured services, please use the [Vault Dashboard](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com).

Follow these steps to begin managing your accounts:<br>

* **Locate Your Tenant ID:** Identify and record your Tenant ID (also referred to as a *Vault Id*), which is the unique identifier for your CMP Account.
* **Select Services:** Choose the desired card services from the [Account Configuration Options](/cmp/platform/cmp-account.md#account-configuration-options) section to tailor your account to your specific needs.
* **Contact Customer Support**: Once you have identified which services you want applied to the Sancbox account, contact <support@vgs.io> with your Tenant ID to assist with CMP account creation.

#### What happens when I'm done testing and ready to take my changes Live?

When you're ready to begin leveraging VGS in your real business environment, use the **Go Live** option in the [Vault Dashboard](https://dashboard.verygoodsecurity.com) to submit the necessary data, agree to our [Standard Master Services Agreement](https://www.verygoodsecurity.com/vgs-msa), and begin collaborating directly with our customer success team. \
\
If you have specific questions about activating an account from Sandbox to Live, reach out to <support@vgs.io>

The next section will cover key actions needed to properly authenticate your new account, and ensure credential data flows securely. &#x20;


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