ZIMRA Fiscal API (Python + Flask)
Flask-based service integrating devices with ZIMRA's fiscal APIs (getstatus, openday, closeday).
Client/Context
Compliance for retail clients; solo dev with regulatory constraints.
Problem
Businesses risked penalties due to failed fiscal day closings and manual processes.
Goals
Automate fiscal communication, improve compliance reliability to >95%.
Role
Built Flask service, implemented dynamic payload signing, device certificate management.
Tech Stack
Python, Flask, Requests, PEM/Key SSL certs.
Architecture
REST API endpoints → certificate-based auth → ZIMRA API → response handling.
Implementation Highlights
- Dynamic loading of device-specific .pem + .key certs.
- Built retry logic for fiscal day close failures.
- Logging + monitoring for device status.
Challenges
SSL handshake errors with ZIMRA’s endpoint → solved with explicit cert chain handling.
Results
Increased successful fiscal day closures from ~70% to >98%.
Timeline
1 month MVP, ongoing maintenance.
Next steps
Add web dashboard for monitoring device status in real-time.