What is Peppol? Meaning, benefits & how it works

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Xindu Hendriks April 9, 2025
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Peppol, or Pan-European Public Procurement Online, is an international network designed to standardize and secure the electronic exchange of business documents, such as invoices and purchase orders, between organizations. Its primary goal is to facilitate seamless e-invoicing across both public and private sectors, ensuring interoperability and compliance with various governmental regulations.

Table of contents

  1. How does Peppol work?
  2. Benefits of using Peppol
  3. The difference between Peppol and traditional invoicing
  4. What is a Peppol access point?
  5. How to start with Peppol E-invoicing?
  6. Frequently asked questions about Peppol

How does Peppol work?

Peppol operates using a four-corner model involving the following key participants:

  1. Sender: The organization initiating the electronic document exchange.
  2. Sender’s Access Point: A certified service provider that connects the sender to the Peppol network, ensuring documents meet standardized formats.
  3. Receiver’s Access Point: The service provider that receives the documents from the network and delivers them to the intended recipient.
  4. Receiver: The organization receiving the electronic documents.

Each participant connects to the Peppol network through an Access Point. These Access Points are interconnected, allowing documents to be transmitted securely and efficiently between trading partners. This setup ensures that businesses only need to connect to one Access Point to communicate with any other participant within the network.

Benefits of using Peppol

Implementing Peppol e-invoicing offers several advantages:

  • Faster processing of invoices: Streamlined workflows reduce the time from invoice issuance to payment.
  • Fewer manual errors: Standardized formats minimize the risk of data entry mistakes.
  • Compliance with government regulations: Adheres to various national and international e-invoicing mandates.
  • Improved payment cycle: Accelerates the overall payment process, enhancing cash flow.
  • Secure and structured data exchange: Ensures sensitive information is transmitted safely and consistently.

The difference between Peppol and traditional invoicing

While many businesses still send invoices as PDFs via email, Peppol e-invoicing offers a smarter, more secure alternative. The table below highlights the key differences between traditional invoicing and sending invoices through the Peppol network—so you can see exactly why the switch makes sense.

AspectTraditional invoicing Peppol E-invoicing
FormatUnstructured (e.g., PFD's)Structured (e.g., UBL/XML)
ProcessingManual data entryAutomated integration with accounting systems
Error rateHigher due to manual handlingLower due to standardized formats
ComplianceVaries by countryMeets internationals standards
SecurityRelies on email securityEncrypted transmission via secure network

What is a Peppol Access Point?

A Peppol Access Point is a certified gateway that connects organizations to the Peppol network, enabling the secure exchange of electronic documents. Access Points ensure that all transmitted documents comply with Peppol standards, facilitating interoperability between different systems. Payt collaborates with Econnect, a certified Peppol Access Point provider, to offer seamless integration for our clients.

How to start with Peppol E-Invoicing?

Transitioning to Peppol e-invoicing can be achieved through the following steps:

  1. Assess current systems: Determine if your existing invoicing software supports Peppol standards.
  2. Choose a Peppol service provider: Partner with a certified provider to facilitate the connection.
  3. Obtain a Peppol ID: Register and receive a unique identifier for your organization.
  4. Integrate with Access Point: Connect your invoicing system to the Peppol network via the chosen Access Point.
  5. Train staff: Ensure your team understands the new e-invoicing processes and compliance requirements.

With Payt, getting started with Peppol is simple and stress-free. As a certified Peppol service provider through our partnership with Econnect, we take care of the technical setup, provide you with a Peppol ID, and ensure your invoices are automatically converted and delivered in the correct format. Payt seamlessly connects your workflow to the Peppol network. This way, you stay compliant, save time, and gain full control over your invoicing process.

Curious how Payt can help you get started with Peppol? Schedule your free demo today.

Frequently asked questions about Peppol

What is the Peppol network?

The Peppol network is a standardized, secure framework that enables the electronic exchange of business documents between organizations across different countries.

What is a Peppol ID?

A Peppol ID is a unique identifier assigned to each participant in the Peppol network, facilitating accurate and efficient document routing.

What is a Peppol invoice?

A Peppol invoice is an electronic invoice formatted according to Peppol standards, allowing seamless processing and compliance with international regulations.

What is a Peppol service provider?

A Peppol service provider is an organization certified to offer Access Point services, connecting businesses to the Peppol network for secure document exchange.

Schedule a Demo!

Ready to see how Payt can work for your business? Schedule a free demo and let one of our experts walk you through the software. We’ll show you exactly how Payt helps you get paid faster—with less effort.

Prefer to explore first? Download our brochure and discover how Payt improves your invoicing and boosts your cash flow.

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By Xindu Hendriks

Xindu is an expert in digital strategy and accounts receivable management at Payt. She is known for her analytical approach.

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