What does PEPPOL stand for and how does it work?

This article is part of our?Knowledge Hub-?a huge resource on understanding EDI and eInvoicing basics, sector insights and case studies.

If you have contracts with governmental bodies, or have some in the pipeline, such as with the NHS, you have probably heard of the term PEPPOL at some point. But what does PEPPOL stand for and how does it work?

In this blog, we explain what PEPPOL is, how it works, and what kind of organisations will need to use it.

So, what does PEPPOL stand for?

PEPPOL stands for Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line.

PEPPOL ensures interoperability in public and private procurement. In other words, it grants users access to its network?via an Access Point. Essentially, it uses a standardised framework to digitally exchange order data between trading parties. This therefore ensures both consistency and efficiency.

Initially, PEPPOL was developed as an EU standard, but it is now used throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Singapore and South Africa. Subsequently, organisations in these countries are increasingly mandating the use of the PEPPOL framework for both B2G and B2B trading connections. For example, in the UK,?the NHS mandates the use of the PEPPOL network?in order to connect with suppliers.

How does PEPPOL work?

In short, PEPPOL facilitates the secure exchange of electronic business documents across borders.

These documents all follow a?specified set of rules of document formatting?to ensure a consistent and standardised set of information. For instance, the types of documents that can be exchanged across the PEPPOL network include;

• eInvoices
• Orders
• Advance Shipping Notices (ASNs)
• Catalogues
• Message-level responses

These messages are transmitted automatically between trading parties via the digital PEPPOL network. Consequently, there is very little need for manual intervention, such as re-keying data, and as a result, a significantly reduced error rate. Therefore, using PEPPOL to communicate these messages is much more efficient and accurate for all involved.

Exchanging data via PEPPOL is based on a “4-corner” model, which represents the 4 parties involved: the sending organisation, the sending PEPPOL Access Point, the recipient PEPPOL Access Point and the recipient organisation.

PEPPOL Access Point Provider

Transalis has joined a select group of other technology solution providers to become a certified PEPPOL Access Point Provider.?

This means we can facilitate the connection to your trading partner via the PEPPOL network. We know the exact EDI protocols required in order to follow the PEPPOL framework, so you don’t have to worry about all the technical ins-and-outs.

Our?specially packaged eInvoice bundles, such as?eInvoice Essential?and?eInvoice Connect, include access to the PEPPOL network. You can also build your own bundle according to your unique business needs with flexibility to add the exact functionalities and number of connections you need with?eDI Freedom. Explore our products below, or?contact our team directly?to discuss PEPPOL access.

To learn more about EDI and eInvoicing basics and discuss your individual business needs visit our?Contact Us page.

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