Electronic billing

Electronic billing is the automated transmission of structured electronic invoices from one automated system to another, where they can be processed without human intervention.

This includes not only invoices, but also other documents such as delivery notes and orders, which are automatically exchanged between supplier and customer systems.

An electronic invoice is a structured digital data file that stores invoice data in a fixed location.

When using the Peppol standard, invoice data is stored in a specific location within the XML structure of the file. This standardized location allows electronic invoices to be processed automatically in the records without the need for manual intervention.

Electronic billing offers numerous advantages, especially for companies in Belgium, where the administrative burden is significant. By switching to electronic billing , companies can reduce administrative burdens and operate more efficiently. This means spending less time and money on manual processes, such as entering paper invoices into accounting systems. In addition, electronic billing can reduce the likelihood of errors, leading to more accurate financial data and potential long-term cost savings.

In Belgium, the cost of administrative burdens on businesses in 2022 has been estimated at €5.99 billion, so moving to electronic billing can make a significant contribution to reducing these costs and improving the overall efficiency of business processes.

Digital PDF invoices are considered "static images" that provide a consistent view across devices. They require manual processing and are not directly editable or automatic. With e-invoicing, such as e-invoices, structured digital documents, such as XML or EDI formats, are used that can be processed automatically by financial software. This means that data is entered directly into the system without human intervention.

Unlike digital PDF invoices, which must be processed manually and often lead to errors and delays, e-invoicing increases accuracy and cuts processing time financial processes.

The Mercurius platform is a digital platform used to exchange electronic invoices between companies. It enables taxpaying companies to send structured electronic invoices securely and efficiently and receiving The platform is designed to simplify administrative processes and increase efficiency through the use of digital billing. Minister Van Peteghem has emphasized the importance of digital billing as a means to reduce the VAT gap and reduce administrative burdens.

The Mercurius platform is one of the digital solutions used to achieve this goal. By using Mercurius , companies can streamline their billing processes while meeting European standards for digital billing.

If you want to get started with electronic billing, there are some steps you can follow to ensure a smooth transition. First, it is essential to verify that your organization is ready for electronic billing and that your financial systems are compatible with the required standards. Next, sign up to the Peppol network, a secure and reliable platform for exchanging electronic invoices with other organizations, including government agencies. The Peppol network offers a plug-and-play solution that can be seamlessly integrated with your existing ERP or financial systems. In addition, you can benefit from support from service providers such as 4Exchange, who can guide you through the process and ensure that your transition to electronic billing goes smoothly.