Integrating Peppol into your Business Central ERP: a three-step plan

The requirement to use digital invoices for B2B transactions is fast approaching: it comes into force on 1 January 2026. The measure is designed to reduce VAT fraud and streamline administrative processes, and makes extensive use of the European Peppol network.

Peppol, or Pan-European Public Procurement Online, is an international network that facilitates the standardised exchange of business documents. From invoices and purchase orders to other commercial documents: Peppol enables you to communicate securely and reliably, regardless of the systems used. The benefits of Peppol include:

• Automation, thanks to the seamless integration of invoicing and ordering processes.
• Security: Peppol provides a secure network that helps prevent fraud and data loss.
• International standardisation, making it easy to communicate with businesses and public authorities, both within and outside Europe.

1. Registration and setup

• Choose a certified Access Point. An Access Point is a service provider that facilitates communication with the Peppol network. There are various partners available; we’ll highlight two here:
  • Continia already has a proven track record of successful Peppol integrations,
  • Breev on the other hand, is a Ghent-based provider that, in addition to Peppol integrations for Business Central, also enables e-invoicing with older ERP systems such as Navision or AX.
• Configure Business Central so that your ERP system communicates with the chosen Access Point. This can be done using specialised apps, such as the Continia Document Output app.

2. Create and send an e-invoice

• Gather all the necessary information, such as customer details, invoice details and payment terms.
• Create your e-invoice in Business Central in accordance with the Peppol BIS specifications. The app ensures that the invoice is automatically converted into the correct XML format.
• Before the invoice is sent, the system checks whether it meets all the required criteria and standards.

3. Document processing

• Send your invoice via the Access Point. It will forward the invoice via the Peppol network to the recipient, where it will be validated again.
• Upon receipt, a confirmation is sent back. Both the sender and the recipient archive the invoice for future reference and compliance.

To use Peppol effectively within Business Central, there are three key steps to follow.
 

1 January 2026 is fast approaching. Now is therefore the right time to upgrade your systems and streamline your business processes, so that you are ready for this new, secure and efficient way of invoicing. With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, combined with reliable apps such as those from Continia, you won’t have to worry about this transition.