Monthly Archives: March 2025

eInvoicing busting myths, overcoming challenges and clearing misconceptions

eInvoicing is gaining momentum across Australia and New Zealand, but with that comes plenty of misconceptions. From concerns about complexity to confusion about what eInvoicing actually is, these myths can slow down adoption and prevent businesses from realising the benefits. The reality is, eInvoicing is designed to make invoicing simpler, faster, and more secure – but misinformation often stands in the way. In this blog, we’ll unpack some of the most common myths we hear and set the record straight.

Myth 1: eInvoicing is just sending PDFs via email

One of the biggest misconceptions is that eInvoicing simply means emailing a PDF invoice. But it’s not. eInvoicing refers to the direct exchange of structured invoice data between accounting systems via the secure Peppol network, without the need for manual data entry. Unlike PDFs, true eInvoices are machine-readable, automatically processed and help reduce errors. This ensures greater accuracy, faster processing and a smoother experience for businesses.

Myth 2: eInvoicing is only for large enterprises

Many small businesses assume that eInvoicing is only for corporations with complex financial systems. eInvoicing is designed to benefit businesses of all sizes, especially SMEs that struggle with late payments and administrative costs. Governments in Australia and New Zealand are actively encouraging small business adoption, with incentives and resources available to make the transition easier. Including faster payment times helping improve cash flow. We provide our web portal, Colladium, for small businesses to send and receive eInvoices for free!

Myth 3: eInvoicing is expensive and hard to implement

Some businesses fear that switching to eInvoicing requires a costly software overhaul. The truth is, most accounting platforms like Xero, MYOB and QuickBooksalready support eInvoicing, often at little or no extra cost. While there may be an initial learning curve, the long-term savings from reduced admin, fewer errors and faster payments outweigh the effort of implementation.

Myth 4: My customer isn’t using the same software as me, so I can’t send eInvoices to them

eInvoicing works with any software, so anyone can use it. It operates through the Peppol network, which uses Access Points, like MessageXchange, to send and receive eInvoices. Think of it like a mobile network – just as Telstra, Optus and Vodafone connect calls regardless of the phone you use, Access Points enable eInvoicing, no matter what software you have.

Myth 5: eInvoicing is not secure

With increasing cyber threats, security concerns around eInvoicing are understandable. However, eInvoicing is actually more secure than traditional invoicing methods.
  • Peppol eInvoicing operates on an encrypted network, reducing the risk of invoice fraud and email phishing scams.
  • Unlike emailed PDFs, which can be intercepted and altered, eInvoices go directly from one accounting system to another, eliminating tampering risks.
While clearing up these common myths helps paint a more accurate picture of eInvoicing, it’s also important to acknowledge that implementing eInvoicing isn’t without its challenges. Even with the right information, businesses may still face hurdles when it comes to adoption and rollout. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key challenges organisations encounter on their eInvoicing journey.

Challenge 1: Lack of awareness and understanding

A major hurdle to adoption is that many businesses simply don’t know what eInvoicing is or why it matters. Without clear guidance, it can seem like an unnecessary change. Governments and industry bodies are ramping up education efforts. Businesses can also consult their accounting software providers to see how easy it is to enable eInvoicing. Even if one business adopts eInvoicing, it only delivers full benefits when trading partners also come on board. Businesses can encourage suppliers and customers to make the switch by highlighting efficiency gains and compliance benefits. Governments are also offering incentives to drive adoption.

Challenge 2: Resistance to change

Many businesses are reluctant to move away from familiar processes, especially if their current invoicing system “works just fine”. The transition to eInvoicing doesn’t have to happen overnight. Businesses can start by enabling eInvoicing within their existing software and adopting it gradually. The benefits –faster payments, fewer errors, and reduced admin – will quickly prove its worth.Want to get more information on eInvoicing for your organisation? Get in touch with our experts below.

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Best practices for implementing EDI in supply chain management

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a powerful tool for improving efficiency, accuracy and speed in supply chain management. But simply adopting EDI isn’t enough –you need a solid implementation plan to ensure a smooth transition and maximise the benefits. Whether you’re new to EDI or looking to optimise your existing setup, following best practices can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it right.

1. Get an internal team together

EDI implementation isn’t just an IT project – it affects multiple departments, including procurement, finance and logistics. Form a cross-functional team to oversee the process, ensuring that all key stakeholders are involved from the start. This will help with decision-making, troubleshooting and overall coordination. While putting together your internal team, think about your objectives. Make sure all internal departments are providing input on what they want to EDI to do for them.

2. Look at your processes and identify areas for improvement

Before diving into EDI, assess your current supply chain processes. Where are the inefficiencies? Are there bottlenecks that slow things down? Identify the pain points that EDI can help resolve, such as reducing manual data entry, minimising errors, or improving order fulfilment times. EDI isn’t just about automating transactions –it’s about improving visibility and decision-making. Consider what data you need from your supply chain to enhance forecasting and inventory management. Ensure that your EDI solution supports the exchange of this critical information. No matter where you sit in the supply chain, look at all aspects such as logistics/3PLs, suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, and warehousing.

3. Get your partners involved early

Successful EDI implementation depends on your trading partners being on board. Engage with them early to understand their capabilities, challenges and requirements. Work collaboratively to find solutions that work for everyone. This will help prevent delays and ensure a smoother rollout. Not all your suppliers and customers will be at the same level of EDI capability. Some may already be using EDI, while others might need more support. Make a list of your key trading partners and evaluate their readiness. This will help you prioritise onboarding efforts and address any potential roadblocks. Smaller suppliers may not have the resources or expertise to implement full-scale EDI. A web portal solution can make it easier for them to participate without needing a complex setup. We provide customers with a web portal solution, Colladium, that‘s free to use for your partners to send and receive EDI documents through a simple, user-friendly interface.

4. Plan for onboarding support

Onboarding partners to EDI can be a challenging process, especially for trading partners who are new to EDI. Provide clear documentation and support to help them transition smoothly. Assign a dedicated contact or team to assist with questions that may arise during implementation. Testing EDI messages with your partners is another thing that can take time and resources. A solution we provide our customers is automated message testing. It lets your business partners test the messages they’ll send you, before actually sending them. They’ll get feedback there and then. And no manual checking from your team, your partners do it all on our Colladium web portal. This takes a lot of the heavy lifting off your plate.Want to learn more about implementing EDI across your supply chain? Get in touch with our experts.

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