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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EDI for small business: Benefits of web portals

Complying with your retailers’ electronic data interchange (EDI) requirements can be confusing and complex. For small businesses, you want to comply in an easy, cost-effective way with minimal impact on your existing processes. This is where web portal solutions, like Colladium, become a viable solution.

How does a web portal solution work?

EDI web portals allow businesses to exchange documents electronically with their trading partners via a web browser. Instead of integrating EDI directly into their internal systems, businesses can log in to a portal, where they manage EDI transactions. You don’t need to install any software or hardware, and no in-depth knowledge of EDI is required. With the web portal, you can easily create, receive, and send all necessary documents, including purchase order responses, advanced shipping notices, invoices, and more.

When is a web portal right for your business?

There are a few reasons you might choose a web portal for EDI over a fully integrated EDI solution:
  • You trade with a small number of retailers
  • You’ll receive a small volume of orders through EDI (roughly 30 or less orders a week)
  • You sell a limited range of products
  • Your software can’t generate the information required by your customers
  • You’re just starting out with EDI.

Why choose Colladium for your EDI compliance?

  • It’s low cost: It's free to trade with many retailers. We also have a range of retailers that you cantrade with for $99 per month to trade and $49 for each additional retailer.
  • Quick to get started: Register, put in your details and start trading in as little as minutes.
  • No technical expertise required: A user-friendly interface where you can create all requiremed documents with ease, even advanced shipping notices (ASNs) or despatch advices.
  • Compliance with rrading partners all in the one place: See all your orders in the one listing and respond to them all in the one, familiar way. Behind the scenes, we make sure that everything your customer needs is covered, down to their validation checks, business rules and more.
  • Add more integration and functionality – Download orders in CSV or XML format for easy uploading into your software, and share information with your logistics and 3PL partners for them to create the ASN on your behalf, for as little as $49 a month.
  • Help at your fingertips: We’ve got a comprehensive knowledge base that’ll walk you through how to get started, how to accept an order, issue an ASN or invoice and more. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, just get in touch with our Australian-based support team.
Check out Colladium today at Colladium.com

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From compliance to competitive advantage: How New Zealand’s eInvoicing mandate can set your business apart

The New Zealand Government’s eInvoicing mandate isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a transformative opportunity for businesses to reimagine their operations. As part of its digital strategy, the government is driving the adoption of eInvoicing through the internationally recognised Peppol framework, aiming to increase efficiency, transparency, and interoperability. A real opportunity lies in how businesses can leverage this shift to streamline processes, foster trust, and gain a competitive edge. This article explores how New Zealand businesses can move beyond compliance to turn eInvoicing into a powerful driver of growth and innovation.

The mandate: What’s the big deal?

The New Zealand government is updating its procurement rules to expand the use of eInvoicing across a wider range of public agencies, and has set a target for agencies to pay eInvoices in 5 days, in a view to boost efficiency and support businesses. Starting January 2026, about 135 government agencies, including major ones like ACC, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), Health NZ and NZ Police, will need to be able to receive eInvoices and pay 95% of domestic trade eInvoices within 5 business days. Agencies who send over 2,000 invoices per annum will also be required to send them as eInvoices. The Government will also begin consulting with businesses on requiring certain government suppliers to send eInvoices as part of the Government Procurement Rules, with the outcomes to be reported back to Cabinet in February 2025.

How eInvoicing gives you a competitive edge

Let’s dive into the real benefits. Sure, compliance is the baseline, but the businesses that treat eInvoicing as more than just a “must-do” will see real rewards.

a) Save time and money

Manually chasing invoices is time consuming, not to mention prone to errors. With eInvoicing, you can automate the whole process, which means:
  • less admin, fewer mistakes
  • faster payments hitting your account particularly critical for SMEs
  • lower costs to process each invoice.
For a small supplier working with government agencies, eInvoicing means you can get paid weeks earlier. That’s a big deal if cash flow is tight.

b) Build better relationships

Imagine being the supplier government agencies know they can count on. You’re not just another vendor—you’re a preferred partner. eInvoicing makes you reliable and easy to work with by:
  • ensuring your invoices are accurate and sent on time
  • cutting out disputes over missing or wrong information
  • creating trust with your customers and suppliers.

c) Use data to work smarter, not harder

Every eInvoice generates a goldmine of data. You can use this to:
  • spot trends in cash flow or late payments
  • better understand your financial health
  • negotiate better deals with suppliers based on insights into your spending patterns.
The businesses that treat eInvoicing as more than just a transactional tool and start tapping into the data are the ones that will stay ahead.

e) Future-proof your business

This Government eInvoicing mandate isn’t the last. Governments and industries are moving fast toward automation, real-time reporting, and other digital requirements. By adopting eInvoicing now, you’re not just solving today’s problem—you’re setting yourself up to adapt easily to whatever comes next. Think of it as building a foundation. Once you’ve got the systems and processes in place, handling future changes will be so much easier.

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The human element of EDI

In the world of electronic data interchange (EDI), the focus often leans heavily on technology, automation, and process optimisation. However, the human element is just as critical in ensuring a successful EDI implementation. People drive the planning, execution, and refinement of these systems, making their roles indispensable. Here's how to focus on the human side of EDI for the best outcomes.

Getting your internal team ready for EDI

A successful EDI implementation begins with preparing your internal teams. Keeping everyone on the same page ensures smoother transitions and better outcomes. Open communication is essential. Teams involved must be kept up to date on the project's goals, timelines, and progress. Regular updates and transparency help align everyone's efforts and reduce resistance to change. This group should include representatives from various departments who will work together to oversee the rollout. We think these departments are key:
  • Management: They’re the ones you’ll need to get onboard for your EDI project to go ahead. You’ll also need them to continue to keep your EDI project on track in terms of timelines and goals.
  • Information Technology (IT): There’s a bit of technical stuff involved in EDI so they’re the best to tackle those aspects.
  • Finance: EDI significantly reduces manual inputting for accounts payable and receivable and will improve their processes.
  • Buying/procurement: EDI will optimise processes when producing and sending purchase orders.
  • Warehouse: Business operations teams will be able to get the most out of the data received through EDI, particularly information about deliveries.
A cross-functional team ensures diverse insights and facilitates better coordination. It also ensures all your departments are getting the most out of the EDI project.

What people you need for your EDI project

The success of an EDI initiative hinges on having the right people in the right roles. Here are the key areas of expertise you need:

Technical expertise

EDI involves specific technical knowledge. You'll need colleagues skilled in:
  • Understanding file formats, connection protocols and other aspects of your business software.

Workflow design

Designing workflows that align EDI processes with your business operations is critical. This requires colleagues who can:
  • analyse your existing workflows and identify areas for improvement.
  • determine how your EDI solution facilitates your workflow goals and daily operations.

Change management

Adopting EDI often means changing established processes. Specialists in change management help:
  • guide teams through new workflows.
  • address concerns and provide training.
  • plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruptions.

Planning and coordination

Leading an EDI project demands strong project management skills. Your project leader should:
  • develop detailed plans and timelines.
  • coordinate activities across departments.
  • monitor progress and adapt to challenges.
Worried you don’t have people who can cover these areas of knowledge? It’s all good, we’ve been doing data integration for a while so we can help with, or recommend people who can help with some of the expertise areas above. While EDI systems are built on technology, their success depends on the people managing and operating them. By preparing your teams, engaging the right expertise, and fostering collaboration, you can ensure a smooth and successful EDI implementation. Remember, technology may drive efficiency, but it’s people who bring the vision to life.Want to go through your EDI requirements with an expert? Get in touch with us below.

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MessageXchange interview series: Peak retail periods and how can EDI help with EDI expert, Kieren James

During peak business times, orders increase, sales increase and overall we see an increase in workload. We sit down with our resident EDI expert, Kieren James, to chat about the challenges businesses face during busy peak periods and explore how EDI can help make things easier.

Q: When are the typical peak periods in retail?

Peak periods in retail typically begin four to six weeks before major events such as Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. For Christmas, the lead time depends heavily on the type of retail industry you’re in – obviously fresh foods have a much shorter lead time, but generally speaking, activity starts ramping up in late October to early November when forward orders are placed on suppliers. Demand can remain high through early December, if sales remain high. Strong sales lead to additional orders, while weak sales bring demand back to normal. When it comes to Easter, the lead time is shorter, usually around four weeks before the holiday. While Easter isn’t as busy as the Christmas period, demand on suppliers is high leading to longer than usual lead times. The level of demand depends heavily on sales performance in the first quarter of the year. Lower sales will result in higher stock levels required by retailers for the Easter period, while higher sales will lead to lower stock levels and will require additional orders.

Q: What are some of the key pain points for both suppliers and retailers during these times?

Increased workload is an obvious one. For businesses who manually process orders, spikes in activity, like for events such as Father’s Day, can result in a surge of manual tasks, like order processing and invoicing. For instance, going from 10 to 40 orders a week creates a substantial workload increase. Businesses using integrated systems experience less strain, as these solutions handle increased activity more efficiently. Web form portals, while helpful, still require manual intervention, which limits scalability. Another pain point is poor communication across the supply chain and inadequate demand forecasting. Without clear forecasts, suppliers struggle to prepare for spikes, leading to congestion at delivery points, such as store backrooms. This also adds to workload pressures.

Q: Why is important to plan ahead for peak periods?

Effective planning and proactive communication are crucial for managing deliveries and meeting demand during peak periods, both for buyers and sellers.
  • Scheduling specific delivery windows helps streamline the process, ensuring smoother operations and avoiding bottlenecks. It means retailers can plan for suppliers’ deliveries, ensuring staff are on hand to receive the goods, and it means the delivery partners aren’t waiting around waiting for stock to be unloaded.
  • Suppliers benefit from analysing retailers' order patterns during busy times and planning accordingly. This preparation reduces the risk of shortages and ensures timely delivery for customers.
  • Retailers can control key aspects by focusing on accurate demand forecasting and providing suppliers with clear, advanced communication. Offering sufficient lead times gives suppliers the best chance to meet expectations.
Proper coordination between retailers and suppliers is key to avoiding disruptions and ensuring a seamless supply chain during high-demand periods.

Q: How does EDI help to ease these pain points?

There are few ways EDI can help during peak times:
  • Eliminating manual data entry for both retailers and suppliers not only saves time but also reduces errors, streamlining operations.
  • Documents like advanced shipping notices and purchase order responses provide retailers with more transparency. These documents offer critical details, such as shipping dates, expected delivery times and what stock can actually be delivered, helping retailers plan effectively.
  • With better visibility, retailers can schedule manpower more efficiently, ensuring resources are aligned with delivery schedules.
  • Having data in an electronic format enables smoother payment processes, such as matching purchase orders, deliveries, and invoices to trigger automatic payments, especially with three-way checking systems.
Overall, automation fosters improved coordination, better planning, and faster payment cycles, benefiting both suppliers and retailers.

Q: How do you ensure your EDI setup can handle an increase in orders during peak times?

A few things to look at are:
  1. System design: An efficient system is built by carefully designing processes that ensure the right messages with the right information are delivered to support visibility and informed business decisions.
  2. Data alignment: Keeping data clean and well-aligned within the system reduces errors, ensuring smooth operations and better decision-making.
  3. Capacity planning: Ensuring that your EDI infrastructure and processes can handle current and future data exchange requirements effectively. This involves running stress tests on high volumes of orders, identifying bottlenecks in processes and other performance tests.
A well-designed and maintained system is key to achieving efficiency and minimising errors in business processes.

Q: When should you start looking to implement EDI or switch EDI providers, given peak times?

There's no one-size-fits-all guidance when it comes to this. The amount of time needed to implement an EDI solution with a provider can depend on things like:
  • whether you're using EDI today or are brand new
  • whether you need to undergo EDI accreditation testing with retailers and/or suppliers, and how involved and lengthy this process is
  • whether you need to adjust internal processes to integrate EDI into business-as-usual operations
  • any training you need to provide to your teams to manage the new processes effectively.
As a very general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to reach out to EDI service providers about three months before your planned go-live date. However, the exact timing can vary, so the earlier the better. When deciding if your EDI provider is a good fit, there are two things to look out for particularly in peak times:
  1. Partnership value: Assess whether partnerships provide value for money and meet service expectations.
  2. System reliability: Digitalising the supply chain is beneficial, but all systems encounter issues at some point. It's important to have responsive support to address challenges promptly and minimise disruptions.
No system is flawless, but proactive planning and strong partnerships can ensure a resilient and efficient supply chain.

Q: Are there other tips you suggest for businesses to get on top of their peak business time pressures?

Take time to plan, it can be hard with pressures of day to day operations but it is important look forward to prepare better for peak times.Want to go through your EDI requirements with an experts? Getting in touch with us below.

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2024 recap of eInvoicing in Australia and New Zealand

This year has been a big one for eInvoicing in both Australia and New Zealand. Governments have rolled out new initiatives to boost adoption, and we’ve also seen some technical updates to eInvoicing messaging to put us in good stead going forward. There are now nearly 200,000 businesses and 461 government agencies able to receive eInvoices and more than 1.5 million eInvoices have been sent in Australia and New Zealand, while the number of eInvoices sent each month has more than triple in New Zealand. Let’s take a look at the highlights of the year and what we can expect in 2025 and beyond.

Australian Budget 2024: eInvoicing funding for the next four years

The Australian Government’s 2024 budget included significant investments in digital technology and fraud prevention, with eInvoicing playing a key role. Here are some of the main announcements:
  • Funding for eInvoicing: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has been allocated $23.3 million to maintain the national eInvoicing network for the next four years. This funding will also help promote eInvoicing adoption to improve cash flow, reduce payment redirection scams, and boost productivity for small businesses.
  • Payment Times Reporting Scheme: The Australian government have committed $25.3 million over four years to improve cash flow and boost productivity by supporting the Payment Times Reporting Scheme. This adds to the existing policy introduced by the government of 5 days payment terms for all invoices where Peppol compliant eInvoicing capability exists.

Peppol PINT A-NZ Billing: A move towards international interoperability

To improve interoperability between regions, the Peppol PINT specifications have been introduced by the Australian and New Zealand Peppol authorities. These specifications differ from the A-NZ Peppol BIS 3.0 standards we’ve used since 2018. Key changes include:
  • Updates to the UBL file exchanged between Access Points.
  • Changes to the registration and lookup of receiving capabilities in the Service Metadata Publisher (SMP).
If you handle accounts payable eInvoices, you’ll need to be ready to receive the new PINT A-NZ format. While senders can start using the PINT A-NZ specification now, it will become mandatory from 15 May 2025. Check out our blog to learn more about the PINT specifications changes.

New Zealand Government procurement changes

Starting January 2026, around 135 New Zealand government agencies, including major ones like ACC, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), Health NZ, and NZ Police, will need to:
  • be able to receive eInvoices.
  • pay 95% of domestic trade eInvoices within five business days.
Additionally, agencies that send more than 2,000 invoices annually will need to send them as eInvoices. These changes aim to lift productivity and improve public sector efficiency by adopting smarter ways of working. Faster payments will also help small businesses with limited cash flow.

Xero enable eInvoicing for more New Zealand businesses

Xero took a significant step in increasing eInvoicing adoption by enabling the service for all New Zealand users, except those who have opted out, mirroring its earlier rollout in Australia. Xero customers can access eInvoicing at no additional cost, making it easier for businesses to adopt this streamlined invoicing process. This move aligns with the New Zealand government’s efforts to increase eInvoicing adoption nationwide. By enabling eInvoicing for a broader user base, we'll see uptake increase and see more New Zealand businesses embrace more efficient invoicing practices.

What’s expected in 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, we can expect some key developments in the eInvoicing space:
  • Consultation on Supplier eInvoicing: The New Zealand Government will consult with businesses on requiring certain government suppliers to send eInvoices, as part of the Government Procurement Rules. Outcomes are expected to be reported in February 2025.
  • New Message Types: There’s a possibility of introducing order messages, including purchase orders, to the eInvoicing network. While Peppol has specifications for these messages, they haven’t been implemented yet.
Additionally, agencies that send more than 2,000 invoices annually will need to send them as eInvoices. These changes aim to lift productivity and improve public sector efficiency by adopting smarter ways of working. Faster payments will also help small businesses with limited cash flow.Ready to have a look at eInvoicing for your organisation? Ask our experts by getting in touch below.

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Process for onboarding suppliers to EDI

EDI implementation has many stages, but onboarding is one of the most crucial. The better your supplier onboarding, the greater the automation and efficiency. Here's a quick step-by-step process on how to get the most success during onboarding from our own experience with customers.Check out our Ten Steps to Successful Community Onboarding whitepaper for information about the steps to onboarding success.Want to learn more about our implementation process? Ask our experts by getting in touch below.

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New Zealand eInvoicing: New government procurement changes

The New Zealand Government has recently changed their procurement rules for suppliers. These changes look to benefit suppliers, particularly small and medium business, with their cash flow. Here’s a breakdown of the changes.

What changes are coming?

The New Zealand government is updating its procurement rules to expand the use of eInvoicing across a wider range of public agencies, and has set a target for agencies to pay eInvoices in 5 days, in a view to boost efficiency and support businesses. These changes were announced by Economic Development Minister Hon Melissa Lee and Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Hon Andrew Bayly on the 5th of November 2024. Starting January 2026, about 135 government agencies, including major ones like ACC, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), Health NZ and NZ Police, will need to be able to receive eInvoices and pay 95% of domestic trade envoices within 5 business days. Agencies who send over 2,000 invoices per annum will also be required to send them as eInvoices. Michael Alp, the eInvoicing Executive Sponsor and Chief Operating Officer at MBIE, emphasised the benefits already being seen by businesses, such as faster payments, better cash flow, reduced administrative work, and improved security. The push towards eInvoicing is expected to streamline transactions, minimise errors, and reduce the risk of payment fraud, creating a more efficient and reliable payment system for New Zealand’s public sector suppliers. The Government will also begin consulting with businesses on requiring certain government suppliers to send eInvoices as part of the Government Procurement Rules, with he outcomes to be reported back to Cabinet in February 2025.

Why are they being introduced?

The Government is ambitious about lifting New Zealand’s economic productivity and improving public sector efficiency, which means adopting smarter ways of working. Prompt payment is especially important for small businesses which have limited cash reserves – an unpaid or late invoice can be the difference between being able to pay staff on time or not. Having invoices paid on time can mean a world of difference to small and medium sized businesses

How to get started with eInvoicing

The best time for government agencies and businesses alike to get started with eInvoicing is now. For government agencies, earlier implementation means avoiding the rush. For businesses, it means getting faster payments earlier. The process to get started is easy:
  1. Look at your business processes This is to understand your current business processes and where eInvoicing could fit. It’s important to set objectives for your eInvoicing and have buy in internally.
  2. Review software capabilities
    • Does your software support eInvoicing?
      • If so, to what extent? Some software providers will offer a fully-integrated solution, while others might produce a file and customers will have to find their own Access Points.
      • Does eInvoicing require an update or an additional cost?
    • Does your software produce the Peppol file? If it doesn’t, your Access Point may be able to translate the file to the Peppol format.
    • Is your software cloud based or on-premise?
    • What connection protocol your software can work with?
  3. Find an access point Look at access points and the solutions they provide, a few things to think about should be:
    • Technical capability Make sure they can get you connected with your partners and the Peppol network quickly and easily. You should also be looking for a provider that can offer other services to future proof your investment.
    • Experience It is important to know about your provider’s experience and how they keep up to date with eInvoicing developments.
    • Pricing and support Understand exactly how you will be charged and what support you will receive to avoid any conflict in the future.
Check out our A guide to adopting eInvoicing whitepaper to learn more here.Want to get started with eInvoicing? Ask our experts by getting in touch below.

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Peppol PINT A-NZ Billing: What is it?

You might’ve heard about the Peppol PINT A-NZ Billing specification recently, as all Peppol users in Australia and New Zealand will soon have to adhere to the new standard. But what is it? Well, it’s pretty technical, but we’ve tried to spell it out in plain English below.

What is PINT A-NZ Billing?

It’s a new specification that is being mandated by the local Australian and New Zealand Peppol authorities. It’s a slight change from the existing A-NZ Peppol BIS 3.0 specification we’ve used since 2018. It mainly impacts:
  1. The UBL file that is exchanged between Access Points (and in some cases, onto the software)
  2. The registration and lookup of receiving capabilities in the SMP (service metadata publisher).

What are the changes?

There are four main changes in the new PINT A-NZ Billing specification:

1. New identifier values

Basically, in the UBL file that Access Points exchange between each other, there will be a field in there that specifies the specification that message is using – either the A-NZ Peppol BIS 3.0 specification or the new PINT A-NZ Billing specification.

2. Wildcard scheme

At the moment, each organisation registered has specific information registered in the SMP (service metadata publisher), which is basically the master registry for Peppol. Usually it’s your Access Point who will manage the registration for you. It holds information such as:
  1. your identifier (like your ABN, NZBN or GLN)
  2. the identification type (whether it is an ABN, NZBN or GLN)
  3. the message(s) you can receive (such as invoices, credit notes, business response messages).
And now, it will hold the Peppol PINT specification(s) you can receive. For example, if you can receive all PINT specifications, like from Australia and New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and everywhere else, your entry would have “pint:billing-1*” – the wildcard (*) denoting you can receive all. However, if you can only receive the A-NZ PINT specification, your registration would have “pint:billing-1@aunz-1”.

3. Business rules

Basically, the rules in the specification have been tidied up – some identifiers of the rules have changed, some rules have been rationalised and redundant rules have been removed. Also, rules that used to have a ‘warning’ have been removed, given they added little value.

4. Publication of the specification

The new specification is published on the OpenPeppol website like the previous specification was, but this one is documented in a better, more usable format, with the ability to drill down via semantic or syntax definitions and users can easily navigate between related objects.

Why are these changes being made?

Many regions have their own Peppol specifications designed for the local market and practical use cases within that region. For example, the EU, Singapore and Japan have their own specifications. The idea behind the new PINT specification is to achieve interoperability between regions. The new PINT standard is an umbrella specification that can be specialised to create new specialisations.

What’s the practical impact for those sending and receiving eInvoices?

From what we’ve seen, the change is usually being made by the party who produces the Peppol UBL eInvoice, or consumes it. We’ve seen these two examples:

1. The accounts payable/receivables software exports/imports the Peppol UBL file

In this case, the software may need to make changes on their side, given they export/ingest the Peppol UBL file, which is the file affected by this change.

2. The Access Point maps the Peppol UBL file to/from the Peppol UBL to the accounts payable/receivable’s software’s native format

In this case, it’s usually the Access Point who can make the change and build this change into the map that goes to and from the sender and receiver’s software. Of course, whichever scenario you’re in, we always recommend thorough testing before going live.

What are the dates to be aware of?

If you’re receiving accounts payable eInvoices, you must be able to receive the new PINT A-NZ specification by Friday the 15th of November 2024. Senders can start sending eInvoices in the PINT A-NZ specification from that date, but must send them in that format from the 15th of May 2025.

Does this mean you can send and receive cross-border Peppol eInvoices now?

If your Access Point and software supports receiving eInvoices in different regions’ specifications, the answer is yes. As for sending Peppol eInvoices overseas, it depends on what your customer’s Access Point and software can support.Want to learn more about Peppol PINT A-NZ Billing requirements? Fill in the form below to get in touch with our experts.

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Considering a switch from your current EDI provider? Here’s what you need to know

In today's fast-paced business environment, seamless communication between partners is crucial, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is at the heart of that connectivity. However, just like any technology or service, not all EDI providers are created equal. There may come a time when your current EDI provider no longer meets your needs, and switching providers becomes a necessity. But when is the right time to make that switch, and what should you expect from a new provider? Let’s explore.

When should you consider switching your EDI provider?

Before diving into the logistics of switching, it’s important to recognise the signs that indicate it might be time for a change. Here are a few red flags that signal a switch could be beneficial:

1. Outdated technology

If your current EDI provider is using outdated systems, it can hinder your ability to integrate with modern platforms, slow down transactions, and increase the risk of errors. In today’s digital world, efficiency and speed are paramount. Some EDI providers use outdated software, especially after acquiring competitor companies and not integrating or updating systems. If your provider can’t keep up, it’s time to explore other options.

2. Lack of support and responsiveness

Your EDI system is critical to the smooth functioning of your supply chain. If you find that customer support is slow, unresponsive, or unable to resolve issues promptly, it can cause major disruptions. Delayed support leads to delayed transactions, which impacts your bottom line. Look for providers, like MessageXchange, with a support team based in Australia. This makes it easy for you to talk to someone during office hours. Local support teams also have a better understanding of the requirements of your business and your local partners.

3. Excessive costs or cost model

Your EDI provider should always be looking to make sure you’re getting the best product to add value to your business. Sometimes the cost model of your current provider may not be best suited to your business. Some EDI providers charge per document, per data amount of data and others so it’s important to choose what’s right for you.

4. Compliance issues

Regulatory compliance is critical for businesses exchanging sensitive data via EDI, especially in industries like FMCG/supermarkets, healthcare and finance. It’s also important that your EDI provider keeps up with your trading partner requirements and regulations. If your current provider struggles to meet compliance standards, you may be exposing your company to unnecessary risks and possible downtime.

5. Limited scalability

As your business grows, so should your EDI capabilities. If your current provider can’t scale with your needs—whether that means adding new trading partners, managing larger volumes of data, or supporting new document types—it’s a strong indication that switching to a more scalable solution is necessary.

What to expect from a new EDI provider

Once you’ve identified that switching providers is the best course of action, it’s essential to know what to look for in your new EDI provider. Here are the key features and services you should expect:

1. A modern, cloud-based solution

Modern EDI providers offer cloud-based solutions that ensure your system is always up to date and scalable. A cloud-based platform allows for seamless integration with existing systems, reduces infrastructure costs, and enhances overall system reliability.

2. Strong customer support

Your new provider should offer exceptional customer service with a dedicated support team. Look for providers that offer 24/7 support and multiple communication channels. This ensures that when issues arise, they are resolved quickly, minimising any disruption to your business operations.

3. Cost transparency

Pricing models vary among providers, so choose one with clear, transparent pricing. Avoid providers with hidden fees or overly complicated pricing structures. Most top-tier EDI providers offer flexible pricing based on transaction volume, making it easier for your business to manage costs.

4. Compliance and security

EDI providers must stay on top of evolving security protocols and regulatory requirements. Expect your new provider to adhere to the latest security standards and other industry-specific guidelines, depending on your sector. Security features like encryption, secure data centres, and real-time monitoring should come as standard.

5. Seamless onboarding and integration

Switching EDI providers shouldn’t mean weeks of downtime or data loss. A top-tier provider will have a streamlined migration process that minimises disruption and quickly integrates with your existing systems (ERP, WMS, or accounting software). The transition should feel as smooth as possible for your internal teams and trading partners and there should be no operational impact to your business.

6. Scalability and flexibility

Your new EDI provider should be prepared to grow with your business. Whether you're planning to add new trading partners, handle larger volumes of data, or expand into new markets, the provider should offer scalable solutions to meet your future needs.

EDI migration process

There are a few steps involved in the migration to a new provider
  1. Understand your reason for switching Be clear on why you’re thinking of switching providers. It might be one of the ones we’ve talked about already above, or it might be something completely different. Having a clear understanding of this makes it easier for you to find the right provider who aligns with your needs.
  2. Consult your business It’s important to get relevant areas of your business involved in the switching process. Get a team together so you can ensure you know what all areas of the business need from your EDI solution. Create an integration plan that outlines the steps, timeline, and resources required for successful EDI implementation.
  3. Consult EDI providers Collaborate with other EDI solution providers to define what your requirements are and how they would deliver it. Make sure they understand your existing processes and workflows. Define roles and responsibilities, establish testing procedures, and set realistic milestones for each phase of the integration. Compare each and work out which one is best for your business, think about the points above when making a decision.
  4. Test, validate and refine Testing and validation are crucial to ensure a seamless EDI integration. Collaborate with your retailer partners to conduct testing, including the exchange of sample documents. Validate the accuracy and reliability of data transmission and interpretation. Identify and resolve any issues or discrepancies encountered during testing. Continuous refinement based on feedback and results will help fine-tune your EDI processes and improve overall efficiency.
  5. Go Live Start sending and receiving new messages to and from your partners.
  6. Monitor performance Encourage ongoing learning to ensure your team stays updated with industry trends and advancements in EDI technology. Additionally, implement monitoring and performance tracking mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of your EDI integration and identify areas for further optimisation.

How to get started

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Let us know what you want to achieve and we'll suggest the best solution

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Start our partnership

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Connect to MessageXchange and test connectivity and messaging

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Go live!

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MessageXchange interview series: The technical side of implementing eInvoicing with eInvoicing knowledge bank, Luke Zahra

It can be easy to overlook the technical requirements of eInvoicing and focus more on benefits. To get all the insights on the technical aspects of eInvoicing, we had a conversation with our eInvoicing knowledge bank, Luke Zahra.

Q: When putting together a project team, who should be involved, particularly on the technical side?

Luke:
  • ERP Consultant/Systems Expert
  • Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable team
  • Implementation Team/Integration Specialists
  • Business Analyst
  • Project Manager

Q: Are there certain software specifications needed to implement eInvoicing?

Luke: No specific software specifications are required. As long as there is a way to extract or ingest eInvoice documents from your system, we can accommodate the implementation. We can work with your current software to ensure it integrates seamlessly with the eInvoicing process, including translating to the required formats if needed.

Q: What if your software doesn't currently export the UBL file format or use the fields set out in PINT A-NZ specifications, can you still implement eInvoicing with your existing software?

Luke: Just for those who are new to eInvoicing, PINT A-NZ specify the fields that are used in each document, like the eInvoice. The specifications are designed to be standard for most invoices generated by accounting and ERP systems. If your current software does not fully meet these specifications, we can work with your existing invoice format and provide guidance on adjustments needed to comply with the PINT A-NZ standards. This ensures that your invoices can be successfully translated into the UBL PEPPOL format for eInvoicing.

Q: Are there other message types I can utilise within the Peppol network besides eInvoices?

Luke: The main message types outside of the eInvoice are:
  • Credit Note
  • Invoice Response: informs the Seller when their invoice has been approved or payment has been initiated
  • Message Level Response: Lets the sender know whether the eInvoice has been received correctly by the receiver. These messages also detail what went wrong through specific syntax errors.
Peppol has other procurement messages in their specifications, but they're not yet widely used in Australia or New Zealand.

Q: What are the top three questions you get asked the most during the implementation process?

Luke: Clients often seek guidance on how the Peppol four-corner model works, including the roles of access points, and how data is transmitted between different parties. Clients often seek advice on the specific standards and best practices for eInvoicing in Australia and New Zealand. This includes knowing which fields are important when sending eInvoices to customers and understanding which fields to expect on incoming eInvoices from suppliers. Clients needing advice on which documents (e.g., invoices, credit notes, invoice responses) to implement in their eInvoice process and the best way to integrate these documents within their existing systems.

Q: What advice would you suggest to organisations implementing eInvoicing?

Luke: Start by evaluating your current invoicing processes and identify areas for improvement. While eInvoicing offers a streamlined and efficient approach, it’s important to understand how it will integrate with your existing procedures and address any manual complexities that may arise. Engage with your accounts payable and accounts receivable teams to ensure a smooth transition. Be aware of mandatory requirements for receiving invoices. If your business has specific rules that go beyond the standard PINT A-NZ specifications, these may need to be implemented using an Invoice Response document. This document allows you to block accounts payable eInvoices that do not meet your specific requirements.Want to learn more about getting your business ready for eInvoicing? Fill in the form below to get in touch with our experts.

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