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In 2014, based on the results of a successful but limited-scale B2G e-invoicing pilot phase, the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) of the FPS BOSA, which is responsible for studying the IT-aspects of the generalization of e-invoicing, found that the application of the PEPPOL framework would resolve most of the issues blocking the adoption of B2B and B2G e-invoicing. This framework identifies different kind of contributors to the e-invoicing generalization: correspondents, software editors, service providers and authorities. It brings these actors together in a community and contributes to organizing their respective roles. It also provides a set of specifications, based on mature technical solutions, that act as guidelines for the IT-players willing to safely engage in the IT shift mentioned above. PEPPOL identifies the need for a common transport infrastructure, that builds on existing service provider platforms and bridges their islands into one coherent super-network. PEPPOL also organizes the necessary cohabitation of multiple formats must cohabit: all formats are welcome (the transport infrastructure can handle them), however no trading party can refuse to handle at least one "common denominator format" - the "lingua franca", that people only need to use when there is no other common format available with their correspondent. Finally, PEPPOL comes with many other features whose description falls outside the scope of this article. For more information on the rollout of PEPPOL in Belgium and useful links to PEPPOL-related information, please visit the official page of the Belgian PEPPOL Authority.

Starting 01/01/2016 BOSA DTO is the PEPPOL Authority in Belgium. It takes the charge of rolling out this framework within his jurisdiction. Across Europe 11 PEPPOL authorities have already taken the same role. The constantly growing adoption of PEPPOL over time, creates the conditions for the e-postal infrastructure that is indispensable to the realization of our ambitions.

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Mercurius comes with a portal, whose primary function is to allow everyone to monitor the transmission and processing of its e-invoices to all government bodies with 100% reliability. What is more, suppliers that do not yet have suitable IT equipment, are able to easily submit their invoices using a form on this portal - until they shift to e-invoicing. Finally, the Mercurius portal welcome page contains all kind of links to useful information about e-invoicing in Belgium, B2G and B2B. More information about the access to the Mercurius portal and the scenarios it supports, are available in a separate article (see later).

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  1. The supplier sends his invoice to the customer, using the PEPPOL transport infrastructure.
  2. Mercurius receives the invoice (on behalf of the customer).
  3. Mercurius puts the invoice in the mail-inbox of the customer.
  4. At his own pace, the customer picks up his mail.
  5. The customer processes the invoice.
  6. The customer prepares a response to the invoice and gives it to Mercurius.
  7. Mercurius sends the response to the supplier.

The following article provides a more detailled detailed description of each step (main flow, variants, ...):the  The life cycle of an e-invoice to the Belgian public sector.

Benefits for each group

Benefits for the private sector

The main benefit is that this solution can be reused as is for generalized B2B e-invoicing. There is no investment "only for B2G".

Other key benefits:

  • all All enterprises can reach all public entities the same way. Currently over 200 public sector entities already participate, but in the longer term the whole public sector will be reachable (5900 entities).
  • the The Mercurius Portal provides 100% transparency in the reception and processing of the supplier's e-Invoice. Both sender and receiver "see" the same information, using the same tools on the same platform.
  • in In the longer term, the costs of the IT offering will decrease, and the performance will raise faster.
  • the The supplier is paid faster thanks to the automation of the processing.

Benefits for the public sector

  • all All public sector entities enjoy the services of the central e-mailroom, and thus of the team who owns and operates it. They don't have to talk to all the service providers of all their suppliers, or even share different models. They get better market conditions. They collaborate with civil servants in charge with Mercurius and receive specific support for the integration phase. There is also functional expertise.
  • Mercurius can also temporarily convert the incoming format into a format that better suits the public sector entity. It can be human readable for the entities not willing to delay the growing adoption in the Private sector, but who need more time to properly integrate their financial systems at fair market conditions.
  • the The adoption of the European Norm will be considerably facilitated. Directive 2014/55/EU mandates that,  by 19/04/2019, all European public sector instances should accept e-invoices compliant with European Norm EN16931. Meeting this obligation involves adapting IT systems. This comes with many challenges. Mercurius will act as a pass through system for the instances that are sufficiently advanced to perform these changes, and as a buffer for the other ones, relieving them from the pressure caused by the complications, while helping to take best and fast advantage of the positive side of the obligation.

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Following articles provide additional information about the different aspects of B2G e-invoicing, PEPPOL and Mercurius.

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