InvoiceNow Technical Playbook

The Nationwide E-Invoicing Network (also known as InvoiceNow) adopts the Peppol framework which allows direct transmission of documents from one accounting/finance solution or in-house enterprise solution to another without human intervention, speeding up invoice processing which results in faster digital payment. This greatly reduces the time spent verifying invoices and chasing for payment.

In the Peppol network (also known as InvoiceNow), documents are exchanged using a common XML format known as the BIS (Business Interoperability Specifications). This common standard allows users to choose their preferred accounting/finance solution or in-house enterprise solution while being able to exchange documents with their partners who may not be using the same solution. Documents are exchanged through Access Points, which serve as gateways into the Peppol network. Access Points take up the responsibility of mapping documents into the standard format and sending them to the receiving Access Points through the Peppol network.

The Peppol network works based on a principle of a 4-corner model, illustrated above. In a transaction, the seller’s objective is to successfully send an invoice to the accounting/finance solution or in-house enterprise solution of the buyer. For documents that are sent out by the seller (corner 1), it will be converted into the common standard at its Access Point (corner 2). The global directory will provide the necessary information to corner 2 to identify the receiving Access Point (corner 3) for the documents to be sent through the network. Upon receiving the documents, corner 3 will map the documents into the preferred format of the buyer (corner 4).

InvoiceNow allows businesses to use an accounting/finance solution or in-house enterprise solution of their choice, connect once and connect to all.

Below is an explanatory video of how the 4-Corner Model concept, also known as the Peppol e-delivery concept, helps to deliver business documents such as e-invoice on the Peppol network.

The Singapore Peppol Guide provides official technical specifications for service providers implementing Peppol e-invoicing solutions in Singapore.

The Singapore Peppol Guide includes the following: Documentation for supported Peppol document types in Singapore

• Syntax requirements and XML schemas
• Business rules and validation requirements
• Singapore-specific code lists and identifiers
• Downloadable resources and sample files

The SG Peppol Directory is a facility for searching Singapore businesses registered on InvoiceNow. It allows businesses to search for other companies registered on the Peppol network to send and receive documents electronically through InvoiceNow.

Watch the video guide below:

The Validex tool is free tool for checking the supported electronic documents on InvoiceNow.

Below are the steps for using the Validex tool.

1. Select a document type.
2. Upload the XML file of selected document type.
3. Validation status will be shown after successful upload.
4. Select the “View Report” button for detailed results.