Why Peppol

Peppol Logistic is a secure semantic global network based on open standards. Its supports critical compliance and customer requirements and is the foundation of automation as all information is validated before sending and receiving.

At its core, PEPPOL was designed for sending invoices to public sector clients, but its functionality has been extended much further.

PEPPOL is a secure international network that allows businesses to exchange crucial electronic documents with any other registered entity within the network. Currently, this network encompasses hundreds of thousands of public and private organizations.

Initially developed as an EU standard, PEPPOL  now serves global businesses. It has been adopted globally by companies in Canada, North and South America, Asia and countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Singapore.

In summary, PEPPOL has the potential to become a widely accepted global standard, streamlining electronic transactions worldwide. 

August 2024: 
January 2025:

Background:

Traditionally, many countries have utilized their own e-invoicing standards, like NemHandel (Denmark), Svefaktura (Sweden) and EHF (Norway) for invoicing public sector customers.

However, as of April 18, 2020, all public sector institutions and authorities within the EU are legally required to accept PEPPOL invoices.

This change simplifies trade across Europe by removing the need to navigate different national standards.

The EU e-FTI Directive, effective August 21, 2024, mandates digital reporting of freight transport information. This directive requires electronic submission of transport data via certified platforms, ensuring accuracy, security, and interoperability. Logistics companies must adapt their systems now to meet these requirements and avoid penalties.

PEPPOL can be used for exchanging electronic orders, order confirmations, goods catalogs, shipping documents, and more, making it a valuable tool for comprehensive electronic transactions.

A PEPPOL Access Point acts as your connection to the PEPPOL network, typically provided by a service provider. This service allows your business to exchange electronic documents with others connected to an Access Point, similar to how telecom providers facilitate phone calls.

There are over 300 certified Access Points globally, creating a secure network for sending and receiving invoices and other electronic documents. You can choose any Access Point that suits your needs.

The Peppol (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) network facilitates seamless and secure electronic document exchange between businesses and government entities. Here's a brief overview of its working mechanism:

Standards and Interoperability:

Peppol uses standardized electronic document formats (e.g., invoices, orders, shipping notices) to ensure interoperability across different systems and countries.

Access Points:

Organizations connect to the Peppol network via certified Access Points (APs). Each AP is responsible for sending and receiving documents on behalf of its clients.

APs ensure that the documents conform to Peppol standards and securely route them to the appropriate recipient’s AP.

Peppol ID:

Each organization on the Peppol network is assigned a unique identifier, the Peppol ID, which ensures accurate delivery of documents to the correct entity.

Document Exchange:

When a sender wants to transmit a document (e.g., an invoice), they send it to their AP.

The sender’s AP validates and converts the document into the Peppol standard format if necessary.

The document is then transmitted securely over the network to the recipient’s AP.

The recipient’s AP delivers the document to the recipient’s system, ensuring it is ready for processing.

Security and Compliance:

Peppol ensures data security and compliance with regulatory requirements through encrypted transmissions and adherence to strict standards.

 
Critical key data documents provided:

Peppol Logistic offers access to a complete set of logistics documents. 

Detailed information about a shipment before content  arrives

Advanced Despatch Advice is a critical document in the logistics and supply chain management process. It provides detailed information about the contents of a shipment before it arrives at its destination.

This document includes essential details such as item descriptions quantities

  • packaging types
  • shipment tracking
  • numbers
  • temperature
  • ESG information
  • delivery schedules

 

By offering comprehensive visibility into what is being shipped, Advanced Despatch Advice facilitates efficient planning, inventory management, and receipt processing, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing overall operational efficiency in the supply chain.

Weight Statement Document

Weight Statement is used in logistics and supply chain management to detail the weight of goods being shipped. The document provides accurate measurements of the shipment's total weight, often broken down by individual items or packages.

The weight statement is essential for:

  • Ensuring compliance with transportation regulations
  • Calculating shipping costs
  • Optimizing load planning.

 

A Weight Statement helps carriers, shippers, and receivers maintain accuracy and efficiency in their logistics operations by providing critical information needed for handling, transport, and delivery of the goods.

Transport Execution Plan Request

... is a formal document used in logistics to outline the requirements and expectations for the execution of a transport order.

This request includes detailed information about the shipment, such as:

  • The origin and destination points
  • Scheduled pickup and delivery times
  • Specific handling instructions
  • Special conditions or constraints

The Transport Execution Plan Request ensures that all parties involved have a clear facilitating coordination, which ensures efficiency in executing the transport operations.

Thos document is crucial for maintaining alignment between shippers, carriers, and receivers, ultimately contributing to the smooth and timely delivery of goods.

 

Detailing logistics in comprehensive steps to execute

Transport Execution Plan is a comprehensive document detailing the logistics and steps required to execute a transportation order.

The document includes critical information such as:

  • The shipment schedule
  • routes
  • modes of transport
  • handling requirements
  • key milestones


This plan ensures that all parties involved, including shippers, carriers, and receivers have a clear and coordinated understanding of the transport process.

The detailed execution plan aims to:

  • Optimize efficiency
  • Ensure timely deliveries
  • Mitigate potential risks or delays
  • Enhancing the overall effectiveness
Risk management when using multimodal modes of transport

Multimodal Waybill is a document used in logistics and transportation that covers the carriage of goods using multiple modes of transport, such as road, rail, sea and air, under a single contract.

This waybill provides comprehensive details about the shipment, including the description of goods, the points of origin and destination, and the responsible carriers for each leg of the journey.

The multimodal waybill:

  • Simplifies the documentation process
  • Ensures legal compliance
  • Facilitates seamless transitions between different transportation modes

When using multiple modes of transport this document enhances efficiency and reduce the risk of errors or delays in the supply chain.

Formal request for real-time updates to support decision-making

Transportation Status Request is a formal inquiry used in logistics to obtain real-time updates on the current status of a shipment.

This request typically includes details such as the shipment's:

  • Tracking number
  • Origin
  • Destination
  • Expected delivery date and time

     

The Transportation Status Request helps shippers, carriers and receivers monitor the progress of the shipment, identify any potential delays, and ensure timely delivery.

By providing accurate and timely information, this request supports effective communication and decision-making throughout the transportation process.

Helps monitor the progress of the shipment in real-time

A Transportation Status Document refers to the current condition and progress of a shipment as it moves through the logistics and transportation process.

The document includes updates on key milestones such as: 

  • Departure
  • Transit
  • Arrival times
  • Delays - as well as any other issues encountered along the way


Monitoring the transportation status allows shippers, carriers and receivers to track the movement of goods in real-time, ensuring transparency, timely deliveries, and efficient management of the supply chain.

Helps to confirm quantity and condition of the items received

Receipt Advice is a document used in logistics and supply chain management to confirm the receipt of goods at their destination.

The document details the quantity and condition of the items received, often comparing them to the original order or shipment documentation.

  • This confirmation helps ensure
  • accuracy in deliveries, facilitates inventory management
  • serves as a record for both the sender and receiver

Receipt Advice enhances transparency and accountability in the supply chain, helping to resolve discrepancies and improve overall operational efficiency.

Adhering to laws, regulations and standards

Compliance in logistics involves adhering to laws, regulations and standards governing the transportation, storage and distribution of goods.

This document ensures that logistics operations meet legal requirements, such as:

  • Safety standards
  • Environmental regulations
  • Customs procedures

Compliance also encompasses following industry best practices and maintaining accurate records for auditing purposes.

  • Effective compliance management: 
  • Minimizes risks
  • Prevents legal issues


Promotes efficient and reliable logistics operationsm contributing to overall supply chain integrity and customer satisfaction.

Enables valid data on sustainable and ethical practices

ESG - Environmental, Social, and Governance - in logistics focuses on integrating sustainable and ethical practices into logistics operations.

Implementing ESG principles in logistics involves:

Reducing carbon footprints through:

  • Energy-efficient transportation
  • Utilizing renewable energy
  • Minimizing waste


Enhancing social sustainability, which emphasizes:

  • Fair labor practices
  • Community engagement
  • ensuring health and safety for workers

Governance, that pertains to:

  • Transparent and ethical business practices
  • regulatory compliance 
  • responsible supply chain management

Implementing ESG principles in logistics not only enhances corporate reputation but also drives long-term value, resilience, and sustainability in the supply chain.

Transparency and validated data is key to efficient ESG compliance.