Choosing an E-Invoicing Solution: 7 Essential Steps to Make the Best Choice in 2025

Selecting an e-invoicing solution in 2025 is a strategic decision. With mandatory e-invoicing approaching in Belgium (from January 2026), France (from September 2026) and other European countries, it’s essential to set the right direction now.
At Peppol.nu we see many companies feeling overwhelmed by the number of options. This guide takes you through the decision step by step—tailored to your situation, company size and future plans.
Why choosing the right e-invoicing solution matters
A poor fit has far-reaching consequences. It can cause unnecessary costs, operational frustration and compliance risks. Inefficient tools create duplicate work and missed automation opportunities that can cost thousands per year. Some choose the cheapest option and end up paying more through manual work.
A system without up-to-date compliance can also trigger penalties in countries where e-invoicing is already mandatory. Vendor lock-in is common too: switching later can be difficult or expensive. Finally, your solution must scale with your organisation—what works today might become a bottleneck in two years.
Step 1: Map your current invoicing process
Good decisions start with insight. Analyse how many invoices you send and receive each month, which invoice types you use, and in which countries you operate. Many companies skip this, but it’s the basis for a future-proof choice.
A small firm sending a few dozen invoices per month has different needs than a manufacturer working with hundreds of suppliers. Look at the full picture: outgoing and incoming invoices, frequency, types, and international scope.
A simple cloud solution with Peppol connectivity can be enough for a small web studio, while a mid-size IT business benefits from stronger API integrations and multi-country support.
Step 2: Identify the essential integrations
E-invoicing delivers value when it connects smoothly to your existing stack—accounting, ERP, CRM, and project tools.
The most critical link is with accounting. Check that invoices post automatically without manual entry. Ask how deep the integration goes: are invoices and statuses synchronised automatically or do you have to match data yourself?
If you use ERP (e.g., SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Odoo), your e-invoicing solution should communicate reliably with it. Service businesses often need CRM and project integrations so invoicing flows directly from ongoing work.
Payment processors such as Mollie or Stripe can further automate settlement. Distinguish between must-have and nice-to-have integrations to avoid paying for functionality you won’t use.
Step 3: Understand the standards and networks behind e-invoicing
E-invoicing isn’t just software—it relies on standards and networks that enable secure, interoperable exchange. For Dutch and Belgian businesses, Peppol is the key network.
Peppol enables secure electronic document exchange between companies and governments in 65+ countries. It has been mandatory for B2G invoicing across the EU since 2020 and forms the basis of the Belgian and French B2B mandates.
A solution without Peppol support is, by definition, not future-proof.
The European semantic model EN 16931 defines the invoice content; the technical formats UBL and CII carry the data.
If you operate in multiple countries, account for national specifics: France (PDPs/PPF), Italy (SDI), Greece (myDATA). Ask providers explicitly which standards and countries they support, whether they operate as a Peppol Access Point, and how they ship compliance updates.
Step 4: Compare the types of e-invoicing solutions
Not all solutions are alike. You’ll typically choose among four categories, each with pros and cons.
1) Standalone invoicing software
Tools like Moneybird, InformerOnline or Factuursturen.nl suit small businesses with low volumes. They’re easy and affordable, but integrations and Peppol depth can be limited.
2) Accounting suites with built-in e-invoicing
If you already use Exact Online, AFAS or Twinfield, embedding e-invoicing within that suite is logical. You get tight linkage to bookkeeping, though flexibility varies and Peppol features aren’t always standard.
3) Dedicated Peppol Service Providers
Vendors such as Storecove, Basware or Pagero specialise in connectivity and international compliance. Expect strong APIs and multi-country support, with integration work into your existing stack.
4) Enterprise platforms
Large organisations sometimes choose SAP or Tradeshift for full procure-to-pay and global compliance. Powerful, but heavier in cost and implementation effort.
Rule of thumb:
Up to ~50 invoices/month → simple or accounting-native solutions.
50–200 invoices/month → prioritise integrations and Peppol.
200+ or international complexity → consider a dedicated provider or enterprise platform.
Step 5: Look beyond price—calculate total cost and value
Many focus on the monthly fee, but Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) tells the real story. Include setup, integration/API work, per-invoice fees, support tiers and internal time. Some providers charge per sent/received invoice, which adds up at scale.
Also calculate savings: reduced manual processing, fewer errors, faster payments. If your team spends 20 hours/month on manual processing and automation saves 15 hours, at €35/hour that’s ~€6,000 per year.
E-invoicing can feel expensive due to a psychological effect: improvements quickly become the new normal while the monthly charge stays visible. Document your current baseline and compare again after six months to keep the gains tangible.
Step 6: Test usability and support
Tech and price matter, but day-to-day experience determines success. Always request a demo. Use your scenarios, test how intuitive the UI is, ask how errors are corrected, how quickly you can go live, and whether a sandbox is available.
Evaluate support quality: channels (phone/chat), response times, language coverage, and understanding of local rules. Proactive regulatory updates and a solid knowledge base or webinars are good signs.
A simple test is the “first invoice challenge”: how long does it take to send your first e-invoice? If it’s smooth, you’re likely in good hands.
Step 7: Verify compliance and future-readiness
E-invoicing evolves quickly. The VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package introduces EU-wide e-invoicing for intra-EU transactions from 2030. Verify that your provider meets Dutch and EU requirements (EN 16931, Peppol BIS Billing 3.0, GDPR).
Ask how they handle future changes: are updates automatic and included? How flexibly can the system adapt?
Also check vendor stability: years in business, compliance update track record, and certifications (e.g., ISO 27001 or SOC 2). Reliable providers invest continuously in security, regulation and customer success.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Rushing decisions leads to trouble: choosing on price alone, overlooking integrations, ignoring Peppol, skipping demos, or underestimating support.
The remedy is straightforward: compare at least three options, verify integrations, always run a demo, and assess support as rigorously as features and price.
How Peppol.nu helps you choose an e-invoicing solution
Peppol.nu helps Dutch and Belgian companies make sense of the market.
Use our comparison tool to filter suppliers by price range, company size, required integrations, compliance needs and solution type—instantly creating a shortlist that fits your situation.
Prefer personal advice? We offer a free orientation call to analyse your current setup, discuss requirements and provide concrete recommendations. If you wish, we’ll also help request quotes from multiple providers. You can schedule a call via our contact form.
In short: how to choose the best e-invoicing solution
Choosing the right e-invoicing solution doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By mapping volumes, integrations and compliance needs, comparing categories, and testing both price and usability, you’ll make a well-founded choice that lasts.
Start today with step 1: analyse your current process and determine what you really need.
With mandates approaching in 2026 and 2027, now is the time to act—before deadlines force your hand.
Visit Peppol.nu for more information, the supplier comparison tool, and practical resources to get started.
Frequently asked questions about choosing an e-invoicing solution
How long does implementation take?
It depends on size and complexity. Simple cloud tools can be operational within a day; enterprise systems may take months. On average, companies supported by Solventis.nl or Peppol.now go live within two to six weeks.
Should I choose Peppol now?
Yes. Peppol is the European backbone for e-invoicing. Choosing a Peppol-enabled solution prepares you for future obligations and cross-border trade. On Peppol.now you can compare Peppol providers and see which fit your company.
What if my current accounting system has limited e-invoicing features?
Either switch to a suite with stronger e-invoicing or connect a dedicated Peppol provider to your current system. Consultants from Solventis.nl design hybrid setups where existing accounting software connects to the Peppol network via APIs.
Are there free solutions?
Some free or very low-cost tools exist, but they typically lack Peppol connectivity or multi-country compliance. Peppol.nu’s comparison page shows which suppliers offer reliable entry-level plans that still meet EU standards.
Why does e-invoicing feel expensive if it saves money?
Time savings quickly become the “new normal,” while the monthly fee stays visible. Document your pre-implementation effort and recheck after six months. Solventis.nl can help quantify savings and ROI within a structured Peppol adoption plan.
How do I know if a provider is reliable?
Check whether they are a certified Peppol Access Point and hold ISO 27001 or SOC 2. Reviews and case studies on Peppol.now highlight vendors with proven compliance and continuity.
Can I switch to another provider later?
Yes—but the process is currently more complex than many expect. Your Peppol ID (the unique address for receiving invoices via the Peppol network) is registered within your current provider’s system, so you depend on their cooperation for the technical handover. There is no standardised or legally mandated transfer procedure yet, so migration can take several days to weeks, and invoices may temporarily fail while the ID sits “between” providers.
Peppol.nu explains in detail why this happens, how vendor lock-in arises, and why a central, independent Peppol registry would fix it. If you want to switch now, Solventis.nl offers independent transition support between Peppol providers—coordinating the technical transfer and minimising downtime.
What happens if I’m late implementing e-invoicing?
You risk penalties, backlog and compliance issues. The teams behind Peppol.now and Solventis.nl help companies become compliant well before deadlines, including testing, integrations and staff training.
Sources
OpenPeppol – Internationale Peppol standaarden
Europese Commissie – e-Invoicing in Europa
Belgische e-facturatie verplichting uitgelegd
Franse Peppol Autoriteit aanstelling
EU VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) richtlijn
About Peppol.nu
Peppol.nu is the independent information platform on electronic invoicing and the Peppol network in the Netherlands. We help companies choose the right e-invoicing solution and provide objective comparisons of service providers. Our goal: make e-invoicing understandable and accessible for every business.












