How to become a Peppol Access Point

If you’re planning to adopt eInvoicing or eProcurement for your organisation, you’ll first need to connect to the Peppol network.

Although there are various national standards for eInvoicing, Peppol is the globally accepted standard, with many countries around the world establishing official Peppol authorities. 

Most organisations are indirectly connected to Peppol by using Peppol-ready software. However, organisations that wish to connect directly to the network can do so via a Peppol Access Point. 

This article covers the ins and outs of Peppol Access Points: what they are, who needs one and how to become one.

A Peppol Access Point is a communication node that handles the secure exchange of data, such as eInvoices, purchase orders, dispatch notifications, product catalogues and more, between your software and the Peppol network. 

There are many types of systems that benefit from being connected to Peppol, such as:

Once you connect to an Access Point or set up your own, you can send and receive electronic business documents with anyone on the Peppol network, regardless of their country, industry or their Access Point provider.

Keep in mind that if you intend to receive documents from the Peppol Network, you have to register your receivers in an address book called Service Metadata Publisher (SMP) or they will not be reachable. You can get access to an SMP service either through an existing Peppol Service Provider or operate one yourself.

To get connected to Peppol, you can either choose a software that is already connected to Peppol or you can have your own, dedicated connection via a Peppol Access Point.

If you choose the latter, you will need to be able to create Peppol compliant business documents that can be sent through your Access Point.

The main reason to have a Peppol Access Point is to be able to easily connect with other business entities that are already using the Peppol network. Having an Access Point of your own also provides greater flexibility and control. 

For example, if you work with other businesses or government organisations who have adopted Peppol eInvoicing, you need to be connected to the Peppol Network, either with a Peppol-ready software solution or your own Access Point, to be able to exchange invoices with them.

There are two main options for becoming a Peppol access point:

This is a popular option for businesses that want the credibility of being an Access Point but don’t want to go through the lengthy process of becoming accredited themselves. 

In short, it involves working with a Peppol Access Point hosting provider (such as Tickstar) to become listed as a certified Access Point provider on the OpenPeppol website. 

You get your own certificate through your membership in OpenPeppol, but the SMP and Access Point infrastructure, maintenance and hosting are all handled by the Access Point provider.

This option involves a technical and administrative accreditation process with your local Peppol authority, and is generally only suitable for big businesses with many eInvoice transactions or software providers looking to connect their software to the Peppol network.

There are several steps involved in becoming an Access Point yourself:

You can read more about becoming an Access Point yourself here.

In short, no. If you want to simply connect to the Peppol network without becoming an Access Point, you can use a Peppol provider’s existing access point instead or use a software that is Peppol-ready.

For example, the Tickstar Access Point is a fast, simple way to connect to the Peppol network. Once connected, you can seamlessly exchange business documents, such as eInvoices, with companies and government agencies all around the world.

Whether you want to get on the Peppol network quickly and easily or utilise existing infrastructure to become an access point, we can help. 

With Tickstar, you can either connect to the network via the Tickstar Access Point, or take advantage of Tickstar’s infrastructure to become listed as a certified Access Point provider.

Tickstar is the largest cloud Peppol Access Point provider in the world, and hosts approximately 20% of live access points on the Peppol network. 
Learn more about the Tickstar Access Point or contact us to discuss adopting eInvoicing for your business.