"Navigating e-invoicing in Europe can feel complex, with many vendors offering solutions," says Mads Stenbye, Solution Director M3.

"New legislation is rolling out across Europe. Businesses need to understand what they truly need versus what is just marketing noise."

Together with strategic partners such as Logiq and TrueCommerce, Columbus have already implemented e-invoicing solutions for many of our M3 customers. We recommend preparing your strategy now to ensure a smooth transition to the new requirements.

"Regardless of whether you choose to manage e-invoicing within Infor M3 or through a third-party solution, we offer the expertise and tools to ensure compliance, efficiency, and future-readiness tailored to your needs," says Per Christian Karlsen, Senior Account Executive M3.

The e-invoicing landscape in the EU

E-invoicing is reshaping business operations across Europe. New regulations are driving the need for streamlined and automated processes. The EU is implementing a unified e-invoicing framework. At its core is the Peppol standard, which will be mandatory for all intra-EU B2B and B2G invoicing by 1 July 2030 under the ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) regulations.

Understanding Peppol: The standard for digital trade

Peppol (Pan-European Public Procurement OnLine) provides a structured format (EN-16931) for e-invoices. It also covers purchase orders and other trade documents. This ensures compliance and interoperability for cross-border organisations. Adopting Peppol enables automated distribution, greater efficiency through standardised processes, regulatory compliance, and global reach beyond the EU.

By using Peppol, businesses benefit from:

• Automated Distribution: Invoices and trade documents are automatically delivered to the right recipients in the correct format.
• Increased Efficiency: Standardised processes reduce manual effort and human error, speeding up payment cycles and improving cash flow.
• Regulatory Compliance: Peppol adoption ensures businesses meet both local and EU-wide requirements for electronic invoicing and VAT reporting.
• Global Reach: Peppol’s framework is used far beyond the EU, enabling secure e-invoicing with partners worldwide.

Navigating complex compliance requirements

One important question for businesses is how invoices are actually distributed across networks and to customers worldwide. Infor CloudSuite does not itself provide direct access to global trade networks. This is where EDI providers can add value.

“LSP handles connectivity to the Peppol network. The challenge is that there is no single model, there are several ways invoices can be sent," Mads Stenbye explains. 

"Most likely Infor will provide some of it. But EDI providers commonly offer more connections, more format variations, and more flexibility in how customers want to receive their invoices. Many countries do not use trade networks such as Peppol. They have their own specific solutions. This means separate connectivity for each country.”

This also ties to one of the key challenges businesses faces, which is managing Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC). Governments require real-time verification with tax authorities as part of the invoicing process.

"To do these checks, you need connectivity," says Stenbye. "A common version today is pre-clearance with the tax portal. You send the invoice, receive back a QR code, and this must be added before sharing the invoice with the customer. It verifies that the invoice is registered, which also supports later tax reporting. To achieve this, LSP sometimes uses third parties such as EDI brokers. In some countries, government-owned clearing houses also sit between the tax portals and EDI brokers, since only a few are allowed direct connections."

While LSP can handle some connectivity, the scale and specialisation of large EDI providers bring additional advantages.

"Infor is note close to the large EDI providers that focus entirely on formats and connectivity to tax and authority portals," says Stenbye. 

"This is complex, and the value these providers bring will only increase over time. For large and multi-market companies, that value is even higher."

The Nordic advantage

Nordic countries have been using digital invoicing for years. In Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, e-invoicing is often the default.

Local networks such as NEA (Sweden), TIEKE (Finland), and Nemhandel (Denmark) work alongside Peppol, ensuring coverage and regulatory compliance even where Peppol’s presence is lower. This experience gives Nordic companies a head start as Europe transitions to mandatory e-invoicing.

“The Nordics have long been at the forefront of digital invoicing. Platforms like Logiq Connect provide efficient, secure transfer of e-documents, allowing Nordic businesses to communicate seamlessly, regardless of format or destination,” Per Christian Karlsen emphasises.

Infor's approach to e-invoicing

At present, e-invoicing is one of the main topics in M3 Finance. Infor as a company has not yet made a clear decision, since several systems are involved, though local rules and requirements remain highly important.

“The original plan was for LSP to handle different formats for each country, with M3 sending basic invoice data. However, the method of data transmission lacks flexibility. Many countries now require additional information that cannot easily be added," Per Christian Karlsen observes.

As a result, M3 has started creating invoices that include all necessary data, using LSP mainly for document transmission.

"When it comes to e-invoice providers, I think they are very important for customers who want one reliable solution for creating and sending invoices to tax offices in different countries," he says, and continues:

“To be honest, we’re still discussing the best approach, as several groups are involved and not everyone agrees. Infor as a company and the M3 product team might end up choosing different paths.”

Strategic partnerships: The Columbus solution

While the move to e-invoicing brings immense benefits, it also introduces complexity. Diverse markets, evolving regulations, and varying technical requirements can be daunting, especially for organisations operating across multiple countries.

Columbus addresses these challenges by partnering with leading third-party solution providers such as Logiq and TrueCommerce. This approach delivers proven, scalable solutions tailored to complex business processes, particularly for Infor M3 customers.

Key strengths of Columbus’s approach include:

• Deep Industry Expertise: Years of collaboration with partners and customers ensure solutions are robust and aligned with real-world needs.
• Seamless Implementation: Established partnerships and integration experience minimise risk and disruption during the transition to e-invoicing.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Through Logiq, businesses gain access to Peppol as well as local and global networks, supporting all major formats and legal requirements.
• Future-Proof Compliance: Columbus solutions support Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC) models and will adapt to future EU and national mandates, including the changes outlined by ViDA.

The next step: Preparing your e-invoicing strategy

When establishing an E-Invoicing strategy, organisations must consider transaction volume, the countries they operate in, and the relevant legal and technical frameworks. Careful evaluation of these factors enables the selection of the right approach, balancing immediate needs with long-term flexibility as requirements continue to evolve.

“At Columbus, we have already assisted clients in selecting the most appropriate e-invoicing solutions, whether within Infor M3 or by choosing the right strategic partner,” according to Per Christian Karlsen.

“As independent trusted advisors, we deliver unbiased, valuable guidance and are fully equipped to take an active role in the implementation of e-invoicing systems, ensuring smooth transitions and optimal outcomes.”

The future of digital trade in Europe

With the EU's 2030 deadline approaching, and many countries moving faster, the transition to Peppol-based e-invoicing is now an immediate priority. Businesses that act early will not only ensure compliance but also get new efficiencies, improved data visibility, and greater competitiveness in a digital-first marketplace.

“By combining a robust standard like Peppol, early Nordic adoption, and the proven expertise of Columbus, Logiq, and TrueCommerce, your organisation is well-positioned for long-term success,” Per Christian Karlsen concludes.

The future of digital trade is here. Businesses must be ready for this change.

Five Key Questions 

1. When do you need to be compliant with E-Invoicing?

The EU mandates Peppol compliance by July 2030, but many countries require it much earlier. Germany started receiving in January 2025, Belgium and Poland require full compliance by 2026. 

2. What is Peppol and why is it important?

Peppol is both a technical standard (EN-16931 format) and a network of certified Access Points. It ensures automated distribution, regulatory compliance, and interoperability across borders for electronic invoices and trade documents. 

3. How do Nordic companies have an advantage?

Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland have used digital invoicing as the default for years, with local networks like NEA, TIEKE, and Nemhandel operating alongside Peppol. This experience gives them a head start in the European transition. 

4. What are Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC)?

CTC requires real-time validation with tax authorities during invoicing. Common examples include pre-clearance with tax portals that return QR codes to verify invoice registration, helping with tax reporting and fraud prevention. 

5. How can Columbus help with your e-Invoicing implementation?

Columbus acts as an independent trusted advisor, providing unbiased guidance on whether to manage e-invoicing within Infor M3 or through third-party solutions. They offer tailored expertise for compliance and efficiency, work with proven partners like Logiq and TrueCommerce, and provide seamless implementation with comprehensive coverage of Peppol and local networks. Columbus ensures future-proof compliance and takes active roles in system implementation for optimal outcomes.