E-Invoicing Integration: Connecting Your Accounting System

You already know Singapore is moving toward mandatory e-invoicing through the InvoiceNow initiative. The practical question is: how do you connect your existing accounting software to the Peppol network without ripping out your current system and starting over? The good news is that most modern accounting platforms already support Peppol integration — or can be connected through a certified access point with minimal configuration.

How Does E-Invoicing Integration Actually Work?

The Peppol e-invoicing network operates through certified access points — think of them as post offices for electronic invoices. Your accounting software connects to an access point, which handles the delivery of invoices to your trading partners' access points. The invoice is transmitted in a standardised XML format (Peppol BIS Billing 3.0), so both sender and receiver systems understand the data without manual mapping.

For SMEs, the integration typically happens in one of three ways: native support (your software connects directly to Peppol), a plugin or add-on (a third-party module bridges your software to an access point), or an API integration (custom-built for businesses with bespoke systems).

Which Accounting Platforms Support InvoiceNow Natively?

Several popular platforms used by Singapore SMEs already offer Peppol connectivity:

• Xero — native Peppol integration available in the Singapore edition. Enable it in settings, register your UEN, and start sending e-invoices directly from your invoice screen.
• QuickBooks Online — Peppol support via certified partner integrations. Invoices are converted to Peppol format and transmitted automatically when you click "send."
• MYOB — InvoiceNow integration is available through partner access points, with setup assistance provided by MYOB support.
• SAP Business One — supports Peppol through its document-exchange framework, suitable for larger SMEs with more complex invoicing needs.

If your software is not listed, check with your vendor — many are adding Peppol support as the Singapore mandate expands.

What If My Software Does Not Support Peppol?

You have two options. First, use a standalone Peppol access-point portal: upload your invoices (CSV, PDF, or manual entry) to the portal, which converts them to Peppol format and transmits them. This requires no changes to your accounting software but adds a manual step. Second, engage a developer to build an API integration between your system and a Peppol access point — this is the most seamless option for businesses with custom or legacy software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change how I create invoices internally?

No. You continue creating invoices in your existing system as you always have. The e-invoicing integration handles the conversion and transmission behind the scenes. The only change your team may notice is a new "Send via Peppol" button or an automatic transmission upon invoice approval.

What happens if my trading partner is not on InvoiceNow yet?

You can still send them invoices the traditional way (email, PDF) while also registering on InvoiceNow yourself. When they eventually join, your system will automatically route invoices through Peppol. Being ready before your partners means zero disruption when the switch happens.

Is there a cost to connect to the Peppol network?

Access-point fees vary. Some accounting platforms include basic Peppol connectivity at no extra charge. Standalone access points typically charge SGD 10 to SGD 50 per month for SME volumes. The cost is minimal compared to the time savings from eliminating manual invoice processing.