With the reform of electronic invoicing in France, companies must rethink the way they issue, receive, and manage their invoices. In this context, the certification of Approved Platforms (PA) plays a key role in the electronic invoicing ecosystem.
If you are a digital services publisher, the issue of electronic billing management is probably a crucial challenge. Are you ready to offer your customers the services of a PA ? Why develop your own solution, with all that this entails in terms of resources, costs, and compliance, when you could adopt a white-label solution that is already certified and reliable? In this article, we will explore the advantages of such an approach and why it could be the best option for you.
What is an Approved Platform (AP)?
Before diving into the details, it is essential to understand what an PA is. In the context of electronic invoicing reform, a PA is a platform officially approved by the French government to transmit electronic invoices in a format that complies with legal requirements. These platforms ensure compliance with current standards, data security, and the tracking of invoice flows between companies and the tax authorities.
Approved Platforms (APs) offer a much wider range of features than the Public Invoicing Portal, thereby significantly improving business efficiency. A new-generation AP, often referred to as "AP 2.0," such as Docoon ¹, can offer advantages such as:
⇒ Receipt of electronic invoices from abroad. A PA 2.0, in addition to being connected to the French public directory, will be able to register companies on the international PEPPOL network. This would allow, as a traditional PA, the E-Reporting system to be automatically fed without manual intervention.
⇒ Invoice management for companies not subject to VAT in France. This includes sectors such as the liberal professions, associations, co-ownership syndicates, and holding companies. In addition, these platforms will be able to process other types of documents such as purchase orders and delivery notes, offering comprehensive document management.
⇒ The upcoming issuance of international invoices. PA 2.0 will soon be able to handle international invoicing in accordance with the European VIDA Directive ("VAT in the Digital Age"), which aims to strengthen the transition to electronic invoicing at the European and global levels.
The challenges for a digital services publisher in the face of electronic invoicing
As a digital services publisher, your core business is providing technological solutions to your customers. Managing billing flows may not be one of your priorities, but it has become essential with the reform. Creating an electronic billing solution from scratch may seem appealing, but the reality is quite different:
Regulatory complexity : Regulations surrounding electronic invoicing are changing rapidly. You will need to constantly monitor legislative changes and adapt your solution accordingly to remain compliant.
Data security : with the obligation to guarantee the confidentiality and security of the information exchanged in invoices, the cybersecurity challenges are considerable. The slightest breach could have serious consequences for your customers and for you. As such, the government imposes strict prerequisites on digital service companies drastic prerequisites to be PA-certified. Applicants must be ISO 27001 certified and therefore host their services on a sovereign cloud (SecNumCloud). ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized information security standard that guarantees that the company has implemented an sustainable information security management system and is committed to continuously improving it.
Development and maintenance costs : Developing an internal e-invoicing solution represents a considerable investment in terms of time, money, and expertise. And it doesn't stop at launch: regular updates will be necessary to keep pace with technological and regulatory developments.
In this context, opting for a white-label electronic invoicing solution approved by a PA may prove to be the ideal solution.
WHITE PAPER
Docoon Invoice: the approved white label/gray label electronic invoicing platform for publishers.
The guide to integrating a white-label or gray-label Approved Platform into your tools.
What is a white label solution?
A white label solution is a product or service developed by one company and offered to other companies to be resold under their own brand. In the context of electronic invoicing, this means that you, as a digital services publisher, can offer your customers an electronic invoicing solution integrated into your offering, without having to develop it yourself.
Your client sees a solution that is perfectly suited to their needs and your brand, but it is your PA-approved service provider who handles all technical and regulatory management. This allows you to add another string to your bow while minimizing risks and costs.
What are the advantages of a white-label electronic invoicing solution?
- Saving time and resources
The first advantage is undeniable: by choosing a white-label solution, you avoid having to invest in the development of complex technology. Your service provider has already done all the work for you. They have taken care of certification, compliance, and testing, allowing you to focus on your core business: creating value for your customers.
- Compliance without the hassle
Regulations surrounding electronic invoicing are complex and constantly changing. By using a PA-approved white label solution, you don't have to worry about compliance. Your provider ensures that its solution is always up to date with the latest standards, guaranteeing that you meet all legal requirements without any extra effort.
- Enhanced security
Data security is a priority in the digital world, and even more so when it comes to financial flows such as invoices. With a certified white-label solution, you benefit from the expertise and certifications of a specialized platform without having to develop your own cybersecurity tools. This significantly reduces the risk of security breaches and protects both your customers and your business.
- A turnkey service under your brand name
By integrating a white-label solution, you can offer your customers a seamless and personalized electronic billing service. The interface can be adapted to your graphic charter, thereby reinforcing your brand image and customer loyalty. From their perspective, you are the one offering the solution, which builds trust and satisfaction, while you benefit from the robust infrastructure of a PA.
White-label PA requires you to commit to resolving any issues that may arise, with support from your PA provider. Logically, you are your client's sole point of contact. At Docoon, clients who use our white-label electronic invoicing solution benefit from the same quality of service and support as those who use our direct PA solution.
- Increased profitability
Developing an in-house solution requires significant initial investment, plus maintenance and update costs. With a white-label solution, you can reduce these costs to a minimum while generating additional revenue. You can then offer this as an additional service to your customers, increasing your average basket size and profitability.
And from your customers' point of view?
They will appreciate having access to an "integrated" PA service offering with your range of solutions. You offer them simplicity and peace of mind, no need to use another provider they have never worked with before!
Obviously, by choosing a publisher that relies on white-label PA, the company benefits from an advanced electronic invoicing solution without having to develop or maintain its own infrastructure. This allows it to take advantage of the latest innovations without the costs associated with R&D.
Finally, with features such as international network integration (PEPPOL) and preparation for the VIDA Directive, companies that adopt this solution are ready for future regulatory changes, both in France and abroad.
A win-win partnership
As part of the electronic invoicing reform, more and more publishers are opting for a white-label solution. Not only does this allow you to stay focused on your core business, but it also gives you the opportunity to expand your service offering while minimizing risks and costs.
Your customer, meanwhile, benefits from a reliable, secure, and compliant solution under your brand. It's a win-win partnership that allows everyone to get the most out of the current digital transition.
Reduction in the scope of the Public Invoicing Portal (PPF): what impact will this have?
On October 15, the Ministry of Economy officially announced a decision that sparked a lot of reactions: a significant reduction in the scope of the PPF. This public platform, initially designed to issue, receive, and manage electronic invoices for businesses, will now focus solely on two functions: the business directory and the tax data hub for e-reporting. This announcement came as a surprise to stakeholders in the ecosystem, as it means that all companies will now have to turn to an Approved Platform (PA) to exchange their invoices and report VAT.
This development further reinforces the need for companies to rely on a PA, and this is where a white-label solution becomes a major strategic asset. Digital service providers that integrate a PA into their offering enable their customers to quickly and easily comply with new requirements, while benefiting from advanced services without having to manage the technical and regulatory complexity themselves.
Although the government has reaffirmed its support for this transition, companies must now prepare for their billing processes to be handled entirely by private operators. With 108 PA already approved, competition in this market should ensure a wide range of offerings tailored to businesses of all sizes.
For a digital services publisher, this transition represents a unique opportunity: to offer a white-label billing solution that complies with new regulations and is ready to meet the growing needs of businesses, while positioning itself as a key player in electronic invoice management.
So why waste time and energy developing an in-house solution when you can benefit from the expertise of an Approved Platform? Make the smart choice and give your business a boost with a white-label e-invoicing solution.
Please feel free to contact us. Several publishers recently approved by the DGFiP (French Public Finance Directorate) use Docoon Invoice, our PA solution solution. Why not you?
(1) Docoon, a leading publisher of digital trust and dematerialization solutions in France, is officially listed as one of the first Approved Platforms (PA) to be registered (number #0019).
