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Glossary

Browse definitions and improve your knowledge.
A
Access Point (AP)

A certified service provider that connects users to the Peppol network, facilitating the secure and standardized exchange of electronic documents between trading partners.

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of protocols and tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. In e-invoicing, APIs enable seamless integration between invoicing systems and platforms.

AS2 (Applicability Statement 2)

A protocol used for securely transmitting structured business data over the internet, commonly employed in EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) processes.

AS4 (Applicability Statement 4)

A protocol designed for the secure and reliable exchange of business documents using web services, often utilized within the Peppol network.

B
BIS (Business Interoperability Specifications)

Standardized specifications developed by OpenPeppol to ensure consistent and interoperable electronic business document exchanges across different systems and countries.

C
CIUS (Core Invoice Usage Specification)

A set of rules and guidelines that define how the European standard on electronic invoicing (EN 16931) should be implemented in specific countries or sectors.

Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC)

A regulatory framework requiring real-time or near-real-time reporting of transactional data to tax authorities, aimed at enhancing tax compliance and reducing fraud.

E
E-Invoicing (Electronic Invoicing)

The process of sending and receiving invoices in a digital format, allowing for automated processing and improved efficiency over traditional paper-based methods.

EN 16931

A European standard that defines the semantic data model for electronic invoices, ensuring interoperability and compliance across EU member states.

F
Four-Corner Model

A communication model used in the Peppol network where the sender and receiver each connect to their respective Access Points, which then communicate with each other to exchange documents.

I
Interoperability

The ability of different systems, organizations, or applications to work together seamlessly, exchanging and interpreting shared data effectively.

ISO 27001

A globally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It outlines best practices for managing sensitive company and customer data, including risk management, incident response, and security controls. Certification demonstrates that an organization systematically protects data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

O
OpenPeppol

A non-profit international association that governs the Peppol network, developing and maintaining specifications for electronic procurement and invoicing.

P
Peppol

A secure, open network that enables Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) electronic document exchange. Peppol isn’t a portal or a single service — it’s a framework of standards and governance that allows any organization to send and receive business documents (such as invoices, orders, or shipping notices) through their chosen Peppol-accredited Service Provider, eliminating the limits of closed, proprietary networks.

Peppol Authority

A national or regional body authorized by OpenPeppol to oversee the implementation and compliance of Peppol specifications within their jurisdiction.

Peppol ID

A unique identifier assigned to organizations within the Peppol network, used to route electronic documents accurately to the intended recipient.

Peppol Participant

An entity, such as a business or government agency, registered within the Peppol network to send and receive electronic documents.

Peppol Service Provider

An organization certified by OpenPeppol to offer Peppol services, including Access Point and SMP functionalities, ensuring compliance with Peppol standards.

PKI

Public Key Infrastructure, is a framework of processes and technologies used to manage digital certificates that authenticate users, devices, and services, ensuring secure and trusted communication within the network

S
SML (Service Metadata Locator)

A central directory within the Peppol network that maintains references to all SMPs, enabling the discovery of participant metadata for document routing.

SMP (Service Metadata Publisher)

A decentralized registry that stores metadata about Peppol participants, including their capabilities and the types of documents they can receive, facilitating accurate document routing.

U
UBL (Universal Business Language)

An open library of standard XML-based business documents, such as invoices and purchase orders, designed to facilitate global electronic commerce.

V
VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA)

An initiative by the European Commission aimed at modernizing VAT reporting and compliance through digital tools and real-time data exchange.

X
XML (eXtensible Markup Language)

A flexible text format used to structure and store data, commonly employed in electronic business documents for its readability and compatibility across systems.