Peppol  and Gena: Transforming Global B2B Document Exchange 

Exciting news for businesses involved in global trade, the Global Exchange Network Association (GENA) and OpenPeppol have announced an important new partnership aimed at enhancing B2B functionality within the Peppol network. This collaboration is set to simplify the global exchange of business documents, boosting efficiency and streamlining processes for companies worldwide. 

A New Chapter in Global B2B Document Exchange 

The partnership aims to make it easier for businesses to exchange documents on a global scale. As part of this initiative, GENA members will gain access to a separate infrastructure that mirrors the Peppol network but offers more flexibility. GENA members will be able to choose the document formats and types they wish to exchange, freeing them from some of the restrictions imposed by Peppol. 

Although GENA’s network operates independently, its members can still benefit from Peppol’s existing infrastructure. A single connection to the Peppol network will enable businesses to send documents to all recipients within the system, making document exchange much easier to manage. 

Broader Document Compatibility 

Unlike Peppol, which has specific requirements for document formats, the GENA network offers greater flexibility. Businesses on the GENA network can exchange a wider range of document types, such as EDIFACT, Tradacoms, and ANSI X12, provided both parties agree. This wider compatibility opens up opportunities for companies to streamline their document handling and exchange processes. 

Supporting the Move Towards Global E-Invoicing 

This initiative reflects the global trend towards widespread use of electronic invoicing and digital reporting. By facilitating seamless B2B transactions, it aims to unlock the full value of automation in business processes. The project is currently in its trial phase, running until at least Q2 2025, when a decision will be made about its long-term future. 

How Can TrueCommerce Help? 

TrueCommerce, as a member of both GENA and Peppol, is perfectly placed to support companies looking to exchange documents through both networks via our platform. We ensure that document formats are properly converted and handled to meet the recipient’s requirements. By centralising all document exchange in one solution, we eliminate the need for multiple VANS agreements, simplifying and streamlining the process for our customers. 

What is GENA? 

The Global Exchange Network Association (GENA) is a global organisation that promotes the standardisation of electronic business document exchange. GENA is dedicated to creating an efficient and cohesive network for B2B transactions, supporting global trade and data integration. 

What is OpenPeppol? 

OpenPeppol is an international organisation that develops and promotes standards and frameworks for electronic data exchange, particularly in the B2B and public sectors. The organisation is responsible for the Peppol network (Pan-European Public Procurement Online), which is widely used across Europe.