January 1st, 2026. Mark that date because it’s the deadline for Belgian businesses to comply with mandatory B2B e-invoicing via Peppol.  If your business runs on SAP, the countdown has already started.

At Aiden, we understand that regulatory deadlines can feel overwhelming, especially when they involve critical systems like SAP. But here’s the good news: SAP Document and Reporting Compliance (DRC) integration doesn’t have to be complicated. In this post, we’ll break down what Belgian businesses need to know about connecting their SAP environment to the Peppol network how to get compliant before the clock runs out.

First you need to understand the Peppol 4-Corner Model

But what is Peppol?

Peppol (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) is a secure international network that enables the electronic exchange of business documents between companies. It applies exclusively to Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions; Business-to-Consumer (B2C) transactions are out of scope.

Think of Peppol as a standardized highway system for digital invoices. Instead of sending invoices through email or paper, they travel through a secure network that ensures every document is formatted correctly, delivered reliably, and tracked at every step.

The system works through four key players:

• Corner 1:Your business (the Supplier/Sender) using SAP: Your SAP system generates invoices as it always has. Nothing changes for your finance team’s daily workflow.
• Corner 2:Your Peppol Access Point (SML) think of it as your secure gateway to the network: This is your secure gateway to the Peppol network. Think of it as your private on-ramp to the highway it validates your documents and ensures they meet Peppol standards.
• Corner 3:Your trading partner’s Peppol Access Point (SMP): The secure gateway on the receiving end, validating and processing incoming documents.
• Corner 4:Your customer (the Buyer/Receiver) with their ERP system: Their ERP system receives the invoice automatically, properly formatted and ready for processing.

Edoc_cockpit explained: the bridge between SAP and Peppol

Notice “Edoc_Cockpit” in the diagram? This is the critical piecemost people overlook.

Edoc_Cockpit sits between your SAP business processes and external document networks like Peppol. It handles the heavy lifting: converting SAP invoices into Peppol BIS XML format, routing documents through the right channels, tracking status at every stage, and managing errors before they become problems.

Think of it as air traffic control for your invoices ensuring every document takes off, stays on course, and lands safely.

What the implementation actually involves

A properly planned Peppol DRC implementation requires careful execution across several key phases:

• Assessment and configuration we begin by evaluating your existing SAP landscape and configuring the Peppol Belgium DRC solution. This includes mapping your current invoicing workflows and identifying any customizations that may require adjustment.
• Edoc_cockpit setup this phase involves installing the framework notes and Belgium-specific notes within your SAP environment.
• Establish Peppol network connection a secure connection with the Peppol network must be established. We provide the necessary integration to ensure a working end-to-end solution between your SAP system and the Peppol infrastructure.
• Testing, training and validationthis is where thoroughness pays off. We provide comprehensive training to your team, followed by a structured testing matrix to validate the solution.
• Go-live and supportwe establish clear support procedures and execute a phased rollout with pilot customers before expanding to your full trading partner network.

The risk of waiting

Every day of delay limits your margin. Here’s what Belgian businesses face if they’re not compliant by January 1st:

• Legal penaltiesunder Belgian e-invoicing regulations
• Rejected invoicesthat won’t be processed by Peppol-compliant customers
• Emergency implementation coststhat are 2-3x higher than planned rollouts
• Strained relationshipswith customers who are already compliant

More concerning: if you wait until December, you’ll be competing for limited implementation resources during the holiday season. Most SAP integration specialists are already fully booked through year-end.

How Aiden helps: fast-track your compliance

At Aiden, we’ve built our practice around SAP e-invoicing integrations. We understand both the technical architecture and the regulatory landscape in Belgium.

What we bring to the table:

We work exclusively within each SAP environments so there’s no learning curve on your infrastructure. We handle everything: initial assessment, technical configuration, testing, team training, and ongoing support after go-live.

Most importantly, we understand Belgium’s specific implementation requirements and have relationships with certified Peppol Access Point providers serving the Belgian market.

The Aiden approach:

Starting with a comprehensive consultation, we map out your specific requirements and create a customized roadmap. From there, we move through configuration, testing, and validation ensuring nothing is missed. Finally, we provide thorough training and hands-on go-live support.

Get started with Aiden in 3 simple steps

1. Schedule a free consultationWe’ll assess your SAP environment and provide a customized roadmap
2. Review your timelineUnderstand the approach, investment, and what’s involved
3. Begin implementationOur team mobilizes immediately to ensure you’re ready

Take action today

The mandatory deadline of 1 January 2026 is approaching. Don’t let compliance become a crisis. Aiden can assess your current setup and guide you through the integration process. Contact s4.support.be@aiden.eu today to find out how we can help your business meet Belgium’s e-invoicing requirements.

Every day counts. Let’s get your SAP system ready for 2026.