Guidelines for implementing electronic invoicing in small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to gain insights into and knowledge of the implementation of electronic invoicing in small and medium-sized enterprises. The aim is to find out what the challenges in implementing are, how to overcome the challenges and how to get started. For the author, the purpose of this research is to gain practical experience of how to conduct research and to compile theoretical knowledge about e-invoicing adoption in SMEs. The goal is also to gain a profound understanding of the impact this implementation can bring to a company.

The objective of this research is to help SMEs with the implementation of e-invoicing system, show them the different models of e-invoicing, illustrate the impacts it can bring to the company and present the pros and cons. By doing that, companies will be able to decide themselves whether it is a good choice to start implementing e-invoicing.

This study provides user guidelines for implementing e-invoicing in Finland. This research aims to help companies in Finland overcome the barriers when implementing e-invoicing.

The theoretical framework of this project was mainly created through desktop research. An empirical chapter is based on qualitative research with primary data from interviews and questionnaires with e-invoice providers.

The result of this research are guidelines that show what companies need to do before contacting an e-invoice service provider in order to build a better business case. The research shows how to select the right network provider and how to get the supply chain on board the business case.