Addressing & Routing Systems
Understanding how eInvoicing networks identify participants and route documents to their destinations through unique identifiers, directory services, and intelligent routing mechanisms.
The Digital Postal System
Every participant in an eInvoicing network needs a unique address. Routing systems ensure invoices reach the correct destination reliably and efficiently.
Just as postal services use addresses to deliver mail, eInvoicing networks rely on standardized identifiers to route electronic documents. These addressing schemes must be globally unique, machine-readable, and linked to routing information that directs invoices through the appropriate channels.
Unique Identifiers
Each organization receives a distinct identifier that serves as their electronic address within the network.
Directory Services
Centralized or distributed directories link identifiers to technical endpoints for message delivery.
Smart Routing
Automated routing logic determines the optimal path for invoice delivery based on participant capabilities.
Common Addressing Schemes
GLN (Global Location Number)
Issuer: GS1
Format: 13 digits
Example: 5412345678908
Usage: Widely adopted in retail and supply chain, identifies both companies and specific locations
DUNS Number
Issuer: Dun & Bradstreet
Format: 9 digits
Example: 123456789
Usage: Business credit and supplier verification, common in procurement
Peppol ID
Issuer: National authorities
Format: Scheme:value (e.g., 0088:1234567890123)
Example: 9956:123456789 (Netherlands KvK)
Usage: Peppol network participant identification
VAT Number
Issuer: Tax authorities
Format: Country-specific
Example: NL123456789B01
Usage: EU VAT compliance, increasingly used for routing
SML & SMP: The Peppol Directory System
Service Metadata Locator (SML)
The SML is Peppol's central directory that maps participant identifiers to their Service Metadata Publishers. When an invoice needs to be sent, the sender's access point queries the SML to find which SMP hosts information about the recipient.
Service Metadata Publisher (SMP)
Each access point operates an SMP that publishes information about their participants: which document types they can receive, technical endpoints, certificates, and transport protocols. This distributed architecture ensures no single point of failure.
Routing Process
- Sender creates invoice for recipient with Peppol ID
- Sender's access point queries SML with recipient ID
- SML returns URL of recipient's SMP
- Sender's AP queries recipient's SMP for endpoint details
- Invoice is transmitted directly to recipient's AP using returned information
- Recipient's AP delivers invoice to final recipient
Directory & Routing in Other Networks
3-Corner BSP Networks
Directory: Centralized participant database managed by the platform
Routing: Platform routes all messages; participants only connect to platform
Lookup: Internal database queries, no external directory services
Traditional EDI
Directory: Bilateral agreements define partner identifiers
Routing: Direct connections or through VAN providers
Lookup: Manual partner configuration in EDI systems
Government Clearance Platforms
Directory: Tax authority maintains registered participant list
Routing: Through mandatory government platform
Lookup: National registry with tax ID as primary identifier
Addressing Best Practices
Identifier Selection
- Use network-mandated identifiers when joining specific networks
- Register for GLN if serving retail/supply chain customers
- Maintain consistent identifiers across all systems
- Document which identifiers are used in which contexts
Directory Management
- Keep SMP registrations current with accurate capabilities
- Update endpoint information when systems change
- Test directory lookups regularly
- Monitor for lookup failures and resolve promptly
Routing Configuration
- Configure fallback routing for failed primary paths
- Implement logging for all routing decisions
- Validate recipient addresses before transmission
- Handle routing errors gracefully with notifications
Need Help with Network Integration?
Proper addressing and routing configuration is critical for reliable invoice delivery. Our experts can guide you through identifier selection, directory setup, and routing optimization.
