B2B buyers call for standard E-invoicing amid ERP gaps

A Censuswide survey of 550 B2B buyers in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Australia, conducted for payment platform TreviPay and published in May 2026, found persistent friction across the order-to-cash cycle. Respondents reported high rates of incorrect invoices, limited ERP links and slow approval workflows.

Thirty percent of buyers reported incorrect invoices, 31% said ERP integration is limited, 31% flagged inconsistent invoice formats and 34% cited delays in approval. TreviPay reported that many order-to-cash processes run across multiple systems and teams; while some steps may be automated, the overall process often requires manual fixes when data and workflows do not align.

The survey found differences by company size. Large organizations placed greater emphasis on ERP integration, purchase controls and governance. Mid-sized firms prioritized flexibility and speed in payments and invoicing.

The poll also examined use of artificial intelligence in finance. Firms with 500 or more employees were more likely to use AI to streamline processes and reduce manual tasks (20%) compared with 9% of companies with 100 to 200 staff. Nearly all respondents expressed concerns about a lack of internal AI expertise and about meeting regulatory requirements. TreviPay noted a gap between tactical AI use and strategic, organization-wide integration across the order-to-cash cycle.

In 2025 the UK government announced it will require e-invoicing for all VAT invoices from 2029. Responses to the government consultation stressed the need for standardized invoice formats to ensure interoperability and reduce administrative burdens across borders. The consultation referenced international frameworks including Peppol, which provides technical specifications and a common messaging standard for electronic business documents.

Manufacturers operating in multiple countries said a single, agreed format would simplify their systems. Alex Harris, parts sales manager at DAF Trucks, told TreviPay’s research team the company is waiting for UK authorities to confirm the format before updating its systems. He noted the Netherlands has adopted Peppol and said matching formats could make it possible to run one e-invoicing system for both markets.

DAF uses TreviPay for centralized billing. Harris added that the arrangement gives larger customers a single credit line and flexible invoicing nationwide when vehicles are serviced.