Bunnings adopted Peppol eInvoicing as it faced mounting requests for varied system integrations. The company saw Peppol as a way to:
- streamline invoice delivery across a broad network
- replace ad hoc solutions with open, flexible infrastructure.
Two key goals drove Bunnings' move to eInvoicing:
- Customer satisfaction – simplify and improve the invoicing process for Bunnings’ commercial customers.
- Scalability – avoid the difficulty of maintaining multiple bespoke systems by adopting a widely accepted platform.
eInvoicing became 'just another invoice flow', offered to customers that preferred it, without disrupting those using email or PDFs.
Implementation strategy
To manage the rollout and generate Peppol-compliant files without overburdening internal IT teams, Bunnings:
- used an existing data flow
- worked with a third-party partner.
By using familiar systems and channels, Bunnings avoided reinventing the wheel and reduced both cost and complexity.
The change management approach focused on simplicity: once a customer activated Peppol in their accounting software, Bunnings began sending eInvoices automatically. No more consent or configuration required. This frictionless setup drove uptake.
Access point and timeframe
Bunnings’ external partner managed Peppol access point selection, further easing internal workload.
From project initiation to go-live took 8 months. According to Bunnings, the cost was 'remarkably cheap, nowhere near that of a typical ERP upgrade'.
Benefits realised
The results have been impressive:
- High reliability – fewer failures and delays compared to PDF and email delivery.
- Lower admin burden – no missed invoices or server issues.
- Customer satisfaction – some customers requested PDF invoices be turned off entirely.
By sending invoices directly to customers’ accounting systems, Peppol:
- reduced friction in payment cycles
- boosted accuracy.
Impact on small businesses
For small businesses, eInvoicing was refreshingly simple. Bunnings’ hands-off setup meant that once customers opted in through their accounting system, invoices began arriving automatically. This plug-and-play approach won praise for its ease of use.
What’s next?
Bunnings wants to expand its eInvoicing footprint by:
- bringing more customers and suppliers onto the network
- exploring opportunities to exchange other documents like purchase orders.
The aim is to build a connected, scalable invoicing ecosystem that benefits everyone.
Advice to others
For businesses just starting out, Bunnings recommends treating eInvoicing as a natural evolution, not a radical change. With the right support, it can be implemented affordably and effectively. And best of all, the benefits are clear from the start.