Norway announced a few days ago that from July 1, 2012, B2G e-invoicing will be compulsory in Norway, with the Norwegian Agency for Public Management and e-Government (Difi) responsible for the rollout.
This is another positive step for mass e-invoicing adoption, and follows in the footsteps of other governments, such as the Finnish Treasury. Other countries that have issued similar deadlines include Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Mexico, Italy, Singapore, Spain and Sweden. In addition many countries have set partial e-invoicing deadlines.
The Norwegian Government has recognised the value that e-invoicing can provide, not just in pure financial savings, but also in terms of time, and efficiency across the numerous suppliers the government has. This adoption signals that e-invoicing is here to stay, and it is surely only a matter of time before further governments and corporations roll out similar mandates.
Of course, it’s not only the government that will benefit from the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing. Suppliers will find that it will make a significant difference to their processes and transactions, and ensure that their interactions with customers will be smooth and pain-free. Above all government taking an active role in driving e-invoicing has make also the private sector to follow.
This networked effect gives suppliers and buyers the opportunity to connect to a wider set of their partners, which will only enhance their business and enhance future opportunities for growth and revenue generation.
The key for successful adoption will be for those from the government to support its suppliers with adoption and make sure they have the information and truly understand the benefits of e-invoicing for this to be a true success and lead to wider adoption of e-invoicing.
Bjørn Røsten, Basware
Editor on 
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E-invoicing makes business sense. It is the first step to true automation of your billing process and starting is easy. Had fun reading your article post. Thanks.