Since September 1, 2026, electronic invoicing is no longer a distant prospect for French companies: all must now be able to receive electronic invoices, and large companies such as mid-sized companies must already issue them. SMEs and microenterprises will follow in September 2027. To pass this milestone, you must go through an approved platform (PA, formerly called PDP), that is to say an operator registered by the tax administration. The choice is not trivial, because this tool will become the heart of the company’s invoice exchanges.
Before comparing the solutions, you have to ask yourself what use you will have of them on a daily basis. A craftsman who issues around ten invoices per month does not have the same needs as an SME which manages several hundred suppliers. For independents and small structures who want simple handling, it may be useful to discover Tiimea solution designed to link invoicing, banking and accounting in the same interface. But it’s just one option, and each platform has its strengths.
The criteria that really matter
Before looking at the names, it is better to establish an analysis grid. The following points allow you to compare offers that, on paper, look very similar:
- Official registration : only a platform that appears on the list published by the DGFiP can transmit electronic invoices and invoicing data to the administration. This is the first thing to check.
- Supported formats : Factur-X, UBL and CII are the three formats of the base. A good platform knows how to read them and produce them without manipulation on your part.
- Integration with your tools : accounting software, ERP, cash register tool, bank. The less re-entry, the fewer errors.
- Managing e-reporting : transactions with individuals or internationally must also be declared. Not all tools treat this aspect with the same finesse.
- The pricing model : fixed subscription, invoice price or offer included in existing software. Differences can be significant depending on volume.
Overview of the main solutions
All-in-one platforms for small businesses and independents
Tiime is primarily aimed at small businesses and the accounting firms that support them. Its advantage lies in centralization: invoicing, bank reconciliation and pre-accounting are in the same place. A free version allows you to familiarize yourself with the tool before committing.
Pennylane has established itself in the same segment, with an approach more oriented towards collaboration between the manager and his accountant. The tool is complete, but its functional richness may seem excessive for a very small volume.
Historical management software publishers
Wise And Cegid have upgraded their suites to integrate an approved platform. For a company that already uses their software, this is often the most natural route: data flows without additional connectors. On the other hand, these offers are rarely the most economical for a structure starting from scratch.
Specialists in dematerialization
Actors like Docoon, Generix Or Esker come from the world of document exchange between companies. They are particularly suited to large volumes and complex organizations (several entities, numerous suppliers, international flows). Their implementation generally requires more support.
How to decide?
The best platform is the one that fits into your current operations without disrupting it. Three situations often come up:
- You are independent or run a small business : choose a simple, affordable solution that also covers current accounting.
- You already use management software : First ask your current publisher, who may already offer an integrated approved platform.
- You manage large volumes or several companies : turn to a specialist capable of processing high flows and interfacing with an ERP.
In all cases, it is prudent to test the tool on a few real invoices before generalizing, and to check its presence on the official list available on impots.gouv.fr. Your accountant also remains a valuable contact: he knows which platforms really facilitate his work, and therefore yours.
