Streamlining B2B Document Exchange in North America

By: Alisa Konchenko, VP of Business Development at DocStudio
Editor: Nadiia Hretchak, Marketing Manager at DocStudio

The Digital Business Network Alliance: A Game-Changer in B2B Exchange
The DBNAlliance addresses persistent challenges in B2B document exchange, including varying regulations, inconsistent document formats, and limited platform connectivity. The DBNAlliance’s innovative framework simplifies document transmission through access points (service providers), ensuring secure and interoperable communication.

How It Works

The Exchange Framework
The DBNAlliance operates an electronic delivery network built on standardized technical policies. This network allows businesses to securely exchange key documents like e-invoices and remittance advice across industries and platforms. It resolves key issues like connectivity, standardization and delivery by easily linking  with other businesses, using a unified format for data and sending documents electronically, regardless of system or network.

By governing the framework, the DBNAlliance ensures interoperability and supports all payment methods (ACH, wire, card, and instant payments). Businesses can connect using only their partner’s ID (e.g., EIN, DUNS, or GLN), requiring minimal changes to existing systems.

Click on the video below for a detailed overview of the Exchange Framework by the DBNAlliance Chairman of the Board of Directors Chris Welsh. In this webinar Chris Welsh explains the establishment and goals of the Digital Business Networks Alliance, focusing on creating a standardized, production-ready B2B e-invoice exchange framework for the North American market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob3d-59Wx7A&t=1s 

The Four-Corner Model
The network uses a four-corner model to enable secure document exchange:

  1. Supplier
  2. Supplier’s Access Point
  3. Buyer’s Access Point
  4. Buyer

Documents flow through these access points, supporting structured formats (OASIS UBL 2.3), attachments, and e-signatures. Standard protocols (AS4) ensure consistent and secure communication.

Process Flow

  1. The supplier sends invoice details to their access provider.
  2. The supplier’s access point securely connects to the buyer’s access point using the Exchange Framework.
  3. The invoice is delivered to the buyer’s access point.
  4. The buyer receives the invoice for approval and payment.

Watch the video below to learn how e-invoices and other B2B documents can be exchanged using DocStudio through the DBNAlliance network.

DBNAlliance Network: e-Invoice Exchange

After its initial success, the DBNAlliance plans to expand its electronic exchange to include other business documents, further enhancing B2B payments and supply chain management.

DocStudio’s Role in the DBNAlliance
Since 2022, DocStudio has actively shaped the U.S. e-invoice market through initiatives like the e-Invoice Exchange Market Pilot, led by the Business Payments Coalition (BPC) and the Federal Reserve. As a trusted DBNAlliance access point, DocStudio has advanced document exchange standards.

On April 4, 2024, DocStudio completed its first e-invoice exchange with Storecove, leveraging AS/4 protocols, SML, and SMP technologies. Businesses can now connect with any counterparty using standardized partner IDs such as EIN, DUNS, or GLN.

Learn more about DocStudio’s role in the alliance following the link below:

https://www.docstudio.com/blog-card/dbnalliance-streamlining-b2b-document-exchange-in-north-america. 

Benefits of the DBNAlliance Framework

For All Stakeholders

  • Easy Adoption: Integrates smoothly with existing systems and workflows.
  • Standards-Based: Relies on open, non-proprietary standards for universal compatibility.
  • Industry Agnostic: Supports a variety of sectors and electronic payment methods.
  • Non-Disruptive: Works seamlessly within current AP and AR processes.

For Buyers

  • Streamlined Document Exchange: Enables supply chain-wide electronic document submission.
  • Increased Efficiency: Reduces errors and accelerates processing times.

For Suppliers

  • Simplified Operations: Streamlines invoice-to-cash processes, reducing manual interventions.
  • Interoperability: Connects effortlessly with multiple access points.

For Access Point Service Providers

  • Simplified Connections: Streamlines onboarding for buyers and suppliers.
  • Market Expansion: Enhances supply chain engagement and creates new revenue opportunities.

Shaping the Future of B2B Document Exchange
The Digital Business Network Alliance (DBNAlliance) facilitates secure and efficient delivery of electronic business documents while addressing key challenges in B2B document exchange. Its innovative framework streamlines document transmission, ensuring both secure and interoperable communication.

Contact the DocStudio team at hello@docstudio.com or visit the DBNAlliance website https://dbnalliance.org/ to learn more about how the DBNAlliance can benefit your organization.