Business

Can Your POS System Connect with InvoiceNow? What Retailers in Singapore Should Know

If you’re a retailer in Singapore, you already know that keeping up with digital trends isn’t just a matter of convenience, it’s become a necessity. Between managing customer experiences, handling inventory, and dealing with sales records, efficiency is everything.

And that’s where InvoiceNow comes in. It is Singapore’s official e-invoicing framework that allows businesses to send and receive invoices instantly through a secure, standardised network—Peppol. It removes the need for manual invoicing, data entry errors, and messy paper trails.

But for retailers who rely on Point-of-Sale (POS) systems in Singapore, a common question is popping up:

Can my POS system connect with InvoiceNow, and should it? The short answer? It depends. Let’s explore why that connection matters and what options retailers have.

What Is InvoiceNow, Really?

InvoiceNow is about making business transactions smoother and more efficient. It allows companies to send structured e-invoices directly from one system to another, without needing to generate a PDF or type anything into email. This system-to-system invoicing reduces errors, shortens payment times, and improves compliance with Singapore’s digital and tax reporting guidelines.

Think of it as an upgrade to invoicing: no more chasing payments, no more lost invoices, and no more messy reconciliation.

How Does This Relate to POS Systems?

If you’re running a physical shop, a café, a boutique, or even a pop-up, you’re probably using a POS system to handle day-to-day sales, print receipts, and track inventory. But POS systems were primarily built for front-end transactions, not back-end administrative tasks like generating e-invoices.

That’s where things get interesting.

As Singapore accelerates digitalisation through initiatives like InvoiceNow, many retailers are realising their POS systems need to do more than just ring up sales. You may need them to connect to other digital tools, especially those used for invoicing and accounting.

So… Can Your POS System Connect to InvoiceNow?

There’s no universal answer—but here’s how to find out and what you can do about it.

Option 1: POS Systems with Native InvoiceNow Integration

Some modern POS providers like Million now include built-in support for InvoiceNow. These systems can generate and send structured e-invoices that comply with Peppol standards without relying on third-party platforms.

If you’re using one of these, you’re in luck:

  • Invoicing becomes a seamless part of the sales process
  • No extra software is needed
  • Everything syncs in real-time

However, not all POS systems offer this feature. If you’re unsure, check with your vendor or provider. They may already have plans to support InvoiceNow or offer an optional add-on.

Option 2: Connect Your POS to InvoiceNow-Ready Accounting Software

Let’s say your POS system doesn’t support InvoiceNow directly. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many POS systems integrate with accounting software that is InvoiceNow-ready.

Here’s how this works:

  1. Your POS logs the sale
  2. The sales data syncs with your accounting software
  3. The accounting software creates and sends the e-invoice through InvoiceNow

This approach allows you to maintain your current POS setup while still meeting e-invoicing requirements.

Option 3: Use Middleware or API Bridges

If your POS system doesn’t integrate easily with InvoiceNow or accounting software, a third-party plugin or custom API bridge might be your next option. Middleware platforms can:

  • Extract relevant data from your POS
  • Reformat it into a Peppol-compliant invoice
  • Send it through the InvoiceNow network

This is particularly useful for businesses with legacy POS systems that are too costly to replace outright. It’s also a good fit for companies that want a low-disruption upgrade path.

Why Bother with InvoiceNow Integration?

Retailers already juggle enough on their plates. But getting your systems to work with InvoiceNow is more than just another task on your digitalisation checklist. It’s a smart move for several reasons:

1. Speed Up Payments

E-invoices are delivered in real-time, reducing delays and helping you get paid faster.

2. Reduce Human Error

Manual invoicing increases the chance of typos, incorrect totals, or missed invoice numbers. InvoiceNow reduces that risk significantly.

3. Better Recordkeeping

Every transaction is digitally tracked and organised, making audits and GST submissions far easier.

4. Eligible for Government Grants

POS systems or accounting tools that support InvoiceNow may be eligible under the PSG (Productivity Solutions Grant) or SMEs Go Digital Programme, meaning you might get up to 50% funding for making the switch.

The 2026 InvoiceNow Deadline Is Coming

While InvoiceNow is optional today, that won’t always be the case. The Singapore government plans to make InvoiceNow the default invoicing method for B2G (business-to-government) transactions by 2026, and B2B adoption is rapidly growing too.

Retailers that adopt early will:

  • Have more time to test and adapt
  • Qualify for more grants
  • Be seen as reliable, forward-thinking vendors

Don’t wait until the last minute.

What Retailers Should Do Next

Here’s a simple checklist to help you decide how to proceed:

    • Check if your POS system supports InvoiceNow (or plans to)
  • See if it integrates with InvoiceNow-ready accounting tools
  • Explore middleware solutions if integration isn’t possible
  • Talk to your vendor about possible upgrades or grants
  • Apply for support under IMDA’s InvoiceNow Adoption programme

Even if you’re a small retailer, aligning with InvoiceNow can open the door to smoother operations and faster cash flow.

Final Thoughts

Singapore is serious about going digital—and if you’re a retailer, now’s the perfect time to future-proof your POS system. Whether you adopt a new InvoiceNow-enabled POS, link it to accounting software, or install a plugin, the key is to start exploring your options now.

With the right setup, your retail business will not only be compliant but also more efficient, faster, and future-ready.

Let invoicing work for you, not the other way around.

Related posts

Do You Have Access To The Best Manufacturers Of Thread Gauges And Thread Taps?

admin

Should I stick with the same asset classes or diversify my portfolio?

Ella Etienne

Restaurant POS System Features That Matter in 2021 

Emilie Collard