Bizcuit brings POM platform within reach for SMEs

Having insight into outstanding invoices is an absolute must for good debtor management. That is why there is always a link between the POM platform and the accounting software of POM's customers. Linking an accounting package to the POM platform is — to say the least — quite a job. “Among other things, a script must be built that reads, interprets and imports the necessary files from the customer into our platform,” says Wouter. “If a customer doesn't employ developers to do that themselves, we can do that work for them. This is too expensive for an SME. But with Bizcuit's plug-and-play solution, that stumbling block disappears.”

Seamless

This plug-and-play solution is the Accounting Hub that Bizcuit built: a standard link to twenty online accounting systems that are commonly used by SMEs, such as Yuki, Exact Online and Minox. “Through an integration with this Accounting Hub, POM can offer a link to that online accounting software in its platform. Bizcuit maintains the link: we do all updates — in case of changes to both the accounting and POM software — and ensure that everything always works seamlessly.”

Few clicks

Linking to the online accounting software is super easy, say Hessel and Wouter. “Our solution is embedded in the POM environment,” explains Hessel. “If you work with the POM software and want to make the connection, simply press the 'I want to connect my accounting package' button in the platform. Then you choose your package, after which you will be guided through the steps to establish the connection with your accounting package. Once that's done, you'll see all outstanding items in your POM environment and you can get started with debtor management. Plug and play; it's done with just a few clicks.”

Working with an external accountant

Even if the bookkeeping is done by an external accountant, linking is easy, says Hessel. “Then you choose the option “Ask my accountant to connect an accounting package”. Then enter your accountant's email address and they will receive an email with instructions on how to set up the connection from their computer. Then, via the POM platform, you can automatically send reminders and reminders for the posts that are still open.”

Customization

Bizcuit's plug-and-play connection is not suitable for large companies, Wouter adds. “They don't work with online accounting packages and often have all kinds of additional needs and wishes. So customization is still needed there.”

Firm test

Recently, Bizcuit and POM connected the first customer to the new link: energy supplier NextEnergy. “They're really excited about how the solution works,” says Hessel. “NextEnergy has a lot of debtors, so it was immediately a tough test. But it all works beyond expectations. POM's new solution automatically retrieves outstanding invoices from Microsoft Business Central every day via Bizcuit's accounting link to send targeted payment reminders. After the first reminder, NextEnergy was immediately paid 25% of the expired invoices. What's also nice: NextEnergy is literally right across the street from us. When the link was established, our consultant simply crossed the street to help on the spot. That made this first pairing extra special.”

PSD2 link

The cooperation between POM and Bizcuit is also going well, according to Wouter and Hessel. “The implementation of the Accounting Hub in the POM platform went very well; it was completed in just a few weeks,” says Hessel. “Our teams switch directly with each other, via a chat channel in the Slack communication platform. It's like working with colleagues.”

POM and Bizcuit have therefore been partners for a long time. “We've had a working PSD2 connection via Bizcuit for years,” explains Wouter. “This is done via their Banking Hub. This automatically retrieves bank transactions so that we know whether someone has already paid or not. It also helps us to tailor payment arrangements, because, among other things, we can see the spending space and when the salary is paid.”

100 percent self-service

In the future, there is certainly room for even more cooperation, Wouter and Hessel see. “In any case, we first want to fully digitize the process of connecting the accounting programs,” says Wouter. “Now that requires someone from Bizcuit or POM. Our idea to make this a complete self-service process. Then we'll look further.”