Central Billing Explained

Step 1

You order your goods in the normal way and the suppliers deliver it to you.

Step 2

The supplier sends the invoices to you. You match the invoices against the delivery notes and make a record of any items on the invoices that you wish to dispute.

Step 3

You notify the supplier of any dispute and let C.E.L know as soon as possible. As long as C.E.L get that information within the first three weeks of the month they can ensure that disputed invoices are not paid.

Step 4

Suppliers will send C.E.L invoices/credit notes electronically through a system called Electronic Data Interchange (E.D.I). However there may be some invoices where this has not been possible. If so they will be clearly identified on the monthly statement as invoice not processed.

Step 5

When C.E.L receive the invoices/credit notes they enter all the information into their computer system. (On brewery invoices it enables them to check you have been charged correctly and where necessary obtain credits for you.)

Step 6

At the end of each month suppliers send all statements to C.E.L. They reconcile these against your invoices and send you a consolidated statement for all your suppliers. This will include a summary of what you owe for that month and give you a final opportunity to clarify any discrepancies.

Step 7

All payments through the scheme are by Direct Debit only. C.E.L direct debit your bank account for the total owed 3-5 days after receipt of your statement. They will debit your account as late as they possibly can whilst ensuring that they are able to pay your suppliers on time. The date of the direct debit will be clearly indicated on your monthly statement.

Step 8

Two days after the money has been taken from your account, C.E.L. will pay the suppliers.
                         
This completes the monthly cycle.