Using the POR procedure (payment order with reference number), you can send billing output with preprinted payment documents to your customers. You prepare these documents with a participant number issued to you by the Swiss post office. This procedure is only used in Switzerland.

There are two types of POR procedures:

• The VPOR procedure

In this POR procedure, you apply to the Swiss post office for an individual participant number. You can then send bills with preprinted payment orders to your customers. A code containing your participant number is printed on these documents.

When a customer sends in payment with a payment order to the post office bank, the payment order is processed with an electronic reader which recognizes your bank as the payment recipient. The post office sends you a output informing you that payment has been made, and you post the incoming payment.

• The BPOR procedure

In this POR procedure, you apply directly to your private bank for its participant number. The bank grants you permission to use its number and assigns you an identification number for internal use. You can then send bills with preprinted payment orders to your customers. A code containing your bank's participant number along with your identification number is printed on these documents.

When a customer sends in payment with a payment order to the post office bank, the payment order is processed with an electronic reader which recognizes your bank as the payment recipient. The post office settles through your bank which recognizes your internal number and informs you that payment has been made so that you can post the incoming payment.

There are 8 different variable codes in the POR procedure. On some payment orders, the amount is not preprinted. In this case, variable numbers are indicated with a "*".

• Variant 1: POR - 5 digit participant number and 15 digit reference number

• Variant 2: POR - 9 digit participant number and 16 digit reference number

• Variant 3: POR - 9 digit participant number and 27 digit reference number

• Variant 4: BPOR - 9 digit participant number and 27 digit reference number

• Variant 5: POR* - 5 digit participant number and 15 digit reference number

• Variant 6: POR* - 9 digit participant number and 16 digit reference number

• Variant 7: POR* - 9 digit participant number and 27 digit reference number

• Variant 8: BPOR* - 9 digit participant number and 27 digit reference number