What is meant by e-Invoice?
The term "e-Invoice" (electronic invoice) refers to an invoice generated, transmitted, and received in a structured electronic format, enabling automatic and digital processing. An e-Invoice complies with specific legal requirements and standards (e.g., ZUGFeRD, XRechnung) and is often used as part of digital invoice management. It helps organizations reduce paper-based processes, lower costs, and improve efficiency.
Typical software functions in the area of "e-Invoice":
- Creation and Generation: Generating invoices in prescribed electronic formats (e.g., ZUGFeRD, XRechnung, UBL).
- Integration with ERP Systems: Seamless integration of e-Invoices into existing ERP or accounting software.
- Validation: Checking e-Invoices for compliance with legal and technical standards.
- Transmission: Sending e-Invoices via secure transmission methods, such as PEPPOL or encrypted email.
- Reception and Processing: Automated processing of incoming e-Invoices, including data extraction and booking.
- Archiving: Long-term, legally compliant storage of e-Invoices according to regulatory requirements.
- Workflows and Approval Processes: Automating approval workflows and invoice management.
- Reporting: Generating reports and analyses on invoice processing and payment history.
- Compliance Assurance: Ensuring adherence to international accounting standards and tax regulations.
Examples of "e-Invoice":
- An invoice generated and transmitted in ZUGFeRD 2.1 format.
- An XRechnung compliant with public sector requirements in Germany.
- An invoice in the UBL format (Universal Business Language), used internationally.
- An electronically transmitted and automatically processed invoice exchanged via the PEPPOL network.
- An e-Invoice document secured with a digital signature to ensure authenticity.
