e-invoicing: ZUGFeRD invoices in SAP

 

inPuncto supports the ZUGFeRD/XInvoice format and the FeRD initiative!

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What's ZUGFeRD?

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ZUGFeRD is a new file format for e-invoices that is based on PDF/A-3 and contains structured data in XML. The hybrid approach enables the PDF to be used as a “container” and present the invoice data in a fixed-layout PDF that is also machine-readable through the incorporated standardized XML format. Because the ZUGFeRD XML format is based on the international standard UN CEFACT, it can also be used outside of Germany.

Why should ZUGFeRD be used?

As a result of PDF/A standardization, the ZUGFeRD format is an open format usable by anyone independent of the manufacturer and allows voting without bilateral exchange of electronic invoices: A standardized accounting format for the exchange of electronic invoices between companies, enterprises and public administration is both faster and easier. Because the ZUGFeRD receipts always contains both PDF and XML encryption, the recipient can decide which format to process. The profile of the user dictates the behavior of the ZUGFeRD receipts.

1. ZUGFeRD Basic

The Basic Profile – simple calculation data (header and footer, reduced position data) are provided in a structured form, as they are required for booking and initiation of payments. Other account information is displayed in free text form.

2. ZUGFeRD Comfort

With the Comfort profile, more structured data can be forwarded to the recipient. This allows the receiver to automate the invoice processing more optimally, because the information that is necessary for processing is received in a structured form, respectively as a qualified text.

3. ZUGFeRD Extended

With the Extended profile, all data is displayed in both structured form and pre-defined text boxes. The receiver decides which of the extractable data is necessary for further processing as dictated by the user’s specific business needs/processes.  Furthermore, additional data that are not relevant to the invoice processing can be added as text.

ZUGFeRD 2.0* or Factur-X

The ZUGFeRD format also had to be adapted in the course of the e-Invoicing low and the associated European Norm EN 16931, which was defined as the new standard for electronic invoices in public administration. The result is ZUGFeRD 2.0 or “Factur-X” at the international level. Just like ZUGFeRD 1.0, ZUGFeRD 2.0 is also based on UN/CEFACT.

ZUGFeRD 2.0 or Factur-X is a package consisting of four parts:

  • Part 1: ZUGFeRD 2.0 Profile EN 16931 (standard)
  • Part 2: ZUGFeRD 2.0 Profile Extended
  • Part 3: ZUGFeRD 2.0 Profile Basic
  • Part 4: ZUGFeRD 2.0 Profile booking help

Part 1 (ZUGFeRD 2.0 profile EN 1693) is the direct successor of the ZUGFeRD 1.0 profile “Comfort” and corresponds exactly to the European standard. This means that invoices in the ZUGFeRD 2.0 profile EN 16931 can be received and processed by all European administrations in accordance with EU Directive 2014/55/EU. Part 2 (Profile Extended), Part 3 (Profile Basic) and Part 4 (Profile Booking Help) have been harmonised with the French Forum. Public administrations in France accept the profile EN 16931 as well as the other Factur-X profiles (Basic, Extended and Booking Help) if they are connected to the central e-invoicing Portal “Chorus” (the Public Sector e-invoicing hub).

*The current version of ZUGFeRD 2.2 was released on march 1, 2022.

ZUGFeRD 2.1.1 or Factur-X 1.0

In this new version of ZUGFeRD (from July 1st, 2020) another profile is made available, namely the XRechnung profile (only to be generated as an XML file), which also meets the specific requirements of the public administration in Germany. Thus it will be possible to send electronic invoices to the invoice recipients in the federal administration.

ZUGFeRD 2.2

The new release package contains the following documents:

  1. Unified specification in PDF for ZUGFeRD 2.2 / Factur-X 1.0.06
  2. Technical annex in English language
  3. Excel sheet with all code lists and codes used in EN16931
  4. Schema files for each profile
  5. Sample invoices for each profile
  6. Factur-X logos

(Source: Forum for Electronic Invoicing Germany FeRD)

Please contact us if you want to switch to ZUGFeRD 2.2, we are happy to support you!

How does ZUGFeRD function with inPuncto?

Users of our inbox-processing server biz²ScanServer can process ZUGFeRD  (incl. version 2.2) invoices via the inbox for electronic receipts and transfer them to the SAP system as usual, either automatically or manually.

The XML file is then analyzed and read out in accordance to the ZUGFeRD profile. Then, SAP initiates the workflow which is governed by our workflow tool biz²DocumentControl. Using the tool, you can have the PDF visualized, review the receipts, re-assign them, release them, etc.

Your benefits with the ZUGFeRD invoices as a Sender

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Efficient

  • The standardized format contributes to speed up the processes for the recipient, since ZUGFeRD invoices are processed and paid faster.
  • Improvement of your liquidity.
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Cost-reducing

  • Reducing/eliminating of high postage costs.
  • Reducing/eliminating of paper costs.
  • Saving time in obviating the need for processing paper receipts.

Benefits with the ZUGFeRD invoices as a Receiver

  • Fully automated and error-free filing of invoices.
  • Invoices can be found faster.
  • Speed up your processes through the automatic comparison with the order and automatic transfer of the invoice data.
  • Save paper and time whilst easily storing all of your receipts.
  • Easily comply with discount periods.
  • No time is wasted sending paper invoices.
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