E-invoicing is the process of sending invoices in a structured, machine-readable XML format. Unlike PDFs, which are made for human readability, XML invoices can be validated automatically, processed by accounting software, and meet legal requirements in many countries.
By introducing e-invoicing, ABOSS makes it possible for you to generate invoices that are both professional in presentation (PDF) and fully compliant for automation (XML).
Table of Contents
1. What is e-invoicing
2. Why e-invoicing is becoming increasingly important
3. What has changed in ABOSS
4. What you can do as a user
1. What is e-invoicing
E-invoicing means sending invoices in a structured, machine-readable format — usually as an XML file. Instead of a visual-only PDF, the XML file contains fixed data fields such as amounts, VAT codes, client details, and product lines.
The benefit is that the receiving party can automatically process the invoice in accounting software or public portals, without manual entry or interpretation of text.
2. Why e-invoicing is becoming increasingly important
In many countries, e-invoicing is already mandatory, especially when invoicing governments or public institutions. In the business-to-business market, the demand is growing as well — because it reduces errors, speeds up processing, and minimizes disputes over invoice content.
Belgium and Germany, for example, require specific XML structures like Peppol BIS v3 and XRechnung. Without these formats, invoices may be rejected.
3. What has changed in ABOSS
To make e-invoicing possible, we’ve updated the foundation of how invoices are generated in ABOSS. Instead of relying solely on visual templates with formulas, invoice output is now tied to a structured data layer that supports XML export.
We currently support three XML formats:
Peppol BIS v3 (for Belgium)
XRechnung (for Germany)
Factur-X (for specific integrations)
The flexibility of custom templates remains, but it’s now compatible with both PDF and machine-readable output — so your invoice data can be used in both formats without duplication.
Two changes power e-invoicing in ABOSS: Entities provide the company details that appear on both the PDF and the XML. Calculations in templates ensure totals and VAT are built correctly for compliant XML while your PDF presentation remains unchanged.
4. What you can do as a user
If you want to use e-invoicing in ABOSS, your templates need to be converted to the new XML-compatible model. Your current templates remain available, and we will create new test templates based on the same formulas.
You can also set up entities in Office (such as multiple agencies or clients) and use them in your templates. This ensures your XML invoices contain the correct structured data.
We’ll assist you with converting your current setup and testing with your own data, so you can experience how XML export works and meet the requirements in your region.
Next article: Supported XML formats in ABOSS