Edi identifies, validates and processes electronic invoices directly within the travel and expense workflow.
E-Invoicing Is Becoming the Standard in Germany
Since 1 January 2025, companies in Germany must be able to receive e-invoices. From 1 January 2027, issuing e-invoices will become mandatory for companies with annual turnover exceeding €800,000 in the previous year. From 1 January 2028, the requirement will generally apply to all domestic B2B transactions unless an exception applies.
Important: a simple PDF is not an e-invoice. What matters is a structured, machine-readable format that can be processed electronically.
Recognise Formats. Validate Rules. Understand Results.
Edi distinguishes traditional receipts from genuine e-invoices and selects the appropriate processing path.
Automatically Recognise Formats
XRechnung, ZUGFeRD / Factur-X, CII and UBL-based XML invoices, as well as hybrid invoices with embedded XML.
Multi-Level Invoice Validation
Technical schemas, EN 16931 business rules, as well as national and profile-specific requirements are validated separately.
Display Errors Transparently
Instead of simply showing “valid” or “invalid”, Edi displays the rule, affected field and severity level as an error, warning or information message.
Technically Valid Does Not Necessarily Mean Tax-Compliant
Edi combines invoice validation with checks of tax-relevant information.
Technical and Semantic Validation
Edi validates XML structures, data types, mandatory fields and logical dependencies. For XRechnung and ZUGFeRD, profile-specific and format-specific rules are also taken into account.
Tax Compliance Checks
Additional checks can cover mandatory information under Section 14(4) German VAT Act (UStG), invoice and service dates, tax amounts, tax rates, tax exemptions, reverse charge requirements and mathematical consistency.
Four Checks That Make the Difference in Daily Operations
Edi does more than validate formats. We also consider exceptions, plausibility and the complete process flow.
Handle Exceptions Correctly
B2B or B2C context, invoice value and transitional provisions are taken into account during validation. Low-value invoices up to €250 are recognised as a potential statutory exception.
Verify Supplier Identity
Name, address, tax number or VAT ID, and recipient information are compared against existing master data. Unusual discrepancies are made visible.
Detect Duplicates Early
Edi compares multiple invoice attributes, including supplier, invoice number, date and amount. This helps flag potential duplicate payments before approval.
Fully Document the Audit Trail
The original document, structured XML data, receipt timestamp, hash, validation result, rule-set version, approvals, and expense and posting references create a transparent and traceable audit trail.
From XML File to Posting
Structured invoice data can be reused directly. Edi captures the supplier, invoice number, date, line items, amounts, taxes, currency and service description, and links them with the trip, card transaction, expense, approval and accounting entry.
For hybrid invoices, XML and PDF can be viewed side by side. Original documents, validation results, warnings, approvals and ERP references remain fully traceable throughout the audit trail.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Invoicing
An e-invoice is issued, transmitted and received in a structured electronic format. The format must enable electronic processing. A simple PDF does not qualify as an e-invoice.
Edi is designed for XRechnung, ZUGFeRD / Factur-X, CII and UBL-based XML invoices, as well as hybrid formats with embedded XML. Traditional PDF, image-based and paper receipts continue to follow the existing receipt-processing workflow.
Edi can validate the technical structure, EN 16931 rules, profile-specific and format-specific requirements, as well as tax-relevant information. In addition, potential exceptions, supplier identity, duplicates and the audit trail are taken into account.
For hybrid formats, the structured invoice component takes precedence. Edi can compare XML and PDF content and make any discrepancies visible.
Following validation and approval, Edi can provide posting data, structured invoice data, the original XML file, validation results and additional audit information for downstream systems.
Download the Edi app
The Edi app is available as a free download and turns your smartphone into an expenses accountant.
