Electronic invoicing systems must attempt to transfer business efficiencies through end to end automations that allow straight through processing and decrease costly errors and manual processes while developing productivity. Electronic invoicing systems must assure the integrity and authenticity of data while accommodating with legal constraints and permitting auditors to direct their inquiries unfettered by technical impediments. A typical electronic invoicing process are as follow 1.Prepare data The supplier prepares invoice data from online forms or directly from back end systems such as order handling or shipping. 2. Convert raw data The application specific invoice data created in step 1, which includes master data and any other information required for Tax processing, is converted to a transferable and standards based format such as XML. 3. Create invoice Data converted in step 2 is used to produce the invoice in a commonly agreed upon and legally compliant format. 4. Archive invoice As required by national law, the supplier must store the invoice in an archiving system for the required holding period. 5. Send invoice The invoice is either sent directly to the buyer via an electronic means such as e mail or deposited for collection by the buyer from a location such as a website via web services, an FTP site, or other means. This step often includes technical controls to verify receipt of the invoice. 6. Receive invoice The buyer takes charge of the invoice, performs a technical proof of characteristics (such as secure transmission, digital signatures, the presence of mandatory fields), and do syntax checks. Technically correct invoices are forwarded for formal verification, in which invoice content such as credentials, date, tax numbers, and product or service codes are checked. 6. Archive invoice As necessary by national law, the buyer must store the invoice in an archiving system for the required retention period. Verification details should be stored in addition to the invoice. 7. Extract data Invoice data such as part numbers, quantities, prices, Tax amounts, and total amount is extracted from the document. 8. Verify and process data Technically and formally accurate invoices are forwarded for reconciliation against related documentation such as contracts, supplier catalogues, and delivery and payment terms. Verified invoices will be further processed.
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