The Forum of Electronic Invoices Germany developed the "ZUGFeRD" format (Central User Guide of the Forum of Electronic Invoices Germany) in cooperation with associations, ministries and companies. This is an electronic invoice format. Version 1.0 was published for the first time on June 25, 2014.
The target group of ZUGFeRD are both large and medium-sized companies, as well as public administration, and small companies that issue a small number of invoices per year to a partner.
The format is freely accessible to both companies and public administration. It is offered at fair and appropriate conditions.
"The ZUGFeRD standard describes a document and data format for the exchange of electronic invoices. On the one hand, the invoices will have a visual representation of the invoice data via a PDF/A-3 compliant document. On the other hand, an invoice file in XML format is embedded in the PDF/A-3 document." (Quelle: Leitfaden FeRD)
The resulting advantages include, on the one hand, the simplified checking of invoices, both by human visual inspection and by machine checks. On the other hand, the format enables invoices to be exchanged quickly and conveniently between companies. This in turn leads to savings in the area of invoicing (elimination of material and postage costs) and in the area of accounting by optimizing and increasing the efficiency of processes.
eProcurement with ZUGFeRD
ZUGFeRD with PDF/A-3 as the carrier format offers many advantages, particularly in the area of eProcurement. This is another reason why it is used in the jb-x eBusiness suite (especially in the "eInvoice" module).
The jb-x software solution enables a simple and clear presentation of invoice information, as well as the efficient execution of automated processes in the background. It therefore ensures optimal use of the ZUGFeRD format in the module.
Other functions, such as setting approvals and procedures in the event of a price discrepancy, are also part of the module of the jb-x eBusiness Suite. Thanks to the clear and easy-to-use user interface, the jb-x eBusiness suite solution can be optimally integrated into daily business processes in order to enjoy all the advantages of the ZUGFeRD format in a simple and uncomplicated way.
More information on the ZUGFeRD standard: