ZUGFeRD (Zentraler User Guide des Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland) is a hybrid e-invoice format combining a human-readable PDF and a machine-readable XML file. It is used in Germany for both B2B and B2G transactions and is compliant with the European standard EN 16931. The latest version, ZUGFeRD 2.2, released in March 2022, aligns with the French Factur-X format and supports cross-border e-invoicing between Germany and France. SNI’s SAP ZUGFeRD solution enables electronic invoice exchange in both public and private sectors. It automatically generates both PDF and XML formats from SAP data and supports seamless integration with clients’ existing ERP systems, including SAP ECC, SAP S/4HANA, SAP R3, and SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). The solution is also ERP-independent and can integrate with any ERP system.

Features

• Hybrid Invoice Format: Generates invoices in both PDF (human-readable) and XML (machine-readable) formats.
• SAP Integration: Compatible with SAP ECC 4.7 and above, SAP R3, SAP S/4HANA, and SAP BTP.
• ERP-Independent Option: Also available as a standalone solution for non-SAP ERP systems.
• Automatic Data Extraction: Extracts invoice data from SAP and creates both formats without manual intervention.
• Transmission Options: Supports sending via email, de-mail, web services, FTP, SFTP, and other file-based technologies.
• Digital Signature Support: Compatible with XAdES and PAdES digital signature standards.
• No OCR Required: Inbound invoices are machine-readable, eliminating the need for optical character recognition.
• No SAP Script or Smartform Development Needed: Simplifies outbound invoice generation and transmission.
• Peppol Enabled: Supports sending invoices through the Peppol network.
• X-Rechnung Profile Support: Meets German public procurement requirements and national business rules.

Benefits

• Regulatory Compliance: Fully compliant with German and EU e-invoicing mandates, including EN 16931 and X-Rechnung.
• Cross-Border Compatibility: Supports invoice exchange between Germany and France using the Factur-X/ZUGFeRD 2.2 format.
• Operational Efficiency: Automates invoice creation and transmission, reducing manual workload and errors.
• Cost Savings: Eliminates the need for paper invoices and manual processing.
• Future-Proof: Ready for upcoming mandatory e-invoicing regulations in Germany starting January 1, 2025.
• Scalable and Flexible: Suitable for businesses of all sizes and adaptable to various ERP environments.
• Enhanced Security: Supports digital signatures for secure and verifiable document exchange.
• Improved Data Accessibility: Output data is always available in both PDF and XML formats for easy access and archiving.