# Electronic invoice exchange with Seeburger and Asseco # Electronic invoicing ### with APplus and SEEBURGER [__ Request information](#infos) ## E-invoicing obligation 2025: what you need to know Since **1 January 2025**, **electronic invoicing** has been mandatory for companies in Germany – a significant step towards digitalization and efficiency. This means that invoices between companies must be **issued and transmitted** in a **structured, electronic format**. A simple PDF is no longer sufficient. Who is affected? Basically all companies that issue invoices to other companies. The changeover therefore affects a large proportion of German SMEs. But beware: the **requirements are clearly defined** and those who do not prepare in good time risk delays in the invoicing process or even legal consequences. Now is the ideal time to **adapt** your **processes** and make the most of the advantages of e-invoicing. **Automation**, **less administrative work** and **greater efficiency** are just some of the positive effects. Find out here how you can **implement** the new requirements **easily and in compliance with the law**. [Contact us now](#infos) ## What is the e-invoicing obligation? [![Electronic invoice exchange with ERP APplus](https://www.applus-erp.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/textbild-gross-erechnung-1-768x446.jpg)](https://www.applus-erp.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/textbild-gross-erechnung-1.jpg) The e-invoice obligation stipulates that invoices must be issued and transmitted in a **structured electronic format** in future. An **e-invoice** is not simply a digitized document like a PDF, but a file that is machine-readable and can be processed automatically. Formats such as [**XRechnung**](#xrechnung) or [**ZUGFeRD**](#zugferd)fulfill these requirements. The legal basis for this is **EU Directive 2014/55/EU**, which standardizes the digital exchange of invoices within Europe. Germany is now implementing this requirement comprehensively in order to make incoming and outgoing invoices more efficient, transparent and error-free. Companies must therefore adapt their systems to meet the new requirements. Would you like to delve deeper into the topic? Then read our **blog post “E-invoicing obligation – easily solved thanks to ERP”**. [To the blog post](https://www.applus-erp.de/wissen/prozessoptimierung/blog-e-rechnungspflicht-easy-geloest-dank-erp/) Challenge or opportunity? ## What you can expect with the e-invoicing obligation ### What you can look forward to Switching to e-invoices has numerous advantages: **Automation** saves time, as invoices are processed without manual effort. **Sources of error** such as typing errors or lost documents are **minimized**, which significantly reduces the burden on the accounting department. In addition, **digital workflows** enable efficient and seamless invoice processing, from creation to archiving. Another plus point: **using less paper** saves resources and reduces the environmental impact – a step towards sustainable business processes. ### You must pay attention to this The introduction of e-invoicing also brings challenges. Technical requirements such as the use of standardized formats (e.g. XRechnung, ZUGFeRD) require **existing systems** to be **adapted**. In addition, **integration into your processes** must be smooth in order to avoid delays and manual reworking. Another key issue is compliance **with legal requirements**– from correct archiving to data protection and security requirements. ## ZUGFeRD and X-bill explained simply ### ZUGFeRD [ZUGFeRD](https://www.applus-erp.de/es/wissen/glossar/corrientes-de-aire/) is a hybrid format and consists of a PDF file in which an XML file and any attachments are embedded. In the latest version 2.1.1, which was published on 01.07.2020, it is possible to create pure XML invoices. Put simply, ZUGFeRD can now also be used to create X-invoices – at least in the Cross Industry Invoice syntax from UN/CEFACT (CII). ### X-bill [X-invoices](https://www.applus-erp.de/es/wissen/glossar/xrechnung/) – at least in the syntax Cross Industry Invoice from UN/CEFACT (CII). X-invoice The X-invoice standard is a structured, machine-readable XML invoice in which up to 200 invoice-related attachments, but not an invoice image itself, may be embedded. Version 2.0.0, in the version dated 30.06.2020, is valid from 01.01.2021. [![Infographic compares ZUGFeRD and XRechnung formats for electronic invoices in the context of the e-invoicing obligation 2025.](https://www.applus-erp.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/zugferd-unterschied-xrechnung-glossar-infografik-768x384.jpg)](https://www.applus-erp.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/zugferd-unterschied-xrechnung-glossar-infografik.jpg) Electronic. Efficient. Done. ## APplus makes your invoice dispatch digital With **APplus**, companies are ideally prepared for the e-invoicing obligation. Thanks to the **e-invoicing service**, invoices can be created directly in APplus and processed seamlessly. They are transmitted to the SEEBURGER Cloud via the ASSECO SCS Cloud, where they are converted into the prescribed ZUGFeRD or XRechnung formats. The invoices are then returned to the creator and sent **to the recipient** by **email**. In future, the **SEEBURGER Peppol Access Point extension** will even make it possible to send invoices directly to the invoice recipient. ASSECO and SEEBURGER can look back on many years of successful partnership and together offer a comprehensive portfolio for electronic data exchange. With the **SEEBURGER e-invoice service for APplus customers**, we provide an exclusive solution that is specially tailored to the requirements of our users – efficient, secure and perfectly integrated. [![Electronic invoice exchange with ERP APplus](https://www.applus-erp.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/textbild-gross-erechnung-2-1.jpg)](https://www.applus-erp.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/textbild-gross-erechnung-2-1.jpg) [Would you like more information?](#infos) [![APplus - the ERP for SMEs](https://www.applus-erp.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/applus-newsletter-anmeldung.png)](https://app.livestorm.co/asseco-solutions/applus-e-invoicing-updates-und-trends?) [Webinar:](https://app.livestorm.co/asseco-solutions/applus-e-invoicing-updates-und-trends?) ## APplus E-Invoicing:Bytes instead of carrier pigeon**** Modernize your business communication – automated, fast and legally compliant. [View now](https://app.livestorm.co/asseco-solutions/applus-e-invoicing-updates-und-trends?) ### Electronic invoicing with APplus Paper chaos is a thing of the past! With APplus, you can send invoices quickly, securely and digitally – without any manual effort. How does it work? Our tutorial video shows you step by step how to make the most of electronic invoicing. **Take a look now and save time in the future!** ## Further solutions for electronic data exchange SEEBURGER BIS gives your company the decisive competitive edge: Seamless integration of all systems, applications, business partners or cloud services – for more turnover and profit in your core business. ### Better control of business processes Digitize B2B processes | exchange sensitive data securely | serve customers better ### React quickly to business changes Implement compliance requirements | Integrate new units | Utilize network of partners ### Making more business possible Use new digital sales channels | connect business partners more quickly ### Close cooperation between IT and specialist departments Seamlessly collaborate your business processes thanks to real-time technical and business views on ## More information Interested? We will be happy to advise you individually and personally. 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