E-invoicing and EDI glossary
This e-invoicing glossary explains 27 terms around EDI, e-invoicing and Peppol, briefly and clearly.
A
ANSI X12
EDI standard used mainly in North America. The counterpart to EDIFACT.
AS2
Secure protocol for sending EDI messages over the internet. Messages are encrypted, signed and acknowledged with a receipt.
Learn moreD
DESADV
EDIFACT message for the despatch advice. The supplier announces what will be delivered, when and in which packaging.
Learn moreE
E-invoice
Invoice in a structured electronic format that software can process automatically. A PDF alone is not an e-invoice.
EDI
Electronic Data Interchange. The automated exchange of business documents between IT systems.
Learn moreEDIFACT
International EDI standard of the United Nations and the most widely used in Europe. Defines messages such as ORDERS, DESADV and INVOIC.
Learn moreEN 16931
European standard for e-invoicing. It defines the data model, meaning what an e-invoice must contain. XRechnung and ZUGFeRD implement it.
Learn moreG
GoBD
German principles for keeping and archiving books and records electronically. They also govern the archiving of e-invoices.
Growth Opportunities Act
German law that introduced mandatory B2B e-invoicing. Receiving since 1 January 2025, sending phased in until 2028.
Learn moreI
Input VAT deduction
A company’s right to reclaim the VAT it has paid. It requires a correct invoice.
INVOIC
EDIFACT message for the invoice. Accepted as an e-invoice in Germany as an agreed EDI procedure, with extra requirements from 2028.
Learn moreL
Leitweg-ID
Routing ID used in Germany to deliver e-invoices to the right public sector recipient. The contracting authority provides it.
Learn moreO
OFTP2
Secure transfer protocol of the automotive industry. Handles large files and acknowledges receipt.
Learn moreP
Peppol
European network for exchanging e-invoices and orders securely. Participants connect via access points.
Learn morePeppol Access Point
Gateway through which a company sends documents to and receives them from the Peppol network. Run by certified providers.
Learn morePeppol ID
Participant identifier in the Peppol network, for example based on the VAT number. It identifies a recipient uniquely.
S
SFTP
Encrypted file transfer over SSH. A simple way to exchange EDI files between systems.
SMP
Service Metadata Publisher. Directory listing which documents a Peppol participant can receive and via which access point.
Learn moreV
VDA
EDI formats of the German Association of the Automotive Industry. Increasingly complemented by EDIFACT-based formats.
ViDA
VAT in the Digital Age. EU package that mandates e-invoicing and digital reporting for cross-border B2B supplies from 1 July 2030.
Learn moreW
WebEDI
EDI in the browser. Documents are created and received in a portal, without your own interface. Suits low volumes.
Learn moreX
X.400
Older messaging standard, still in use in parts of the EDI world such as automotive.
XML
Structured text format readable by people and machines. The basis of XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and Peppol BIS.
XRechnung
German e-invoice standard based on EN 16931 as a pure XML file. Required by many public sector buyers.
Learn moreZ
ZUGFeRD
Hybrid format of a PDF with an embedded XML file. Readable by people and machines. An e-invoice from the EN 16931 profile up.
Learn moreNo term found. Feel free to ask us directly.
Missing a term or have a specific question?
In 30 minutes, Vincent Rosenkranz, Sales & Marketing Manager, clarifies with you what EDI or e-invoicing means for your business.
