Do you still send invoices as PDFs attached to emails – and key incoming bills in by hand? Then you are spending time on something that can run by itself. The requirements for electronic invoicing and digital bookkeeping have tightened over the years, and if you work in Business Central, you already have most of the foundation in place. Here is an overview of OIOUBL, NemHandel and PEPPOL – and how e-invoices work in practice.
What is an e-invoice – and why a PDF doesn't count
An e-invoice is an invoice in a structured data format that the recipient's system can read and post automatically. A PDF, on the other hand, is just a picture of an invoice: a person has to open it, read it and type in the numbers. Even though the PDF is sent digitally, it is not an electronic invoice in the legal sense. The difference is that the e-invoice carries data – account number, amounts, item lines and EAN/GLN number – in fields that Business Central can turn directly into a purchase invoice.
The formats: OIOUBL and PEPPOL – and where NemHandel fits in
In Denmark, OIOUBL is the classic e-invoice format, while PEPPOL is the European standard connecting companies and authorities across borders. NemHandel is not a format but the infrastructure – the Danish network the invoices travel through. Think of it like this: OIOUBL and PEPPOL are the language, NemHandel is the postal service.
Who sets the requirements
The public sector has required electronic invoices for years – if you trade with Danish municipalities, regions or the state, a PDF will not do. At the same time, more and more private companies are following, because it saves time at both ends. On top of that comes the Danish Bookkeeping Act, which tightens the requirements for digital bookkeeping and for sending and receiving vouchers electronically.
How it works in Business Central
Electronic invoicing in Business Central typically builds on two parts:
A network provider – for example Sproom or eFacto – handling the actual transmission in and out of NemHandel and PEPPOL.
An app like VisionOIO, connecting the network to your Business Central.
The result: incoming e-invoices automatically become purchase invoices, ready for approval and posting – instead of being keyed in manually. And your sales and service invoices are sent off as OIOUBL or PEPPOL without anyone exporting files or logging into external portals. If invoices need internal approval along the way, a flow like VisionApproval can take over from there.
Getting started – checklist
Choose a network provider that matches your needs and volume.
Install the app in your Business Central.
Set up vendor settings, so incoming e-invoices are matched to the right suppliers.
Map G/L accounts, so invoice lines land in the right places in your bookkeeping.
Test with one customer and one vendor before rolling it out broadly – you catch setup issues while they are easy to fix.
Bonus: professional design on the documents still sent as PDF
Not every recipient is on NemHandel or PEPPOL. Some customers still need the invoice as PDF or on paper. Here, the Document Package gives you a consistent, professional document design, so your invoices and other printouts look polished – whatever the channel.
Want to automate your invoice flow?
Electronic invoicing is ultimately about removing manual typing and meeting the requirements without hassle. If you are unsure what fits your setup, contact us – we will get you off to a good start. If you would rather read more about the platform first, start with Business Central at Vision People.
