Costs: No usage-based costs as with SAP DRC
The abat E-Invoicing Monitor – The smart alternative
The obligation to use electronic invoicing is no longer a future scenario – it is already in effect. Since January 1, 2025, all domestic companies in the B2B sector must be able to receive electronic invoices. From January 1, 2027, sending invoices electronically will also become mandatory in stages. It is therefore no surprise that many companies are currently looking for suitable tools and experienced implementation partners.
abat offers customized SAP consulting and solutions that are specifically tailored to the requirements of medium-sized companies. From the initial assessment to productive operation, we provide you with pragmatic, standard-compliant, and cost-efficient support.
The abat E-Invoicing Monitor
The smart alternative to SAP DRC
This is where the abat E-Invoicing Monitor comes in. As an alternative version of the SAP eDocument Cockpit, it enables invoices to be sent in XRechnung and ZUGFeRD formats directly from SAP – easily by email, without additional cloud services and without a PEPPOL connection from SAP ECC or SAP S/4.
What sets the abat E-Invoicing Monitor apart
The monitor was developed from a business perspective and closes gaps left open by the SAP standard—for example, by integrating fields for clearing document numbers, which are indispensable in daily accounting work . Technologically, the solution is based entirely on proven SAP standard modules:
- Enrichment of the interface with process-relevant data, such as the source document number, invoice number, amounts, and customer information
- Jumps to the document displays and master data for the respective document
- Creation of simplifications, such as cancellation processing
- Monitoring of shipping status through visualization
- Storage of the document in the asset list (GOS)
- Notification to the invoice creator in case of problems
- Invoices are generated from the SD or FI module as in the SAP standard
- E-invoices are created automatically in the background using SAP AIF
- Before shipping, a preview of the XML file and, in the case of ZUGFeRD, the PDF is possible
- Electronic invoices are sent to the customer by email using message control (also possible in the background)
- A link to the underlying SAP documents and the cancellation of eDocuments is also integrated
- Messages are sent directly to the customer by email using message control
- Extensions to the XML structure for company-specific fields are possible
- Inbound processing is also possible using pre-entered documents
Your advantages at a glance
Fast: Shorter project duration compared to full DRC implementation
Simple: XRechnung and ZUGFeRD can be sent via a single channel by email
Close to standard: Full use of SAP standard modules and customizing
Flexible: Extendable for company-specific requirements
Challenges of mandatory e-invoicing in the SAP environment
Many companies underestimate the effort involved in the changeover. At the same time, the various formats, transition periods, and country-specific requirements are causing uncertainty.
In the SAP context in particular, it is clear that SAP's standard solution, Document and Reporting Compliance (DRC), covers all basic functions but, depending on the number of invoices sent and received, can incur high costs . This can quickly become a challenge, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Added to this are the PEPPOL connection and the need to adapt existing system architectures.
In addition, the associated eDocument Cockpit lacks essential information (e.g., invoice amount) that is indispensable for the respective accountant for managing invoices.
This raises key questions that we answer for you: Which solution makes economic sense? Which format and which delivery channel are right for your company? How can you seamlessly integrate e-invoicing into your existing SAP system?
Comprehensive SAP support for a legally compliant e-invoicing transition
We accompany you through all phases of your project: from analyzing your existing SAP system landscape to selecting the right solution to implementation and training. Our goal is not only to adapt your e-invoicing processes to current legal requirements, but also to make them future-proof. This includes a thorough understanding of the relevant formats XRechnung and ZUGFeRD, as well as knowledge of country-specific requirements – from Germany and France to international markets such as the US and Mexico.
Contact us now
We offer customized SAP solutions that are specifically tailored to the challenges of e-invoicing conversion:
- SAP consulting and process analysis – assessment of your current invoicing processes and system landscape
- Implementation of SAP DRC – for companies with international requirements
- Introduction of the abat E-Invoicing Monitor – as a cost-efficient alternative
- Hybrid solution architectures – combination of SAP DRC and abat Monitor to optimize licensing costs
- Integration into existing SAP system landscapes – seamless connection via message control and SAP AIF
- Training and change management – empowering your employees to use e-invoicing
From paper invoices to e-invoicing: a comparison of three scenarios
Contact us about e-invoicing
Do you have questions about mandatory e-billing or would you like to know which solution best suits your company? We would be happy to advise you.
FAQs: e-invoicing
1. Is e-invoicing really mandatory, or are there still exceptions?
The e-invoicing requirement is enshrined in law. Since January 1, 2025, all domestic B2B companies must be able to receive electronic invoices. Exceptions only apply to small invoices under €250 and to travel tickets. Small businesses are generally exempt from sending electronic invoices.
2. What is the difference between XRechnung and ZUGFeRD?
3. Is a simple email sufficient for sending invoices in Germany?
4. Do I absolutely need SAP DRC for the e-invoicing transition?
5. Why choose abat for the switch to e-invoicing?
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SAP Developer
China
What I find most attractive working at abat is the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We are coworkers as well as friends. I can ask any question and always receive constructive feedback. Moreover, it is highly encouraged to try new things, which helps broaden the horizon for me and the company alike.
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SAP Consultant
China
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Bremen
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