Outgoing e-invoicing for companies whose ERP cannot generate ZUGFeRD
Most ERP and accounting systems were built around incoming invoices and standard PDF output. Generating EN 16931-compliant outgoing invoices in ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, XRechnung, or Peppol BIS 3.0 is either a multi-week IT project, a paid extension, or simply not supported. Facturwise generates compliant outgoing invoices alongside your existing system, with no IT project, no integration, and no replacement of any ERP function.
The pattern repeats across every major ERP
SAP standard output is a PDF; compliant ZUGFeRD requires SAP DRC or a certified add-on. Business Central added native ZUGFeRD only in version 26.3 in July 2025; every earlier version and every Dynamics NAV release has no native outgoing e-invoice generation. Odoo restricts structured e-invoicing to Enterprise and excludes the free plan entirely. Older Sage and Lexware editions, in-house ERPs, and most non-German and non-French accounting tools simply do not emit ZUGFeRD or Factur-X. The result is a consistent ERP outgoing invoice gap across the SME market.
Germany's sending obligation applies from January 2027 for businesses above 800,000 euros turnover and from January 2028 for everyone else. France requires all businesses to send Factur-X from September 2027. The receiving obligations are already live in both countries, which means your business clients increasingly request structured invoices from suppliers today, ahead of the legal sending deadline.
Who this applies to
Mid-size companies whose ERP is configured for the workflows that mattered when it was deployed and whose outgoing invoices currently go out as standard PDFs.
Subsidiaries of larger groups whose central ERP team will not prioritise an outgoing-e-invoice configuration project on the timeline you need.
Companies mid-migration between ERP versions or platforms who cannot wait for the migration to complete before fixing outgoing compliance.
Non-German and non-French companies whose home-market accounting tool does not generate ZUGFeRD or Factur-X for their German and French clients.
Find the right solution for your specific system
The outgoing e-invoice gap looks different depending on which system your organisation uses. The pages below cover the specific situation for each major ERP and accounting platform.
If your organisation runs SAP, see how Facturwise works alongside SAP without a DRC implementation project. If you are on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics NAV, see the specific version gap and how to address it. If your organisation uses Odoo, see the plan and configuration requirements that affect ZUGFeRD output. If you are based outside Germany or France and invoice clients in those markets, see the cross-border solution for your situation.
What Facturwise covers
ZUGFeRD 2.4 at EN 16931 profile level for German B2B clients. Factur-X 1.0.8 at EN 16931 profile level for French B2B clients. XRechnung for German public sector clients. Peppol BIS 3.0 for Belgian clients and cross-border EU trade. DATEV-compatible CSV export on every plan including the free trial. 22 invoice output languages from one account.
Every invoice you generate can be checked against EN 16931 with the free ZUGFeRD validator before you send it to a client.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my ERP not generate compliant outgoing ZUGFeRD invoices?
Most ERP and accounting systems were architected around accounts payable and standard PDF output years before EN 16931 was published. Adding compliant ZUGFeRD or Factur-X output usually requires a new module (such as SAP DRC), a vendor extension, or a major version upgrade. Many SMEs are running stable older versions where that work has not been done yet.
Does Facturwise replace my ERP?
No. Facturwise generates compliant outgoing invoices only. Your ERP continues to handle bookkeeping, accounts payable, financial reporting, inventory, and any other function it currently covers. Reconciliation between your ERP records and your Facturwise invoice records happens at month-end like any other secondary system.
How fast can I be operational?
Minutes. You create an account, enter your company details, save your clients, and generate your first compliant ZUGFeRD or Factur-X invoice. There is no integration to build and no IT project to scope.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The Facturwise free trial includes 5 invoices with full ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, XRechnung, and Peppol BIS 3.0 compliance at EN 16931 profile level, and includes the DATEV export.
Close the outgoing e-invoice gap today
Five invoices free. ZUGFeRD 2.4, Factur-X 1.0.8, XRechnung, and Peppol BIS 3.0 at EN 16931 profile level. DATEV export on every plan. Operational in minutes alongside any ERP. No annual commitment.
Facturwise generates compliant outgoing client invoices. It does not replace any ERP function including bookkeeping, accounts payable, inventory, or financial reporting.