ZUGFeRD Invoices from DCW

Did you know?

Thanks to the latest Python technology, we are now able to generate e-invoices from DCW in the ZUGFeRD format—that is, as PDFs with embedded XML. To this end, we are now offering the consulting solution “0300-10 ZUGFeRD Invoices from DCW,” which effectively complements the CL “0300-09 Email Delivery of E-Invoices.”

What does the consulting solution include?

The CL includes extensions that link a PDF invoice form generated by DCW with the generated XML file and output them as a new ZUGFeRD file. If you have also purchased the aforementioned CL “0300-09 Email Delivery of E-Invoices,” it will send the PDF files instead of the XML files.

What are the prerequisites?

The open-source environment must be installed and configured on the IBM i system. In particular, Open Source Package Management (OSPM) is required to install and manage the necessary Python components and their dependencies.

ZUGFeRD invoices are generated using Python and the factur-x library. To run the module, at least the following packages must be installed:

python{xx}
python{xx}-pip
python{xx}-lxml

{xx} stands for the Python version being used. For Python version 3.9, for example, the package names are python39, python39-pip, etc.

Finally, PDF generation from spool files must be set up.

What else is important?

The Python library factur-x by Alexis de Lattre and Houzéfa Abbasbhay is used to generate ZUGFeRD invoices (for more information, see factur-x · PyPI). This is an open-source project that is freely available and maintained by an independent community of developers. The library is used as-is as third-party software and is not part of the DCW standard system.

The one-time price for CL is 2,000 EUR. Installation takes place as part of a PTF release.

For customers who generate their invoice documents using the PDF and Word output option in Exi2M, we are working with Port2M to develop a customized solution.