Law firm billing: distinguish PDF, XML and electronic delivery
Preparing an invoice and transmitting it through an electronic network are separate operations.
Preparing an invoice and transmitting it through an electronic network are separate operations. Annalise provides billing document preparation and exports. Organise your process by distinguishing the readable document, structured data and the provider responsible for delivery.
Check data before exporting
Connect the invoice to the correct client and matter. Check services, advances already received, numbering, payment details and applicable tax treatment with your accounting adviser. Time records provide a starting point for fees, not automatic approval of the amounts to invoice.
Understand each format's role
A PDF presents a human-readable document. XML structures information for processing by another system. An XML file alone is neither proof of a compliant invoice nor confirmation of successful Peppol delivery. Required formats, validation rules and transmission channels depend on the country and billing situation.
Retain delivery evidence
If a provider handles electronic transmission, confirm that it accepts the export and supplies the required statuses. Keep useful identifiers and acknowledgements with the invoice. Distinguish prepared, sent, accepted and paid documents. If delivery is rejected, investigate before issuing a new number: corrections must follow your accounting procedure.
Assess Annalise's functions separately from the transmission provider's services. Do not describe an XML export as an operational Peppol connection without testing the complete delivery process.
ANNALISE
Preparing an invoice and transmitting it through an electronic network are separate operations.