SAP B1 blog

Cost savings through the e-bill 2025

The switch to e-invoices brings considerable cost savings - both directly and indirectly.

• Direct cost savings:
  The elimination of paper, printing materials and postage costs noticeably reduces expenditure. Companies not only save on invoice forms and printer ink, but also on postage costs and enveloping materials. According to a study by the Association for Electronic Invoicing (VeR) companies can save up to 80% of costs compared to paper invoices by switching to e-invoices.
  
• Indirect cost savings:
  The automation of processes reduces manual effort, which also leads to lower personnel costs. In addition, costs for physical archiving and error corrections are eliminated, as digital processes are more precise and efficient.

Efficiency and process optimisation: time is money

E-bill 2025 innovates invoice processing and saves valuable time.

• Time saving:
  The time required for the Invoice processing can be halved. Thanks to automation, invoices are sent, received and processed faster. Data is available immediately, which significantly speeds up overall processes.
• Process improvements:
  Integration into existing ERP and accounting systems enables seamless processing from invoice receipt to archiving. Media disruptions are reduced and processing can also take place regardless of location. Scalability is also a major advantage as the company grows.

Data availability and quality: better basis for decision-making

The digitisation of invoices significantly improves data availability and quality.

• Data management:
  Structured data enables better evaluations and analyses. Documents can be found quickly and dashboards offer improved monitoring options. Real-time tracking of invoices ensures greater transparency.
• Quality assurance:
  Manual input errors are minimised and automatic plausibility checks increase data accuracy. Digital archiving also protects against data loss.

Legal aspects and compliance: security and standards

E-billing helps companies to fulfil legal requirements and comply with international standards.

• Legal requirements:
  From 2025, e-invoicing will be mandatory for many companies. The changeover ensures that the GoBD guidelines are complied with and audit-proof archiving is guaranteed.

Liquidity and finances: More control over cash flows

E-bill 2025 improves payment processing and ensures greater financial transparency.

• Improved payment processing:
  Faster incoming payments and better control over open items optimise cash flow. Companies can utilise cash discounts more consistently and thus achieve additional savings.
• Financial transparency:
  The invoice status can be viewed at any time and payment flows can be monitored more easily. This improves planning options and ensures greater stability.

Sustainability and environmental aspects: Green business processes

The e-bill makes an important contribution to sustainability.

• Environmental benefits:
  Paper consumption is significantly reduced and CO₂ emissions are lowered by eliminating physical transport. In this way, companies actively contribute to global sustainability goals and position themselves as environmentally conscious players.

Competitive advantages: Positioned for the future

The switch to e-invoices offers strategic advantages.

• Modernisation of business processes:
  Companies that adopt digital invoicing processes at an early stage modernise their processes and improve their image as future-oriented companies. This facilitates collaboration with larger business partners and prepares them for further digitalisation steps.

The opportunities outweigh the risks

The introduction of e-invoicing in Germany may seem like a chore at first glance, but it offers numerous opportunities for SMEs. From cost savings and process optimisation to sustainability and competitive advantages - the benefits are manifold. Companies that actively tackle the changeover can not only fulfil legal requirements, but also increase their efficiency and prepare themselves for the future.