New: Digital Invoices from WTH
WTH aims to make processes more efficient and transparent. Starting January 1, 2025, we will exclusively create, process, and archive electronic invoices. The hybrid data format “ZUGFeRD” (Central User Guide of the Forum for Electronic Invoicing Germany) will be used. This ensures WTH invoices are machine-readable and can be automatically processed by recipients via the embedded XML file. At the same time, the invoice will also be available as a visual document (PDF file) for recipients who cannot process electronic invoices.
WTH has assembled a dedicated team comprising Nan Li, Luna Leuckert, and Gero Thieme, who are responsible for planning and coordinating the implementation of electronic invoicing and management in our ERP and DMS systems. The team will soon share experiences, progress, and best practices here on the WTH blog, providing insights into modern teamwork.
For WTH, as a technically skilled sales company, creativity, flexibility, and awareness of dynamic markets are almost “genetically” ingrained. This approach has been successfully applied with business partners at all levels for over three decades. Naturally, this also includes efficient business processes and effective controlling.
Appropriate digitalization of all internal operations is an essential factor for WTH, albeit approached with a certain level of critical distance. Not everything that is technically possible is deemed beneficial—everything must suit the company to ensure that digitalization is not imposed but integrated thoughtfully. This mindset has guided and continues to guide our digital transformation.
The framework for electronic invoicing is based on EU Directive 2014/55/EU, dated April 16, 2014. This directive was transposed into national law through the E-Invoicing Act of April 4, 2017. Initially, digital invoicing was only mandatory for public sector clients. However, from January 1, 2025, all companies must be able to create, process, and archive electronic invoices for domestic B2B transactions.
Sending an invoice via email in PDF format (Portable Document Format) alone does not comply with EU Standard 16931 and is therefore not a valid e-invoicing format. A PDF file is not—or only partially—machine-readable and does not necessarily contain a structured data model for digital automated processing.
In the business world, digital technologies have revolutionized production processes, supply chain management, and global communication. Companies have been able to develop new business models like e-commerce, which have facilitated access to international markets. Even as a smaller company, we view and leverage digital tools as an opportunity to participate globally.
The internet and digitalization are increasingly shaping society, particularly in communication, education, and daily life. Economically, the demands for flexibility and innovation are rising, putting particular pressure on traditional industries. Additionally, the constant availability of information and communication is transforming the social fabric of society.
By digitalizing various processes in business and administration, workflows can be made more efficient, resulting in faster processing. This not only saves time but also reduces costs.
