Receive German E-Invoices Automatically
Cockpit detects incoming German e-invoices in your Microsoft 365 or Google inbox automatically, validates the format and mandatory fields, and files them for compliant archiving — in Odoo, OneDrive or Google Drive. Electronic invoicing software that handles your whole inbox, not just a filing tool. Human-in-the-loop by design: the AI suggests, you decide.
The mandate already applies — even if you don't issue e-invoices yet.
A German e-invoice is an invoice in a structured electronic format compliant with EN 16931 — for example XRechnung or ZUGFeRD. Since 1 January 2025, every business operating in Germany must be able to receive and process such invoices for domestic B2B transactions. A standard PDF no longer formally counts as an e-invoice, because software cannot reliably read the data out of it.
All businesses must be able to receive and process e-invoices for domestic B2B transactions. This applies regardless of company size or turnover.
Affects you nowLarger companies must issue compliant e-invoices. Smaller companies may still send PDF or paper with the recipient's consent.
From this date, every business must issue e-invoices compliant with EN 16931, with no exceptions.
This information is for general orientation and does not constitute legal advice. Please confirm deadlines and exemptions for your specific case with a tax advisor.
From inbox to reviewed booking
Four steps, without anyone touching the invoice by hand.
Securely connect Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace in a few minutes — no IT project required.
Cockpit automatically recognises XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and PDF invoices and checks the mandatory fields.
Amounts, vendor and invoice number are extracted and filed for compliant archiving in Odoo, OneDrive or Google Drive.
Cockpit proposes the booking. One click confirms it — nothing posts automatically.
Why an e-invoice generator isn't the same job
| Criterion | Manual / Excel | E-invoice generator tools | Cockpit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core job | Check & file invoices by hand | Create & send e-invoices | Automatically receive & process e-invoices |
| Runs in your inbox | No | No — separate tool | Yes — native in M365 / Google |
| Format detection | Manual | Only at creation time | XRechnung, ZUGFeRD & PDF, automatically |
| Odoo payment reconciliation | No | Usually not | Yes — built in |
| Approval before posting | Always manual | — | AI suggests, human confirms |
| Setup effort | None, but ongoing manual work | Moderate | Set up in minutes |
What Cockpit handles around e-invoicing
E-invoices and PDF invoices are detected, data is extracted, and everything is filed for audit-proof archiving with consistent naming.
Open items in Odoo are automatically matched against incoming payment confirmations. Cockpit proposes the booking, you confirm with one click.
Odoo IntegrationEvery booking and every filing action waits for your approval. Nothing is processed without confirmation.
Leading AI models. Your invoice data stays yours.
Cockpit works with either Claude (Anthropic) or Mistral, hosted in the EU (Paris) — depending on your data-residency requirements. Every action is logged, and every critical booking waits for your approval.
Note: we do not offer a blanket guarantee of GDPR compliance. Provider choice gives you flexibility — the legal assessment of your specific processing should be done with your data protection officer.
German e-invoicing, explained
What is an e-invoice under German law?
Who has to be able to receive e-invoices in Germany?
Which formats does Cockpit support?
Is a PDF invoice still valid in Germany?
What happens if my business can't receive e-invoices?
Is Cockpit GDPR compliant?
Ready for the receiving obligation?
A 15-minute demo — we'll show you how Cockpit receives, validates and files e-invoices in your own inbox.
Not ready for a demo yet? The 2-minute questionnaire shows how Cockpit fits your setup.