Many accounting packages can show only one PDF file per invoice. That is why eConnect can automatically generate a PDF from the e-invoice data and merge attachments into one clear document.

When you receive an e-invoice (XML) without an accompanying PDF, the platform can automatically generate a PDF from the invoice data in the XML. That always gives you a visually readable version of every invoice, regardless of how it was submitted.

Three modes are available, configurable at account level:

The setting is managed by eConnect support. Contact us if you want to change the mode.

A useful option is to place the PDF generated by eConnect first in the document. That way the user always sees the same standardised layout, regardless of the layout of the supplier's original invoice. This is especially useful for organisations that receive many invoices from different suppliers and want a uniform view in their approval process.

For invoices that arrive together with specifications, packing slips or other documents, you can have everything merged into one PDF. This is essential for ERP systems that can process only one PDF file per invoice in their approval workflow.

The merge order is:

1. The generated PDF (or the original invoice PDF)
2. All additional attachments

Alternatively, you can choose to send attachments as separate files instead of merging them. The right choice depends on what your software can handle.

PDF merge is especially valuable in these situations:

• Your software shows only one PDF per invoice and you need attachments in the approval process.
• You receive invoices with separate specification documents that you want to view together.
• You want a uniform invoice view regardless of the supplier.

Suppliers can also embed a PDF in the UBL invoice itself (as a base64 attachment in the AdditionalDocumentReference element). This is a Peppol-supported method that lets suppliers send both structured data and the visual PDF in one file. eConnect processes this correctly and makes the embedded PDF available as an attachment.

Want to adjust the PDF settings for your account? Contact support.

• Document classification: how the system determines what an invoice is
• Conversion task: the process from start to finish
• Submit purchase invoices by email
• Download XML invoice