International companies: the essential API solutions

Operating in multiple markets means dealing with rules, standards and IT systems that are often completely different from those in your home country. For international companies, this can translate into greater complexity in document management, and a lack of compatibility both in the formats used and in the ERPs adopted. A-Cube API solutions make it possible to overcome these barriers. Here are the main A-Cube APIs that companies with global businesses can integrate to simplify workflows, automate complex procedures and minimise errors.

1. Exchanging documents with the Peppol API

Standing for Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line, Peppol gives companies and Public Administrations in different countries the possibility to exchange documents, data and electronic invoices with one another through a certified and secure network. By allowing invoices to be sent and received between different e-invoicing systems, it is emerging as a standard solution for both B2G (Business to Government) and B2B (Business 2 Business) invoicing. In Italy it can be used through certified access points such as A-Cube, which is also part of Peppol's eDelivery Network. 

Specifically, the A-Cube Peppol platform allows different types of documents to be managed, such as invoices, credit notes, orders and responses and shipping notices. Working in real time, it allows documents to be received and sent immediately, with no queues or waiting. In addition to carrying out all activities while communicating with the systems used by the company, it automatically manages the processes and checks relating to document compliance. It is also scalable for companies of any size. 

With the A-Cube API monitoring dashboard, it is also possible to monitor usage and consult total or aggregated usage statistics by VAT number. Ideal for international companies. From here, webhooks can be easily used to configure interaction with other business systems. In this way, companies operating in multiple countries no longer have to worry about technical or regulatory differences. Peppol thus becomes a common language, eliminating geographical distances and legal differences.

2. E-Invoicing APIs for invoicing in Belgium and Poland

Invoicing across national borders can involve various critical issues. As we have seen, tax rules vary from country to country and companies may be subject to complex compliance checks. In addition, the risk of making mistakes due to carelessness or a poor knowledge of the rules is very high. As well as slowing down international companies' processes, these issues can generate penalties or disputes from the various local authorities.

The A-Cube E-Invoicing API allows compliant invoices to be sent not only in Italy, but also in Belgium and Poland. Companies that do business with these countries can integrate it to automate the exchange of electronic invoices in XML or JSON format. Thanks to webhooks, it can be easily integrated with the company software and ERPs already in use, with which document flows can be synchronised. In addition to ensuring automatic compliance, it adapts to start-ups and large companies and allows substitutive archiving with digital signature, in compliance with Italian law.

3. A-Cube e-invoicing app for Stripe

Anyone using Stripe can take advantage of the A-Cube App for Stripe to automatically create compliant invoices for every transaction on the Marketplace. The data generated on the digital payment platform are transformed into standard XML and sent to SdI automatically. By simplifying the invoicing process for those selling online, this integration helps reduce manual errors and processing times. 

Its dashboard also allows you to monitor invoice status in depth and correct any rejected documents. The API supports Italian and foreign VAT numbers and allows them to be automatically verified. No technical expertise is required to integrate and use the app: it is plug-and-play. It is ideal for freelancers, e-commerce businesses, start-ups and companies operating with Stripe. In short, it is a solution designed for those who want to sell online professionally and in compliance with Italian tax rules, without further complications. 

4. From foreign PDF invoice to compliant XML

For those who work every day in the administrative departments of Italian companies operating in other countries, handling foreign PDF invoices can be a bottleneck in the workflow. Under the so-called esterometro, from July 2022 data relating to services carried out to and from non-VAT entities must be transmitted in XML format through the Interchange System. It is therefore necessary to manually open the document, verify the data, upload the file to the management system and create the self-invoice in electronic format to be sent to SdI. Moreover, the variety of formats and the lack of standards make automation difficult. All this can generate delays and errors. To avoid tax problems and inefficiencies, it is essential to digitise the process with intelligent and adaptable solutions.

The service offered by A-Cube allows foreign invoices in PDF format to be automatically converted into XML self-invoices in compliance with Italian regulations. How does it work? Whether it is a paper scan or a PDF file, the API acquires the document and automatically passes it to an AI recognition system. The advanced algorithm developed in partnership with Konica Minolta identifies the key fields of the invoice such as amounts, dates, headings etc. After this step, the data are automatically transformed into an XML file compliant with the standards required for submission to SdI. Validation and submission are simple and intuitive: the user receives a notification, can review the file, approve it and send it to SdI or archive it.

The advantages of integrating the API for conversion from foreign PDF invoice to XML self-invoice are many. The service works with any type of digital and analogue document. It is completely secure and fast: the conversion takes place in a few seconds in full legal compliance and is followed by the final check by the user.

5. A-Cube Transfer

Commercial relationships with companies and bodies at international level can involve numerous day-to-day challenges. One of these is linked to the receipt and sending of documents in a compliant and automated way. The reason is that ERPs and software can speak different languages from one another, imposing their own rules. To solve this complexity while at the same time complying with regulatory requirements, you can use A-Cube Transfer: the service that allows you to transform digital documents and share them in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Through A-Cube Transfer it is possible to send and receive files by connecting to internal and external software. The system is able to extract the necessary information from files of any type to create compliant digital documents. These may be, for example, electronic invoices, receipts, orders or transport documents. It can then send the created files to the Interchange System or to the competent tax authority or to the company ERP. The input files processed by Transfer can be of any type. For example: Excel, EDI, CSV files containing one or more documents, Zip archives which in turn contain XML, JSON and CSV files, digitally signed P7M files with any of the previous formats. 

Another aspect not to be underestimated is how easy the API is to integrate. It can be installed into your management flow in just a few minutes, even by those without advanced technical skills. 

A-Cube APIs: the winning ecosystem for international companies

APIs are not merely technical tools. For international companies, they can represent a real strategic accelerator. By automating complex flows, they guarantee compliance in different markets and minimise the risk of errors or inconsistencies between documents. Integrating A-Cube solutions and building an API-centric ecosystem can help lower operating costs and optimise internal flows, also contributing to accelerating expansion into new markets. Or to consolidating one’s market position relative to competitors.