BabelInvoice is a solution to send secure electronic invoices. BabelInvoice leverages Babelway's B2B integration in the cloud.

The sender

BabelInvoice enables you to forget the paper invoice all together. It works as a regular printer: the sender 'prints' the invoice on the BabelInvoice printer. The invoice is then automatically sent to the receiver through Babelway. As the sender of the invoice, you receive an email copy of the invoice sent to your customer. Store it on your computer and keep a back-up for safety. This invoice is signed with an advanced signature using the accredited system of Babelway. This method guarantees the authenticity and the integrity of the invoice. At any time in the future, you can certify and demonstrate the authenticity and the integrity of the invoice.

The receiver

Your customers receive an email with your invoice as a PDF attachment. They can store and print it without the need to subscribe to Babelway or any other system. The electronic signature generated by Babelway makes the invoice authentic and unalterable.

The e-invoice

The PDF invoice looks exactly the same as the invoice that would have been printed using your usual printer. Pictures, logos, fonts, etc. are kept. BabelInvoice also transfers XML information to Babelway. This enables you to extend BabelInvoice to send any other formats to enable automatic integration, via any protocol, with accounting software.

The signature

The signature used to sign your invoice is uniquely attached to you. No other Babelway user can sign with this unique signature. The first time a customer receives an invoice from you, the signature will appear with a yellow question mark.

Figure 6.18. yellow-questionmark

This is to request his attention that this document comes with a signature that is not recognized yet. To accept your signature, your customer must click on the yellow question mark and include your signature in the list of trusted signatures. Next time, your customer will receive an invoice with a green OK sign (V) to indicate that the invoice is signed by a trusted person.

Figure 6.19. green-v

Archiving

Babelway stores invoices for 3 months (unless you ask otherwise). Archive security elements (guaranteeing the authenticity and the integrity of your invoices) are kept by Babelway for at least 12 years. This enables, at any future time, to legally prove that an invoice has been sent through the sender's account at a specific time.

Legal requirements

In Belgium (our country), the law requires that you get explicit approval from your customers to send them electronic invoices. Sending an email is the most widely accepted method for electronic invoices. Legal requirements may change from country to country, you should seek legal advice if you are unsure.