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Cash Collection: How to Optimise It with Electronic Invoicing in 2026

The electronic invoicing reform is underway. It is no longer a future project to consider in a few years' time, but a very real and immediate transformation that is reshaping cash collection practices between businesses. Here are the key milestones in France:

What is electronic invoicing?

Electronic invoicing is a system that enables the issuance, transmission, and receipt of invoices in a structured format via certified platforms. It will gradually become mandatory in France starting in 2026 and is transforming receivables management and credit management processes.

  • 1st September 2026: "mandatory issuance of invoices in electronic format and e-reporting for large companies and mid-sized organisations. Mandatory receipt of electronic invoices for all businesses."
  • 1st September 2027: "mandatory issuance of invoices in electronic format and e-reporting for medium, small and micro businesses at the latest."
In just a few months, all companies will be required to receive electronic invoices. This creates a very practical requirement: every organisation must select its government-approved electronic invoicing platform (AP) to issue, receive and report invoice data.

Reminder: a compliant electronic invoice must follow a structured format (UBL, CII, etc., including an image file), contain mandatory data (seller and buyer SIREN numbers, addresses, etc.), and be transmitted via an approved platform connected to the tax authority. Paper, PDF or any non-compliant formats will no longer be accepted.
This e-invoicing reform is primarily European, stemming from the ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) directive adopted in 2025, and is being implemented across the various European Union countries by 2030. For example, Belgium introduced the reform on January 1, 2026, while Italy has had it in place since 2019.

What impact will electronic invoicing have on cash collection?


The impact of electronic invoicing on cash collection and credit management is game-changing. While there may be short-term challenges during the transition, the long-term benefits in efficiency, visibility and customer relationships are substantial.

First, the reform enforces higher-quality customer data. Mandatory invoice fields must be accurate and complete-otherwise invoices will be automatically rejected by platforms. While this may create some initial friction, it will significantly reduce disputes and payment delays over time.

Anticipation is key. Businesses should proactively identify and enrich incomplete customer records-for example, using My DSO Manager and the Insights report or other data quality dashboards.

The real breakthrough lies in full system interconnectivity between suppliers and buyers via approved platforms. Invoice transmission, processing statuses and feedback loops are now fully synchronised across systems.
This means communication-at the heart of effective cash collection-becomes seamless, real-time and fully traceable. Each invoice is uniquely identified across both parties. No more silos, no more Excel workarounds, no more fragmented email threads. Electronic invoicing marks a true turning point in B2B financial relationships-especially for collections.

Until now, collectors have spent significant time bridging system gaps: chasing missing data, handling scattered customer feedback, manually updating records, and coordinating across teams.

Electronic invoicing eliminates these inefficiencies. With connected systems and structured data flows, processes become faster, smarter and more reliable. And this is only the beginning.

How electronic invoicing improves collections

Faster processing times

Invoices are transmitted instantly, reducing sending times and triggering the payment cycle more quickly.

Reduced disputes

Structured formats limit errors and improve data quality, thereby reducing disputes.

Real-time tracking

Invoice statuses are accessible in real time, making it easier to manage collections and follow-ups.

2026-2027 represents version 1.0. Platforms will rapidly evolve, adding new features and automation capabilities to deliver even greater value.

Next-generation cash collection with electronic invoicing and My DSO Manager


With its agile, fully integrated approach-enhanced by MAIA logo MAIA-My DSO Manager unlocks the full potential of electronic invoicing.

The platform integrates seamlessly with approved platforms and delivers real-time, intelligent cash collection and dispute management.

Electronic invoicing integration within My DSO Manager:

My DSO Manager connects directly to your Approved Platform, retrieving invoice statuses and customer feedback in real time across your entire portfolio.

electronic invoicing and cash collection


E-invoicing collections in My DSO Manager

  • Real-time integration of invoice statuses from PDPs
    Accurate tracking of invoice statuses to trigger actions at the right time.
  • Smart invoice qualification using your own statuses
    Analysis of customer feedback via their accredited platform to assign the appropriate invoice statuses.
  • Automated actions to optimize collections and handle disputes
    Intelligent generation of actions to correct rejections and efficiently manage disputes.

Example: status mapping


Each update received is instantly processed by MAIA logo MAIA, which translates platform statuses into actionable collection insights (payment promise, dispute, etc.) and automatically recommends next steps.
electronic invoicing and cash collection


Real-time Flowie data integration


As soon as a status or comment is updated in the platform (via customer platforms), My DSO Manager captures the information instantly and adapts the collection strategy accordingly.

electronic invoicing and cash collection


My DSO Manager manages the entire invoice lifecycle, triggering the right actions at the right time-without duplication-across disputes, payment promises and follow-ups.

Collection workflows are fully optimised, ensuring that the right internal and external stakeholders are engaged at the right moment. Real-time alerts keep teams aligned with every invoice status change.

Advanced reporting provides full visibility into late payments and root causes. Rejected invoices are instantly identified, analysed and corrected-minimising revenue leakage.

The result: faster cash collection, fewer disputes, and dramatically improved operational efficiency.

The power of Artificial Intelligence


Layered on top of this connected ecosystem, AI becomes a true co-pilot for the collector. With richer, structured data now available, Artificial Intelligence can deliver maximum value.

AI automates repetitive tasks, recommends actions, and even manages entire portfolios (agentic AI)-from dunning execution to dispute resolution.

Within My DSO Manager, MAIA logo MAIA empowers collectors and credit managers by classifying invoices, analysing customer feedback, prioritising actions and optimising daily workflows.
And this is just the beginning.

The role of the collector is evolving rapidly-away from manual tasks and towards high-value activities: analysis, strategy and complex case management.

The combined power of electronic invoicing, data quality and AI-driven automation is redefining performance standards in cash collection.

Driving performance in the age of electronic invoicing


With electronic invoicing, performance management is transformed. The causes of late payments evolve, and so do collection strategies, thanks to real-time, system-driven communication.

New KPIs emerge: rejection rates, first-time acceptance rates, automation levels in invoicing and payment workflows. These metrics enable faster issue detection and resolution.

Key takeaways

  • Electronic invoicing accelerates payment timelines
  • It reduces disputes and invoicing errors
  • It improves visibility on cash and DSO
  • It enables automation of customer collections

FAQ on electronic invoicing and collections

Electronic invoicing is a dematerialization process that enables the issuance, transmission, and receipt of invoices in a structured format via certified platforms.

It improves collections by reducing sending delays, limiting invoicing errors, and enabling real-time tracking of payment statuses.

Electronic invoicing helps reduce DSO by accelerating invoice validation times and automating customer follow-ups.

An AP is a government-approved platform that enables companies to issue, receive, and transmit electronic invoices.

Yes, electronic invoicing will gradually become mandatory for all companies in France between 2026 and 2027.
Electronic invoicing is not just a compliance requirement-it is a strategic opportunity. It streamlines business interactions, enhances data reliability, and unlocks faster, smarter cash collection.
It directly contributes to improved DSO, reduced payment delays, and more efficient dispute handling-provided the right integrations are in place.

Ultimately, it is a powerful lever for value creation and a chance to demonstrate operational excellence and professionalism in customer relationship management.

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