40 years episode 12

GALIA – A Pioneer in Automotive Invoice Digitization 

Over 30 million invoices are exchanged annually in the automotive industry, mostly via EDI. 

📅 Since the 1980s, GALIA has facilitated structured logistics messages (delivery forecasts, orders, dispatch advice) to streamline data exchange in the automotive sector. This laid the groundwork for EDI invoices. 

🖥️ In the 1990s, the industry digitized invoice flows with the first tax-compliant EDI exchanges, making the automotive sector a leader in electronic invoicing for over 30 years. Same spirit as logistic data exchange : kill paperwork with no direct added value! 

📈 Currently, 80% of invoices in the industry are automated via EDI, covering all automotive parts purchases. The remaining 20% are mainly PDFs for non-automotive suppliers. This high adoption rate is thanks to the EDIFACT INVOIC D96A standard and the recognition of PDFs as electronic invoices. 

Tomorrow, the regulatory landscape is evolving: 

📌 In France, e-invoicing will be mandatory by 2026/27, requiring structured data transfer through a PDP (Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaire), interfacing with tax authorities. 

📌 In the EU, the ViDA directive (voted on December 5th, 2024) will mandate an e-reporting system for cross-border invoices by 2030. France’s reform is perfectly aligned with these future EU requirements. 

As a pioneer of e-invoicing in the French ecosystem, GALIA: 

📌 Is a key member of the working streams to prepare for the future (FNFE in France, Odette for the European Automotive Industry). 

📌 Actively supports the automotive sector in navigating these changes through working groups and dedicated training.  Join us in writing this new chapter of digitalization, and happy anniversary to all who use our EDIFACT INVOICE standard every day!