The electronic invoice is about to become an imminent requirement in Spain. The “Create and Grow” law has accelerated the digitalization of the business fabric and has promoted greater awareness of the benefits of this tool.
However, the path towards its full adoption still faces significant obstacles. Although 50% of SMEs already acknowledge being familiar with electronic invoices (compared to 31% last year), only 10% actively use it in their B2B operations, according to the report. Driving SME growth through electronic invoicing and AIprepared by Sage.
Spanish SMEs, between awareness and lack of adoption
The study reflects a clear paradox: while the level of knowledge grows, effective use remains limited. However, the attitude of SMEs towards digitalization is positive. Six out of ten companies support the mandatory electronic invoice, a figure that places Spain among the countries with the greatest confidence in this system.
In fact, among companies that already use it, satisfaction is high. 72% of Spanish SMEs declare themselves satisfied with electronic invoicing, a percentage that exceeds the European average. Furthermore, most consider it a profitable long-term investment and not an expense, a view that reflects an important cultural change in the business ecosystem.
“The electronic invoice is the essential tool to eliminate the obstacles that impede efficiency and security in companies. Although awareness increases, we are concerned about the low adoption and lack of knowledge that still exists among SMEs. To reduce this lack of knowledge and ensure successful implementation, information and training campaigns are important, as well as vital coordination with international standards,” says José Luis Martín Zabala, Managing Director at Sage Iberia.
Six out of ten companies support the mandatory electronic invoice, a figure that places Spain among the countries with the greatest confidence in this system
A digitalization that drives the use of AI and the cloud
SMEs that have already incorporated electronic invoices show a much more advanced level of digital maturity. Two out of three user companies claim to have a consolidated command of these tools, which places them at the level of countries such as Germany or France. This advanced use acts as a springboard for the integration of other key technologies, especially artificial intelligence and the cloud.
Nine out of ten SMEs that use electronic invoices also apply solutions based on AI or automation. This translates into greater productivity, reduced errors and better financial analysis capabilities. The combination of electronic invoicing and artificial intelligence is creating a new business management model where automation and real-time data become strategic allies.
The knowledge gap and lack of preparation
Despite the progress, the majority of Spanish SMEs still do not feel prepared to fully adopt electronic invoicing. Half of them plan to implement it in the next two years, just before the deadline set by the law. The main obstacle, according to the Sage study, is the lack of training and accessible solutions.
More than half of the companies surveyed acknowledge that they do not understand in depth how the system works or how to integrate it into their operations. Among the most mentioned barriers are the technical difficulty of the available systems, the cost of implementation and the lack of clear standards shared with clients and suppliers.
The report also identifies the main demands of the business community to facilitate the transition. 55% of SMEs demand more financial and fiscal support, while almost half ask for step-by-step guides and specific training programs for their employees.
A key tool against late payments and fraud
Beyond its obligation, the electronic invoice is presented as a structural solution to three chronic problems in the Spanish business environment:
late payment
the fraud
tax management
57% of SMEs affirm that payment delays directly affect their liquidity. With the electronic invoice, average collection times are reduced by up to four days and cases of late payment fall by 20%. In terms of security, digital validation helps detect fraudulent invoices before payment, a problem that has affected 51% of small and medium-sized businesses. Furthermore, in the tax field, 68% of companies recognize administrative difficulties that automation can solve thanks to the automatic filling out of forms and the connection with tax systems in real time.
The electronic invoice, according to Sage, is not only an obligation, but an opportunity to build a smarter and more equitable economy. With the right support, it can become the starting point towards comprehensive digitalization based on AI, automation and transparency.
