SIM PLOT CNC 5.0 Invoice Requirements

The SIM PLOT CNC 5.0 system is the latest version of the widely used SIM PLOT CNC software for CNC plotters and cutters. In many industries, especially signage, graphics, and apparel production, invoices generated from SIM PLOT CNC must meet specific legal and business standards. This page outlines the mandatory data fields, formatting rules, and bestpractice tips to ensure that every invoice produced from SIM PLOT CNC 5.0 is compliant, clear, and ready for export or archiving.

1. Legal Foundations

Invoice requirements are governed by the tax authority of the country where the business operates. While the exact wording may differ, the following elements are universally required in most jurisdictions (EU VAT Directive, US IRS, UK HMRC, etc.).

Core Mandatory Fields

• Seller Information Company name, legal address, registration/tax identification number.
• Buyer Information Full name (or company name), address, tax ID (if applicable).
• Invoice Number Unique, sequential, nonrepeating identifier.
• Invoice Date Date the invoice is issued.
• Supply Date Date when goods/services were delivered (may be same as invoice date).
• Description of Goods/Services Clear, concise description.
• Quantity & Unit of Measure Number of items (or hours) and the unit (e.g., sheet, meter, hour).
• Unit Price Net price before tax.
• Net Amount Quantity Unit Price.
• Tax Rate Percentage (e.g., 20% VAT).
• Tax Amount Net Amount Tax Rate.
• Gross Total Net Amount + Tax Amount.
• Currency ISO code (e.g., EUR, USD).

Optional but Recommended Fields

• Purchase Order (PO) number.
• Delivery note number.
• Payment terms (e.g., 30 days net).
• Bank details for electronic transfer.
• Signature or digital signing block.

2. How SIM PLOT CNC 5.0 Stores Invoice Data

SIM PLOT CNC 5.0 uses a builtin Job Management module that records every plot job. When a job is marked as Billable, the system creates an invoice record with the following fields:

These values can be edited before finalizing the invoice, allowing you to add PO numbers, payment terms, or any extra remarks.

3. Export Formats & Compliance

SIM PLOT CNC 5.0 supports exporting invoices in three major formats:

• PDF The most common format for printed and archival copies. Includes a builtin digital signature area.
• XML (UBL) Ideal for electronic data interchange (EDI) with ERP systems. Conforms to the Universal Business Language standard used by many European tax authorities.
• CSV Simple spreadsheet export for bulk processing or importing into accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero).

When a tax authority mandates a specific schema (e.g., Italys Fattura elettronica or Polands JPK_V7), select the XML option and map the required fields in the Export Settings dialog.

4. StepbyStep: Creating a Compliant Invoice

1. Complete the Job Finish the plot/cut operation and confirm material usage.
2. Open the Job Management Window Rightclick the job Mark as Billable.
3. Enter Buyer Details Populate ClientName and ClientAddress. If the client is stored in the address book, select it this automatically fills the tax ID.
4. Verify Pricing Check UnitPrice and TaxRate. Adjust if a discount applies.
5. Add Optional Fields Click More to insert PO number, payment terms, or custom notes.
6. Generate Invoice Number The system autoincrements based on the Invoice Prefix set in Settings Accounting. Ensure the prefix matches your internal numbering scheme.
7. Preview PDF Use Print Preview to verify layout, alignment, and that all mandatory fields appear.
8. Export Choose PDF for client delivery, XML for ERP upload, or CSV for batch accounting. Save the file with a naming convention like INV_2023-07-15_000123.pdf.
9. Archive Store a copy in the Invoices folder of SIM PLOT and back up to your document management system.