An e-invoice, short for electronic invoice, is a digital version of a traditional paper invoice. It is a structured, machine-readable document that is generated and transmitted automatically between a seller and a buyer in a standardised format (PDF invoices are therefore not e-invoices). E-invoices serve the same purpose as traditional non-electronic invoices, which is to request payment for goods or services provided. However, thanks to the fact that they are generated and transmitted automatically, they are more efficient and can offer significant cost savings.

Beyond the exchange of invoices, e-reporting involves the submission of aggregated transactional data to tax authorities on a regular basis. For example, in France, the e-invoicing mandate requires businesses to send detailed transactional data to the tax authority monthly, a process referred to as "e-reporting" within the industry.

This term encompasses the exchange of any electronic supply chain documents, including purchase orders, dispatch advices, order confirmations, and invoices. While not widely used as a standalone term, it broadly covers all electronic document exchanges within the supply chain.

E-transport refers to the electronic exchange of transport and logistics documents between businesses, authorities, and other stakeholders in the supply chain. By using digital formats and standardised protocols, e-transport enables paperless communication and automates various processes. Common applications include electronic consignment notes (e-CMR), customs and tax documents, delivery notices, and real-time shipment status updates. E-transport is often integrated with EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) systems, relying on message formats like EDIFACT, XML, or API-based solutions to streamline data exchange and improve efficiency in logistics operations.

EANCOM stands for European Article Number Communication. EANCOM is a subset of EDIFACT, and like EDIFACT, EANCOM is a set of standards for electronic data interchange (EDI) messages that is used extensively across the world. EANCOM standards, however, are used primarily in the retail industry, and elements of EANCOM reflect this specialisation. The EANCOM standards are managed by a sub-organisation of the UN called CEFACT (the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business). Frequently used EANCOM message types include DESADV, INVOIC, ORDERS, ORDRSP and ORDCHG.

ebInterface is the Austrian standard for e-invoicing developed by AUSTRIAPRO on behalf of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. The machine-readable electronic XML standard enables automated invoice creation and automated invoice receipt.

EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange and refers to the electronic transmission of business documents such as invoices and purchase orders between companies in a standard format. By automating these transactions, companies can save time and eliminate costly errors that occur during manual and paper-based processing.

An EDI protocol is used by a communication software or application to enable the exchange of data between systems. In essence each EDI protocol is like a different language, as unless the trading partners involved are using a VAN (Value Added Network), both parties' systems must use the same protocol in order to communicate. Common EDI protocols include AS2, OFTP2 and REST API.

EDI standards are format specifications for EDI documents. They determine which information appears where in an EDI document. The EDI standard being used must be agreed by both sender and receiver before successful exchange is possible - with the choice of standard usually dictated by the customer. During exchanges, message data must be formatted according to the agreed standard. If information is missing or in the wrong place in an EDI message, the message in question may not be processed correctly.

EDIFACT stands for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport. EDIFACT is a collection of internationally agreed cross-industry standards, norms, directories and guidelines for the electronic exchange of structured business data. EDIFACT was published by the United Nations in 1986 with the aim of facilitating trade by simplifying the flow of information in the international movement of goods. Today EDIFACT is extremely widely used.

EN 16931-1 represents a semantic data model for the core elements of an electronic invoice. EN-16931-2 represents a list of syntaxes that comply with EN16931-1.

The EPC URI (Electronic Product Code Uniform Resource Identifier) is a unique identification number used to identify products in a supply chain. The EPC URI consists of a code associated with the product and a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) that uniquely identifies the code. The EPC URI is often used in combination with RFID technology to automatically identify and track products in real time.

EPCIS is a standard that allows for the sharing of data about the movement and status of products in the supply chain. It provides a framework for capturing and sharing information regarding the physical movement of goods, enabling better visibility and traceability of products. EPCIS helps organizations leverage data from RFID and other identification technologies to improve operations and enhance supply chain management.