Data Integration: Connecting Business Systems, with Fethi Rabhi and Alan Hsiao

In this conversation, Jon Scheele, Fethi Rabhi, and Alan Hsiao discuss the complexities of data integration, particularly in the context of e-invoicing. They explore the challenges faced by businesses in automating invoicing processes, the importance of standards like PEPPOL, and the limitations of current systems. The discussion also touches on the future of invoicing, automation, and the potential impact of AI and blockchain technology on business processes.

Takeaways

• Data integration is a significant challenge for businesses.
• E-invoicing requires automatic production and consumption of invoices.
• Standards like PEPPOL facilitate communication but have limitations.
• The complexity of invoicing is compounded by various business processes.
• Microservices and APIs can help in evolving architectures.
• AI's impact on invoicing may take time to materialize.
• The future may see more hybrid systems for invoicing.
• Automation in invoicing can extend to procurement and pricing.
• Trust in communication is essential for effective invoicing.
• The digitization of impractical processes is on the horizon.

Sound bites

"The world effectively runs on this invoice."

"We need a way of trust in the communication."

"We do see a decline in ERP type systems."

Chapters

00:00 The Challenge of Data Integration

01:48 Understanding E-Invoicing Complexity

08:47 Standards in E-Invoicing: Benefits and Limitations

14:01 Balancing Standardization and Innovation

22:07 Future Trends in E-Invoicing and Automation