n8n Workflow Node: Create & Validate ZUGFeRD/Factur-X

Create & Validate ZUGFeRD / Factur‑X Invoices with an n8n Form

Automate ZUGFeRD/Factur‑X invoice creation and validation end-to-end: collect submissions via an n8n form, generate or validate hybrid PDFs with pdfRest, and block invalid results from release—while packaging a complete audit bundle for download.

What this workflow does

This n8n workflow orchestrates invoice processing with minimal effort for users and controlled release for production:

• Collects inputs through an n8n Form: users select a task (create, pair, or validate) and upload the required XML/PDF files.
• Checks task + eligibility: validates invoice reference presence, supported file types, file sizes, and performs basic CII XML structure checks. Missing or unsupported inputs return correction messages.
• Processes with pdfRest:
  • Create: generates a ZUGFeRD/Factur‑X hybrid PDF from CII XML.
  • Pair: pairs uploaded CII XML with a visual PDF (optionally allowing regeneration).
  • Validate: validates an uploaded hybrid PDF.
• Interprets validation results: determines whether the invoice is eligible for human review.
• Blocks invalid results: invalid outcomes are marked as failed and not released.
• Supports error notifications: configure an Error Trigger workflow for email or Slack notifications, then select it in this workflow’s settings (execution link + error message; recipients/credentials configured separately).
• Builds an audit bundle: outputs invoice PDF, source XML/original PDF (when available), plus a JSON + README report—then compresses everything into a ZIP for download.

Use cases

• Turn incoming CII XML submissions into compliant ZUGFeRD/Factur‑X hybrid PDFs, then validate before release.
• Pair CII XML with an uploaded visual PDF and ensure the resulting hybrid invoice passes pdfRest validation.
• Review and approve only eligible invoices, with blocked/invalid cases prevented from production distribution.

Technical details

• Core nodes: if, code, form, sticky note, compression, form trigger
• Validation/generation engine: pdfRest for ZUGFeRD/Factur‑X creation and validation
• Notification: configurable Error Trigger with email or Slack