In many companies, there is a manual step between an approved invoice and the actual bank transfer: the payment data has to be brought from accounting into a format the bank can process. 1Tool closes exactly this gap by letting you generate SEPA payment files in XML format directly from the invoice – without a detour via a separate banking tool or manual data entry.
What SEPA payment files are needed for in everyday business
SEPA payment files are the standard companies use to submit bulk transfers or direct debits to their bank. Instead of entering each payment individually in online banking, you upload a structured XML file that contains all relevant transactions in a single step. Especially for recurring payment runs – for example at month-end, when several supplier invoices fall due at the same time – this saves noticeable time compared with entering every single transfer by hand. The advantage of generating such a file directly from the invoice in 1Tool is obvious: the payment data comes, without any media break, from the same system in which the invoice was recorded and checked. No amounts or IBANs need to be typed in again, which also reduces the risk of errors.
Traceability built in
As soon as a SEPA payment file has been generated, 1Tool clearly displays the specific transaction data: the file name, the IBAN used, the amount, the scheduled payment date and the employee who created the file. This log is more than a technical footnote. Once several people in the team are allowed to initiate payments, sooner or later the question arises of who triggered which payment and when – for example when accounting has questions, when reconciling with the bank statement or, if in doubt, when something doesn't add up. Because every generated file is documented with its creator, timestamp and content, this question can be answered without searching through emails or asking around the team. This creates clarity about responsibilities, especially when payment approval is spread across several people, and makes internal control of outgoing payment flows easier.
One step less in the payment process
For companies that regularly make bulk payments to suppliers or business partners, generating the payment file directly from the invoice means an end-to-end process: record the invoice, check it, approve it for payment – and immediately create the file for the bank from it. The entire process remains documented in one system, from the original invoice to the outgoing payment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this feature to include several invoices in one payment file at once?
The SEPA payment file is generated on the basis of the invoice data scheduled for payment and can be used for bulk transfers, so several payments can be submitted to the bank in one go.
Who can see in 1Tool which employee created a payment file?
The creator is displayed together with the file name, IBAN, amount and payment date, and can therefore be viewed at any time by authorised users in the system.
Does the SEPA payment file from 1Tool replace my bank's online banking?
No. The file is generated in 1Tool and then submitted to your bank for execution – the actual payment is still carried out by your bank.
Would you like to see how SEPA payment files are created directly from your invoices?