In previous articles, I detailed how electronic invoicing works in El Salvador through a module developed specifically for Odoo 18.
The implementation supported two different approaches:
Centralized signing and submission to the DGII
Odoo established two connections: one to an external server responsible for electronic signing, and another directly to the DGII services. The signed DTE was submitted to the tax authority, which returned the validation stamp and the document status.
Odoo 18 Electronic Invoicing SV Module – Decentralized
Decentralized signing and submission
Odoo established a single connection to an external server that handled the entire FEL process: receiving the DTE, signing it, submitting it to the DGII, receiving the response, and returning the validated DTE, receipt stamp, and document status to Odoo.
Centralized Electronic Invoicing SV Process from Odoo 18
Simplifying Electronic Invoicing
With Odoo 20 approaching its release, I took the opportunity to migrate the centralized implementation to Odoo 19 and introduce several improvements to streamline communication with the tax authority.
This new implementation eliminates the need for an external electronic-signing server. Electronic signatures are now generated directly within Odoo using the taxpayer's digital certificate. As a result, Odoo only needs to communicate with the DGII services to submit the signed DTE and receive the corresponding response.
The entire process is now simplified into the following workflow:
Odoo Generates Invoice → Odoo Signs Electronically → DGII → Odoo
Odoo generates the DTE, signs it electronically, and submits it directly to the DGII. The system subsequently receives the official receipt stamp together with the document's validation status.
Advantages of the new architecture
This new architecture simplifies electronic invoicing, reduces external dependencies, and provides greater control over the entire process.
- Fewer points of failure: There is no longer a dependency on an external signing server being available and operating correctly.
- Lower operating costs: Costs associated with external signing services are eliminated, particularly those that charge for every signed invoice.
- Greater speed: Signing directly within Odoo eliminates an intermediate connection and streamlines the document issuance process.
- Greater control: DTE generation, electronic signing, and document management are handled directly within Odoo.
- Reduced third-party dependency: Odoo communicates directly with the DGII for document submission and validation.
Custom Odoo development and electronic invoicing
If you are interested in custom Odoo development, electronic invoicing solutions for El Salvador, or learning more about how electronic signatures integrated directly into Odoo work, feel free to get in touch.
I would be happy to share more information about this implementation and explore how it can be adapted to the specific requirements of each project.
Alejandro Aparicio | Odoo Developer