{"id":11812,"date":"2024-09-26T09:16:59","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T09:16:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/?p=11812"},"modified":"2024-09-30T10:56:37","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T10:56:37","slug":"what-is-an-invoice-number","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/blog\/invoice-finance\/what-is-an-invoice-number\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is An Invoice Number &amp; How to Generate One?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"11812\" class=\"elementor elementor-11812\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b573d03 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b573d03\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-eac37f9\" data-id=\"eac37f9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa0b34c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"aa0b34c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_is_an_invoice_number\"><\/span>What is an invoice number?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a6b112 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1a6b112\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/What-Is-An-Invoice-Number.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-11826\" alt=\"What Is An Invoice Number\" srcset=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/What-Is-An-Invoice-Number.jpg 640w, https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/What-Is-An-Invoice-Number-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5449472 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5449472\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-28fa3c0\" data-id=\"28fa3c0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1047f0e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1047f0e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>An invoice number is a unique set of numbers and alphabets that is placed on every invoice a business processes. Don\u2019t get us started on what an invoice is, because that\u2019s quite understandable, right:p? Anyhow, think of an invoice number as the \u201cfingerprint\u201d of a transaction, allowing both parties to easily track and reference payments.<\/p><p>It\u2019s vital not just for bookkeeping but also for maintaining organised financial records. Every financial transaction that your business makes, should be invoiced with an invoice number. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-04658fe elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"04658fe\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6ef6182\" data-id=\"6ef6182\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2705f29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2705f29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What to include in your invoice?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50bb509 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"50bb509\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When crafting any <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/blog\/invoice-finance\/types-of-invoices\/\">type of invoice<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, especially with an invoice number in the bill, certain key elements should never be overlooked:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Business name and contact information:<\/strong> This should ideally be at the top of the page.<\/li><li><strong>Client\u2019s name and contact information:<\/strong> This makes sure the recipient is unmistakably identified.<\/li><li><strong>Invoice number:<\/strong> This is the unique identifier, such as the initials of your company. It differentiates all the invoices and increases the speed of processing.<\/li><li><strong>Invoice date:<\/strong> This shouldn\u2019t be back-dated more than 5 days.<\/li><li><strong>Description of services or products:<\/strong> Details about what the invoice covers.<\/li><li><strong>Payment terms:<\/strong> Specify when payment is due.<\/li><li><strong>Total amount due:<\/strong> The sum that needs to be paid.<\/li><li><strong>VAT breakdown:<\/strong> To comply with the HMRC guidelines, the invoice should show the VAT breakdown.<\/li><li><strong>PO number:<\/strong> This is the purchase order number, which tells which products or services a business wants from a particular supplier.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-4fd1064 elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4fd1064\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-44f79d1\" data-id=\"44f79d1\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48c9ce8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"48c9ce8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Compare Invoice Financing Quotes Today<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49e88c8 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"49e88c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-size-md elementor-animation-grow\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get Free Quotes Today<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-49bf988 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"49bf988\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e42ee17\" data-id=\"e42ee17\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ca5de2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"0ca5de2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-750da74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"750da74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Invoice number example<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7603106 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7603106\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If your business generates a monthly invoice for a recurring client, you might structure your invoice number like this: INV-2024-07-001. Here:<\/p><ul><li>\u2018INV\u2019 stands for invoice.<\/li><li>\u20182024\u2019 is the year.<\/li><li>\u201807\u2019 is the month<\/li><li>\u2018001\u2019 is the sequential number for that particular invoice. <\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-699821e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"699821e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-617f2ed\" data-id=\"617f2ed\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d67bc7b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d67bc7b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why_are_invoice_numbers_important_for_businesses\"><\/span>Why are invoice numbers important for businesses?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce45a2f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ce45a2f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Why-Companies-Use-Factoring.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-11662\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Why-Companies-Use-Factoring.jpg 640w, https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Why-Companies-Use-Factoring-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9896aa0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9896aa0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Invoice numbers play an important role in the financial operations of a business. They are more than just a sequence of digits &#8211; they are a key tool for maintaining order and ensuring smooth transactions.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74415e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"74415e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Streamlined record keeping<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e0978b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5e0978b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Invoice numbers allow businesses to maintain organised and easily accessible records. Each invoice number corresponds to a specific transaction, making it easy to locate, review and reconcile invoices during accounting or auditing processes. This organisation helps in tracking payments and managing accounts receivable efficiently.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a06dec elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0a06dec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Prevention of duplicate payments<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba124dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ba124dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>With unique invoice numbers, businesses can avoid the costly mistake of duplicate payments. Each invoice can be checked against records to ensure that it hasn\u2019t already been paid.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4790375 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4790375\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Simplifying tax filing<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75082e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"75082e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>During tax season, having a well-organised system of invoice numbers makes filing easier and less stressful. Businesses can quickly pull up relevant invoices to verify income and expenses, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f55dcbc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f55dcbc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Better customer communication<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8411c80 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8411c80\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When discussing payments with clients, an invoice number provides a clear reference point. This clarity resolves disputes, confirms payment statuses and maintains transparent communication with customers. Result? High trust and better business relationships.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d5933b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3d5933b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5. Improved cash flow management<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fbba68 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9fbba68\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>By tracking unpaid invoices using invoice numbers, businesses can better manage their cash flow. Knowing which invoices are outstanding helps in planning for cash inflows and ensuring the business has enough liquidity to meet its necessary expenses and payments.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4441428 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-blockquote--button-color-official elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"4441428\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor-pro - v3.25.0 - 03-11-2024 *\/\n@charset \"UTF-8\";.entry-content blockquote.elementor-blockquote:not(.alignright):not(.alignleft),.entry-summary blockquote.elementor-blockquote{margin-left:0;margin-right:0}.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote{background:transparent;border:0;color:#3f444b;font-size:100%;font-style:normal;margin:0;outline:0;padding:0;quotes:none;vertical-align:baseline}.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote .e-q-footer:after,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote .e-q-footer:before,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote cite:after,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote cite:before,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote:after,.elementor-widget-blockquote blockquote:before{content:none}.elementor-blockquote{transition:.3s}.elementor-blockquote__author,.elementor-blockquote__content{font-style:normal;margin-bottom:0}.elementor-blockquote__author{font-weight:700}.elementor-blockquote .e-q-footer{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;margin-top:12px}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button{align-self:flex-end;color:#1da1f2;display:flex;line-height:1;position:relative;transition:.3s;width:-moz-max-content;width:max-content}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover{color:#0967a0}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button span{font-weight:600}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button i,.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button span{vertical-align:middle}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button i+span,.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button svg+span{margin-inline-start:.5em}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-button svg{fill:#1da1f2;height:1em;width:1em}.elementor-blockquote__tweet-label{white-space:pre-wrap}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button{background-color:#1da1f2;border-radius:100em;color:#fff;font-size:15px;padding:.7em 1.2em}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover{background-color:#0967a0;color:#fff}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover:before,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover:before{border-inline-end-color:#0967a0}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button svg,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button svg{fill:#fff;height:1em;width:1em}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--button-view-icon .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic.elementor-blockquote--button-view-icon .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button{height:2em;padding:0;width:2em}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--button-view-icon .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button i,.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-classic.elementor-blockquote--button-view-icon .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button i{left:50%;position:absolute;top:50%;transform:translate(-50%,-50%)}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:before{border:.5em solid transparent;border-inline-end-color:#1da1f2;content:\"\";left:-.8em;position:absolute;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%) scaleY(.65);transition:.3s}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--align-left .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:before{border-left-color:transparent;border-right-color:#1da1f2;left:-.8em;right:auto}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--align-left .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover:before{border-right-color:#0967a0}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--align-right .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:before{border-left-color:#1da1f2;border-right-color:transparent;left:auto;right:-.8em}.elementor-blockquote--button-skin-bubble.elementor-blockquote--align-right .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button:hover:before{border-left-color:#0967a0}.elementor-blockquote--skin-boxed .elementor-blockquote{background-color:#f9fafa;padding:30px}.elementor-blockquote--skin-border .elementor-blockquote{border-color:#f9fafa;border-inline-start-width:7px;border-style:solid;padding-inline-start:20px}.elementor-blockquote--skin-quotation .elementor-blockquote:before{color:#f9fafa;content:\"\u201c\";display:block;font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-size:100px;font-weight:900;height:.6em;line-height:1}.elementor-blockquote--skin-quotation .elementor-blockquote__content{margin-top:15px}.elementor-blockquote--align-left .elementor-blockquote__content{text-align:left}.elementor-blockquote--align-left .elementor-blockquote .e-q-footer{flex-direction:row}.elementor-blockquote--align-right .elementor-blockquote__content{text-align:right}.elementor-blockquote--align-right .elementor-blockquote .e-q-footer{flex-direction:row-reverse}.elementor-blockquote--align-center .elementor-blockquote{text-align:center}.elementor-blockquote--align-center .elementor-blockquote .e-q-footer,.elementor-blockquote--align-center .elementor-blockquote__author{display:block}.elementor-blockquote--align-center .elementor-blockquote__tweet-button{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}<\/style>\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\tAccording to a report by Skynova, 61% of late payments are due to incorrect invoices. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a353aac elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a353aac\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"993\" height=\"741\" src=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Benefits-of-invoice-numbers.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-11827\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Benefits-of-invoice-numbers.png 993w, https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Benefits-of-invoice-numbers-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Benefits-of-invoice-numbers-768x573.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 993px) 100vw, 993px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea448c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"ea448c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-bdb998a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"bdb998a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f3969b4\" data-id=\"f3969b4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bba8ab1 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"bba8ab1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-size-md elementor-animation-grow\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get Invoice Finance Quotes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c3b938 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3c3b938\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3912f1c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3912f1c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-da29af3\" data-id=\"da29af3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0188d3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0188d3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_invoice_number_should_i_use\"><\/span>What invoice number should I use?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a2449c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3a2449c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Now that we\u2019ve discussed the benefits of having invoice numbers, let\u2019s discuss some of the ways of generating them. The format of the invoice number you select depends on your business needs, the level of detail you require and the volume of invoices.<\/p><ol><li><strong>Sequential invoice numbers:<\/strong> Sequential numbering is one of the simplest and most commonly used methods. Each new invoice receives the next number in the line, starting from a chosen base number (e.g., 001, 02, 003).<br \/><br \/><\/li><li><strong>Client-specific invoice numbers:<\/strong> Assigning invoice numbers based on client identifiers is another effective method, especially if you manage multiple clients. For example, you could use a unique client code followed by a sequential number (e.g., ABC001, ABC002 for client ABC).<br \/><br \/><\/li><li><strong>Chronological invoice numbers:<\/strong> Chronological numbering involves incorporating the date and year into the invoice number. For example, you could use a format like 2024-001 or 2023-001 where the first part indicates the year or month and the second part is sequential.<br \/><br \/><\/li><li><strong>Project-based invoice numbers:<\/strong> If you\u2019re in a manufacturing industry or own a production capacity, using project-specific invoice numbers can be beneficial. You can assign a unique project code followed by a sequential number (e.g., PROJ01).<br \/><br \/><\/li><li><strong>Custom alphanumeric codes:<\/strong> Some businesses prefer creating custom codes that combine elements such as client ID, project code and other details. An example of this type is ABC-P01-2023-001, where ABC is the client, P01 is the project, 2023 is the year and 001 is the sequence number.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-73b2114 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"73b2114\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5625eb0\" data-id=\"5625eb0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-715c38a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"715c38a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"issues_with_invoice_numbers_how_to_solve_them\"><\/span>Issues with invoice numbers &amp; how to solve them<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7a0467 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a7a0467\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Problems-With-Invoice-Numbers.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-11828\" alt=\"Problems With Invoice Numbers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Problems-With-Invoice-Numbers.jpg 640w, https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Problems-With-Invoice-Numbers-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9e75fe1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9e75fe1\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3aa7624\" data-id=\"3aa7624\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15c4e96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"15c4e96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Invoice numbers are crucial for maintaining organised financial records as they correctly identify the payor and payee, mention the due date and the amount to be paid. But if not managed properly, they can create some issues.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efc6144 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"efc6144\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Duplicate invoice numbers<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16c60d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"16c60d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Duplicate invoice numbers can occur when multiple invoices are created manually or when different departments within a company use inconsistent numbering systems. This can lead to confusion and payment delays.<\/p><p><strong>Solution:<\/strong> Implement a centralised invoicing system that automatically generates unique invoice numbers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-66144b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"66144b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Missing invoice numbers<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-766ba6d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"766ba6d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Missing invoice numbers can disrupt the continuity of your records, making it difficult to track payments and reconcile accounts. This issue often arises from human error such as accidentally skipping a number when manually entering invoice details.<\/p><p><strong>Solution:<\/strong> Use accounting software that automatically assigns invoice numbers sequentially.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3e217f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d3e217f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Inconsistent numbering systems<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a3bd6e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1a3bd6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This problem can occur when different formats are used within the same organisation. For example, some invoices use a sequential system while others incorporate client codes.<\/p><p><strong>Solution:<\/strong> Standardise the invoicing numbering system across the entire organisation. Establish clear guidelines for how invoice numbers should be formatted and used.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7114e41 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7114e41\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Difficulty in tracking invoices<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e3ab1d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0e3ab1d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Businesses may struggle to track invoices, especially when dealing with a high volume of transactions. This can result in lost or overlooked invoices, which can adversely affect the cash flow.<\/p><p><strong>Solution:<\/strong> Implement an invoicing software that includes a searchable database. This allows you to quickly locate invoices by number, client or date. Microsoft Excel is the simplest example of all, but there are full-fledged accounting software for invoicing available in the market of the UK. Choose a suitable one for your business.<\/p><p>All of this is represented in the table below as well:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65749c13 eael-dt-th-align-center eael-table-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-data-table\" data-id=\"65749c13\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-data-table.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"eael-data-table-wrap\" data-table_id=\"65749c13\" id=\"eael-data-table-wrapper-65749c13\" data-custom_responsive=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<table class=\"tablesorter eael-data-table center\" id=\"eael-data-table-65749c13\">\n\t\t\t    <thead>\n\t\t\t        <tr class=\"table-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t            <th class=\"\" id=\"\" colspan=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"data-table-header-text\">Problem<\/span><\/th>\n\t\t\t        \t\t\t\t            <th class=\"\" id=\"\" colspan=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"data-table-header-text\">Description<\/span><\/th>\n\t\t\t        \t\t\t\t            <th class=\"\" id=\"\" colspan=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"data-table-header-text\">Solution<\/span><\/th>\n\t\t\t        \t\t\t\t        <\/tr>\n\t\t\t    <\/thead>\n\t\t\t  \t<tbody>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\"><p><b>Duplicate invoice numbers<\/b><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\">Occurs when multiple invoices are created manually or departments use inconsistent systems, leading to confusion.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\">Implement a centralised invoicing system that auto-generates unique invoice numbers.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t        \t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\"><p><strong>Missing invoice numbers<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\">Human error can result in skipped or missing numbers, disrupting records and making tracking payments difficult.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\">Use accounting software to assign invoice numbers sequentially, ensuring none are missed.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t        \t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\"><p><strong>Inconsistent numbering systems<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\">Different formats used across departments cause inconsistencies, such as combining sequential numbers with client codes.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\">Standardise numbering formats across the organisation and set clear guidelines for invoice numbers.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t        \t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\"><p><strong>Difficulty in tracking invoices<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\">High transaction volumes can make it hard to track invoices, leading to lost or overlooked invoices, impacting cash flow.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td colspan=\"\" rowspan=\"\" class=\"\" id=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"td-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"td-content\">Adopt invoicing software with a searchable database for easy invoice retrieval by number, client, or date.<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t        \t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t        \t\t\t    <\/tbody>\n\t\t\t<\/table>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t  \t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9421c4a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9421c4a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3c7c848\" data-id=\"3c7c848\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47c69dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"47c69dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"unlock_instant_payments_for_your_pending_invoices_with_comparedbusiness_fuel_your_cash_flow_now\"><\/span>Unlock instant payments for your pending invoices with ComparedBusiness &amp; Fuel your cash flow now!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0141b68 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"0141b68\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0f4a189\" data-id=\"0f4a189\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c70d9b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c70d9b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Does your business have unpaid invoices that are sitting idle because of long payment terms? Get immediate cash against them through <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/blog\/invoice-finance\/accounts-receivable-factoring\/\">invoice factoring<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. ComparedBusiness links you with top invoice factoring providers in the UK. Just fill in your details within 2 minutes and get instant quotes. Time to solve your cash flow problems now.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-dcb428a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"dcb428a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a0fa2f1\" data-id=\"a0fa2f1\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a06ae0 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4a06ae0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-size-md elementor-animation-grow\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Get Invoice Finance Quotes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4440e7c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4440e7c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7bd03d90 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7bd03d90\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5cc40cba\" data-id=\"5cc40cba\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c434eca elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"4c434eca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-accordion{text-align:start}.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item{border:1px solid #d5d8dc}.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item+.elementor-accordion-item{border-top:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title{margin:0;padding:15px 20px;font-weight:700;line-height:1;cursor:pointer;outline:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon{display:inline-block;width:1.5em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon svg{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon.elementor-accordion-icon-right{float:right;text-align:right}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon.elementor-accordion-icon-left{float:left;text-align:left}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon .elementor-accordion-icon-closed{display:block}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon .elementor-accordion-icon-opened,.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-accordion-icon-closed{display:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-accordion-icon-opened{display:block}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-content{display:none;padding:15px 20px;border-top:1px solid #d5d8dc}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title{padding:12px 15px}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon{width:1.2em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-content{padding:7px 15px}}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-accordion,.e-con>.elementor-widget-accordion{width:var(--container-widget-width);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1271\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1271\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How long should I keep invoices for?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1271\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1271\"><p>Invoices should be kept for at least 5-7 years. This retention period aligns with most tax laws and regulations, ensuring you have the necessary documentation for audits, disputes and financial reviews. It\u2019s better if you have digital backups for easy access and to prevent loss.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1272\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1272\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What is a PO number on an invoice?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1272\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1272\"><p>A purchase order number is a reference number provided by the buyer. It links the invoice to the original purchase order, helping both buyer and seller track and verify orders. <\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1273\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1273\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is an invoice the same as a receipt?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1273\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1273\"><p>No, an invoice is a request for payment issued before the payment is made, while a receipt is a proof of payment given after the transaction is completed. Invoices detail the amount due, while receipts confirm payment has been received.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long should I keep invoices for?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<p>Invoices should be kept for at least 5-7 years. This retention period aligns with most tax laws and regulations, ensuring you have the necessary documentation for audits, disputes and financial reviews. It\\u2019s better if you have digital backups for easy access and to prevent loss.<\\\/p>\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is a PO number on an invoice?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<p>A purchase order number is a reference number provided by the buyer. It links the invoice to the original purchase order, helping both buyer and seller track and verify orders. <\\\/p>\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is an invoice the same as a receipt?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<p>No, an invoice is a request for payment issued before the payment is made, while a receipt is a proof of payment given after the transaction is completed. Invoices detail the amount due, while receipts confirm payment has been received.<\\\/p>\"}}]}<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is an invoice number? An invoice number is a unique set of numbers and alphabets that is placed on every invoice a business processes. Don\u2019t get us started on what an invoice is, because that\u2019s quite understandable, right:p? Anyhow, think of an invoice number as the \u201cfingerprint\u201d of a transaction, allowing both parties to &#8230; <a title=\"What Is An Invoice Number &amp; How to Generate One?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/blog\/invoice-finance\/what-is-an-invoice-number\/\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11832,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-invoice-finance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11812"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11812"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11812\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12031,"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11812\/revisions\/12031"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comparedbusiness.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}