Skip to main content

eMessaging PDF Previewer

The eMessaging PDF previewer is an integral part of the Single Screen Workspace in eMessaging, simplifying workflows and eliminating multiple, repetitive clicks while processing inbound documents.

Hákon Davíð Halldórsson avatar
Written by Hákon Davíð Halldórsson
Updated over 3 months ago

Understanding the PDF Previewer

The PDF Previewer enables users to view the original e-document (electronic invoice) and attachments that a purchase document (e.g., a Purchase Invoice) is based on. This ensures traceability, supports accurate review, and simplifies approval workflows by providing direct access to the supplier’s invoice or related scanned documents.

Using the PDF Previewer provides several benefits:

  • Time-Saving
    No need to switch systems or search for physical documents.

  • Improved Accuracy
    Enables direct comparison between invoice data and captured document.

  • Better Approval Flow
    Approvers can access the original invoice instantly before making decisions.

  • Compliance
    Supports retention and traceability for financial audits.

Finance teams and approvers will find several applicable use cases where the PDF Previewer provides these benefits, including:

  • Accounts Payable Verification:
    Confirm line items, totals, and VAT amounts against the supplier’s original invoice.

  • Approval Review:
    Approvers can verify the legitimacy and content of the invoice without leaving Business Central.

  • Discrepancy Resolution:
    Quickly identify mismatches between what was ordered, received, and invoiced.

Below is an example of a document displayed in the PDF Previewer.

PDF Viewer

Tip: The document is displayed in a side panel (factbox) within eMessaging. Users can zoom and scroll or open the invoice in a new tab if needed.

Features & Applicable use cases

The key features of The eMessaging PDF Previewer are:

  • Embeded Viewer
    Displays PDF documents directly within the Business Central interface.

  • Linked to Purchase Document
    Opens the file associated with a specific purchase invoice or credit memo.

  • Read-Only Format
    The viewer is non-editable, preserving the integrity of the source document. This prevents accidental modification of original invoice documents.

  • Full-Page and Scroll Support
    Allows scrolling, zooming, and full-page viewing for multi-page invoices.

  • Document Integrity
    Files are stored securely within the Business Central database or a connected document storage system (e.g., SharePoint, Azure Blob Storage).

  • Audit Compliance
    Helps meet audit requirements by linking source documentation to transactional data. Acts as the official supplier invoice for review and audit purposes.

Enabling the PDF Previewer

As the factbox in Business Central shows important information about the invoice and vendor, the PDF Previewer has to be enabled in order to be displayed on purchase documents.

To enable the PDF Previewer, navigate to Purchases & Payables setup and check the "Show PDF Factbox" under Centara Purchase Settings.

Enable PDF viewer for Purchase

The PDF Previewer will now be available for display. You might need to expand the factbox by clicking on the factbox icon in the top right corner of the page.
​

Tip: Expanding the factbox once will make it visible on all the available pages. Accordingly, minimizing the factbox on any page will minimize it on all available pages.

Availability list

Once enabled, the PDF Previewer will become available on the following pages:

  • Centara Inbound e-Documents

  • Purchase Header Approvals

  • Purchase Lines Approvals

  • Posted Purchase Credit Memo

  • Posted Purchase Credit Memos

  • Posted Purchase Invoice

  • Posted Purchase Invoices

  • Purchase Credit Memo

  • Purchase Credit Memos

  • Purchase Invoice

  • Purchase Invoices

  • Purchase Order

  • Purchase Order List

  • Purchase Return Order

  • Purchase Return Order List

  • Sales Order

  • Purchase Documents Worksheet

Did this answer your question?