In multifaceted project environments, managing supplier billing when there is no formal contract per project can be complex. Calance’s Procore + Xero integration resolves this by enabling Direct Invoices from Xero to be transmitted into Procore, even in the absence of a formal contract tied to a project. This enhances financial transparency, reduces manual data entry, and improves alignment between project and accounting systems.
This document explains how to configure, execute, and maintain the Direct Invoice sync functionality, emphasizing service readiness, technical setup, and B2B operational robustness
To ensure this integration works reliably, certain prerequisites must be met, both in terms of system setup and process discipline.
|
Requirement |
Purpose / Implication if Not Met |
|
Approved Invoices in Xero |
Only invoices that are fully completed and approved in Xero will be considered for sending. An unapproved bill is excluded. |
|
Complete Invoice Data |
Invoice must have required fields: From (vendor), Date, Due Date, Reference, Description, Qty, Unit Price, Account, Project assignment (if applicable), Cost Codes. Missing data may lead to sync failures or rejection. |
|
Project Numbers Assigned to Lines, if Needed |
If any line in the invoice is tied to a project, the integration uses that information to split lines appropriately. If lines lack project numbers, those cost lines may be orphaned or incorrectly assigned. |
|
Vendor Exists in Procore |
Even though there is no formal contract, the vendor must be recognized / existing in the system so the Direct Invoice can be tied correctly. Implicit in workflow. (While not explicitly stated, in practice vendor/contact sync is foundational.) |
|
Integration Access / Permissions |
The service account or API used by Calance/Dimension Cloud must have adequate permissions in Xero (to read approved bills/invoices), and in Procore (to create direct invoices, assign cost/project codes). |
|
Stable Cost Codes & Project Setup in Procore |
To avoid mismatches, the project structure, cost codes, and project number conventions in Procore should be well defined before enabling the sync. |
Before any invoice can be sent, it must be fully prepared and approved in the Xero side.
Procedure:
Ensuring all fields are correct and complete reduces risk of data rejection or misallocation when the sync is executed.
Once invoices are approved and data is ready, the next step is triggering the sync through the Calance - Dimension Cloud integration interface.
Procedure:
After execution, verify in Procore that each direct invoice appears under correct project(s), with header details and line-item breakdown as expected.
Key technical and data mapping considerations ensure correct translation of the invoice data from Xero into Procore.
To ensure reliability and maintain service quality, adopt these operational best practices:
Below are potential problems you might run into, with likely causes and remedies.
|
Issue |
Likely Cause |
Recommended Fix |
|
A direct invoice doesn’t appear in Procore |
Invoice not approved in Xero; missing required fields; vendor record missing |
Check invoice status; ensure all invoice data is filled; sync vendor first; re-trigger sync |
|
Line items go to wrong project or not assigned |
Lines missing project number; project numbering mismatch between systems |
Assign project numbers; standardize project numbering; adjust Xero line assignments; ensure consistency in both systems |
|
Duplicate invoice headers in Procore across projects |
Multiple syncs of same invoice; header + line mapping duplicated |
Check for already-synced invoices; avoid re-sending header when already exists; possible deduplication rules needed |
|
Cost code mismatches / unmapped accounts |
Difference in cost code naming or account mapping between Xero and Procore |
Standardize cost code naming; maintain mapping tables; test sync in small batches |
|
Missing or partial line items |
Some lines in invoice lack cost codes or project numbers |
Identify and fill missing metadata; re-run sync for those invoices or lines |
For B2B operations—especially those managing multiple projects with varied suppliers—handling Direct Invoices efficiently is crucial. Calance’s integration between Procore and Xero enables such invoices to flow into project cost tracking even when no formal contract exists, and supports splitting line items by project for granular financial visibility.
Success depends on:
When these are managed well, the Direct Invoice sync becomes a reliable service asset—reducing administrative overhead, enhancing cost tracking, and improving financial insight.