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It's surprising that Xero hasn't integrated this feature into their core code, especially since their message-service@post.xero.com email is currently being exploited to send spam with malicious payloads. The code I developed interacts with Xero's API when invoices are authorised. It requests the PDF, attaches it, and includes a link in the email with text that closely resembles the standard Xero template. The email is then sent using an App Registration in your Microsoft 365 tenant.

The process is straightforward. Anyone interested in using it will need to have Microsoft 365 (business, not personal). While I still need to write the web server setup guide, the setup for Xero and M365 is already complete. The setup is simple, and I've reviewed the AI-generated code thoroughly; everything looks fine (I have extensive experience with open-source projects).

I used AI to create the software to test its feasibility and effectiveness. As with all software, there are no guarantees it will be bug-free (please refer to any software's terms and conditions). However, after extensive testing, I am confident enough to release it to the community.

I've already reached out to Robert. If anyone else is interested in trying it out, I recommend setting up a Xero trial to evaluate the system. Once you're satisfied, you can transition to your main system.

Alternatively, you can integrate it with your Demo Company and, once you're confident, reauthenticate with your main Xero company.

I just find it amazing that Xero completely ignore comments made here for features (actually...it doesn't surprise me if you think about it).

All Xero and most other SaaS companies are now focused on seemingly locking in users and then gradually increasing the subscription over time to see where they can get to. All the while, the actual services offered and support go down in real terms.

I completely agree with the AI bot JAX...anything we seem to ask it to do, it cannot manage, then the things it can do aren't really any quicker than looking it up.

We have seen the same thing happen with our inventory system, prices have rocketed and yet the actual offering gets less and less.

Chris - we ae accountants and have raised how important this feature is, and yet they still don't listen! This should have been one of the first things Xero offered, it baffles me. They can soon implement price increases though!

A word of caution using the kindly offered app - AI generated code is notorious for glaring security holes and by using it you could unwittingly open yourself up to vulnerabilities/data breaches. Can you offer any reassurances Marc?

Hi Marc, Xero just dont give a sh1t anymore about users who aren't accountants their own AI bot in the product directs you here when you ask why it can't do anything! Can you share your GitHub repository? Would be a good place to put your code if you havent already you can also put a note that it addresses this long standing request and how hopeless Xero are. Really good of you to offer it out!

Hi Marc,

Its amazing how deaf Xero are to this and many other simple, but essential improvements that we are all asking for.

Amazing that you've created this program. I would be interested in trying it out. Can we discuss on email? robert.white@armstrongbell.co.uk

Kind regards,
Rob

Xero, please listen to your users and implement requests that they ask for.

This has been requested for years and you are ignoring these requests, A couple of companies have jumped in and are offering a paid for service that does what users have been asking the core system to do for years.

I wrote a very simple web app that solves the issue simply using AI, I have tested and I'm offering this to the community at no charge.

Xero please feel free to let me know if you would like to implement the code into your core system, its written in ASP.NET Core 8 C#.

For any other Xero users please feel free to reach out with your contact details and I will be more than happy to share the compiled code and install instructions. You will need a hosting package that supports ASP.NET Core 8 (most providers do), I'm happy to assist with the hosting if needed otherwise you can use your own provider.

For the time being I have only written this to send emails via an App Registration in Microsoft 365, If anyone wants this for Google Enterprise please let me know as it should be a simple change or addition in the code.

Last update was 2 years ago to say 'we have plans for modernising this space soon we cannot commit to any new developments for Statements until this work has been complete. Once this has been done I'll round back to the idea here when we can reset the objectives.'

Where is the real progress?

This is a basic accounting function for most business and should be integrated within the system.

Come on, this should be sorted by now...maybe less time on cosmetic changes and more time on real functional changes!

100% facts, this is the one thing that would make a serious difference, I’m sick of seeing updates from people just like me saying this would be cool, XERO stop fobbing the clients off, make it happen, before we choose with our feet and walk.

@Emma Roberts - what's worse is I've just had a customer survey where it looks like they're evaluating whether they should start a CRM tool or Project Management tool (they just sold WorkflowMax after wrecking it - in a Sage-ACT! style f'up)... they literally don't care about these forums anymore - they're just a means to fob customers off - they have no bearing on product development whatsoever - I dare say Kelly was sacked a while ago - the ticket has been open since 2015... so to have an update from Kelly in 2023 is a joke.

Please can you let me know why, as an accounting software, atomically sending statements is not already possible. I would have thought that this would have been one of the first things you made. 1. Invoices and sending them out automatically. 2. Statements and sending them out automatically.

As Kelly told us it was being worked on 2 years ago I am quite worried about all the other critical things that I am still waiting for. Colours for the top to differentiate between companies and the most important thing is an unapproved button or release for payment function.

Absolute joke

*****************Xero, please listen to your customers***************************

Globally, how much time could be re-claimed by businesses being able to automate repetitive tasks! As a cloud platform you are supposed to be agile. If you don't value passing time savings over to your customers but charge them more for the same old service, perhaps we should be looking to work with vendors that do.

Does Xero have a published roadmap of technology upgrades? Its all very well talking about it, but businesses need solid timescales to work with. This holistic approach does not cut the mustard!

To everyone else, sorry for having to post on multiple threads.

Sadly lack of progress (or comment) on seemingly easy fix ideas appears to be path of the course for Xero ...!

Still no progress after 2 years then !

@Craig Vickers - couldn't agree more - good way of looking at it, I always thought they were kissing the backsides of accountants and bookkeepers being their main sales channel but a defective product opens up an ecosystem with a rake.

Welcome to the annoying business model of SAAS apps. Xero has such a big hole in their product that they create an opportunity for someone to develop a solution to fill that hole. Stately. Stately, as a Xero Partner, pays Xero a percentage of their revenue. So now, Xero will not spend the time and money to fix the hole because they are making money off of Stately.

It is very short sided on Xero's part to keep operating this way. If we have to use so many bolt ons to get a complete product, you are opening the door for us to switch to a more modern application that does not have the same inadequacies. Please do better Xero. But being that this request was started nearly 10 years ago, I guess we just switch to a better application.

Kelly, what's the progress on such a fundamental accounting package function?

Why is this basic function not included?

Is there any update on automatic statements for customers one of our requests it every month to reconcile and make a payment. If you can send out Invoice reminders surely the auto statement function is just as easy if not easier?

Thanks

Why is this on the backburner? Is it to protect apps like Stately?

I agree that automatic statements are basic functions for an accounting software - that neither the practice and or its clients should pay for.

Zoho allows one to attach a statement to an invoice when one sends out an invoice - surely Xero should follow suit in this regard.