Automate Invoice Generation with SPFx

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Purpose of the Application
3. Features of the Invoice Generator
   1. Selecting Different Clients and Customers
   2. Adding Items to the Invoice
   3. Dynamically Adding Items
   4. Setting Percentage based on Tags
   5. Creating a PDF Version of the Invoice
   6. Using Excel or Outlook for Invoice Generation
   7. Creating Different Invoices
   8. Calculating Subtotal, Tax, and Total Amount
   9. Adding Customer or Client through SharePoint List
   10. Using PnP JS for SharePoint Connectivity
4. Application Demo
5. How to Configure the Application
6. Exploring the Code
   1. Web Part Properties
   2. Invoice Service
   3. Invoice Generator Components
      1. Invoice Header
      2. Add Item
      3. Lower Part
      4. Download Invoice PDF
   4. Basic Validation
7. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

As a foreign-based developer and consultant in Canada, I wanted to be part of the awesome community by developing an application. The result is an Invoice Generator web part using SharePoint Framework (SPFx). In this article, I will share the purpose of the application, its features, a demo, configuration steps, and an overview of the code structure.

Purpose of the Application

The main purpose of the Invoice Generator is to provide users with a simple and dynamic tool for creating invoices. While there are many invoice generators available, I wanted to create something unique that would offer additional functionalities using familiar technologies and options provided by SPFx.

Features of the Invoice Generator

1. Selecting Different Clients and Customers

   The Invoice Generator allows users to select and add different clients and customers to their invoices. This ensures that invoices are customized for specific recipients.

2. Adding Items to the Invoice

   Users can add items to the invoice, such as products or services provided. The application provides a user-friendly interface for adding multiple items.

3. Dynamically Adding Items

   The application allows users to dynamically add items to their invoices. The option to keep adding items dynamically makes it convenient and efficient for users.

4. Setting Percentage based on Tags

   Users can set percentages based on specific tags. These tags can be configured in the web part properties, allowing for easy customization of invoices based on unique requirements.

5. Creating a PDF Version of the Invoice

   The Invoice Generator includes the ability to generate a PDF version of the invoice. This is particularly useful as PDF invoices are commonly preferred for sending via email.

6. Using Excel or Outlook for Invoice Generation

   The Invoice Generator eliminates the need to use Excel or Outlook tables to generate invoices. Users can now utilize the web part to easily create invoices without relying on external tools.

7. Creating Different Invoices

   The application permits users to create multiple invoices, enabling the management of various invoices simultaneously.

8. Calculating Subtotal, Tax, and Total Amount

   Users can calculate the subtotal, tax, and total amount of the invoice. The application provides a convenient and accurate way to handle calculations.

9. Adding Customer or Client through SharePoint List

   The Invoice Generator incorporates the use of a SharePoint list to manage customer or client information. Users can add customers or clients directly through the SharePoint list.

10. Using PnP JS for SharePoint Connectivity

    The application utilizes the PnP JS library for SharePoint connectivity. This ensures a reliable and efficient connection to SharePoint lists and libraries.

Pros:

• Highly customizable invoices
• Dynamic item addition
• PDF invoice generation
• Seamless integration with SharePoint

Cons:

• Basic invoice generator with limited features
• Potential learning curve for users unfamiliar with SharePoint Framework

Application Demo

The Invoice Generator web part features a user-friendly interface. At the top, users can find a dropdown menu that allows them to select different clients or customers. This dropdown menu is populated with data from a SharePoint list, making it easy to manage and select customers.

Users can also customize the web part by entering their company name and address. The company name is set once through the web part properties, ensuring consistency across invoices.

The interface includes options to add items to the invoice, calculate the subtotal, tax, and total amount, and generate a PDF version of the invoice. The application utilizes the React PDF package for PDF generation, resulting in a professional-looking document.

How to Configure the Application

Configuring the Invoice Generator web part is a straightforward process. Upon adding the web part to a SharePoint page, users are prompted to configure it. They can select an existing invoice list or create a new one. If a list doesn't exist, the application creates one with the specified columns.

Web part properties allow users to customize the logo displayed on the invoice and set the percentages for calculations. The web part also adapts to the theme of the current site collection, ensuring a unified user experience.

Exploring the Code

The code structure of the Invoice Generator is organized into several components. The web part file handles the controls and property controls, while the invoice service file handles API calls to SharePoint.

The Invoice Generator components are divided into four main sections. The Invoice Header component manages the dropdown selection and company details. The Add Item component handles the addition of items to the invoice. The Lower Part component calculates the subtotal, tax, and total amount. Finally, the Download Invoice PDF component generates and downloads the PDF invoice using the React PDF package.

The code also includes basic validation to ensure that no empty invoices are generated. Users are prompted to add items before generating a PDF, preventing any incomplete or erroneous invoices.

Conclusion

The Invoice Generator web part provides users with a simple yet comprehensive tool for creating invoices within SharePoint. With its customizable features and functionality, it offers a convenient solution for generating professional invoices. Despite its basic nature, the application showcases the potential of SPFx development and the integration of SharePoint services. Whether you're a developer seeking sample code or a user in need of an invoice tool, the Invoice Generator has something to offer.

Highlights

• The Invoice Generator is a web part developed using SharePoint Framework (SPFx).
• It allows users to create customized invoices within SharePoint.
• Users can select clients, add items, calculate totals, and generate PDF invoices.
• The application integrates with SharePoint lists for customer information.
• The use of PnP JS library ensures reliable SharePoint connectivity.

FAQ

Q: Can I customize the look and feel of the generated PDF invoice? A: Yes, the look and feel of the PDF invoice can be enhanced by modifying the CSS file used in the application.

Q: Can I add additional features to the Invoice Generator? A: Yes, the Invoice Generator provides a basic framework that can be extended to include additional functionalities based on your specific requirements.

Q: Can I use the Invoice Generator in multiple SharePoint sites or site collections? A: Yes, the Invoice Generator can be used across multiple SharePoint sites or site collections, allowing for flexible usage within your organization.