Creating XML structure extensions

  • 03/02/2026
  • 3 minutes to read

XML structures are a foundational concept in Continia eDocuments. These structures define how data is organized, exchanged, and interpreted between systems – such as between Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and external partners, tax authorities, or networks.

Although Continia eDocuments is bundled with dozens of XML structures that suit most companies, it also enables you to extend these structures. The reasons to do this include:

  • Compliance with specific standards, whether driven by local legislation or business processes.
  • Compatibility with different customer/vendor details or requirements, line items, tax codes, payment terms, etc.
  • Business process optimizations – such as internal workflows, project or cost center codes, and custom analytics tags.

To create an XML structure extension

  1. Search (Search) for and select Continia eDocuments Setup.
  2. On the action bar, click XML Structures.
  3. At the bottom of the table, in a new entry, enter a code (e.g.: PEPPOLBIS3EXT) and a description (e.g.: PEPPOL BIS3 Order Extension).
  4. Under the Electronic Format column, click New.
  5. In the Select - eDocuments Electronic Formats dialog box, create a format by entering a code, description, network name, and, if applicable, an alternative electronic format. When you’re done, click OK.
  6. Make sure the electronic document type, XML identification type, eBilling document type, and document type match the values of the existing structure you’re extending.
  7. Under the XML Structure Code Extension column, enter the code of the existing structure you’re extending.
  8. Search (Search) for and select XML Structure View.
  9. In Structure Code, select the extension you’ve just created.
  10. Under Type, select a node according to your needs.
  11. On the action bar, click Actions > Extension Functions. Then, click one of the actions below:
    • Replace - replaces the selected entry with the extended entry, allowing you to customize the latter.
    • Copy to Extension - adds a copy of the selected entry before or after the current entry on the extension level.
    • Delete in Extension - deletes the entry on the extension level.
  12. Under the Field No. Column, select a value. If you’re unsure of what to select here, contact Continia’s Support team.
  13. Search (Search) for and select Customers or Vendors, depending on whom you need to apply the extension to.
  14. On the Customer/Vendor Card, on the eDocuments FastTab, click the three dots by the Electronic Format field and select the extension you’ve just created.