What Is Automated Invoicing?
Automated invoicing eliminates the repetitive manual work of creating and sending invoices. Instead of logging in every month to create the same invoice for the same client, you set it up once and let the software handle the rest.
With Illumi's automation features, you can create recurring invoices that generate automatically, schedule invoices to send at specific times, and set up automatic reminders for overdue payments.
For South African freelancers and small businesses, this means less time on admin and more consistent cash flow. No more forgetting to invoice a client or chasing late payments.
Automation Features
Everything you need to put your invoicing on autopilot.
Recurring Invoices
Set up invoices that automatically generate and send on your schedule — weekly, monthly, quarterly, or custom intervals.
Scheduled Sending
Create invoices now, send them later. Schedule invoices to be sent on a specific date and time.
Automatic Reminders
Never chase payments manually again. Set up automatic reminders for overdue invoices.
Due Date Tracking
Invoices automatically update status based on due dates. See overdue invoices at a glance.
Customisable Rules
Set your own automation rules — when to send, how often to remind, and what messages to use.
Set It and Forget It
Once configured, automation runs in the background. Focus on your work, not admin.
How Much Time Will You Save?
See the difference automation makes for a typical small business.
How Recurring Invoices Work
Create a Template
Set up the invoice with client, line items, and amount.
Set the Schedule
Choose frequency: weekly, monthly, quarterly, or custom.
Activate
Turn it on and Illumi handles the rest automatically.
Get Paid
Invoices are sent automatically. Clients pay online.
Perfect For
Automated invoicing works for any business with regular billing.
Retainer Clients
Bill retainer clients automatically every month. Invoice is created and sent without you lifting a finger.
Subscription Services
Perfect for SaaS, memberships, or any recurring service. Automate your entire billing cycle.
Maintenance Contracts
IT support, property maintenance, or any ongoing service — automate the billing.
Freelance Retainers
Designers, developers, and consultants on retainer can automate monthly invoicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is automated invoicing?
Automated invoicing uses software to automatically create, send, and follow up on invoices without manual intervention. This includes recurring invoices that generate on a schedule, automatic email delivery, and payment reminders for overdue invoices.
How do recurring invoices work?
You set up an invoice template with the client, amount, and schedule (weekly, monthly, etc.). Illumi automatically creates a new invoice on each billing date and sends it to your client. You can review before sending or let it go fully automatic.
Can I customise automatic reminders?
Yes. You control when reminders are sent (e.g., 3 days before due, on due date, 7 days overdue), how many reminders to send, and the message content. Make it match your communication style.
What if I need to change a recurring invoice?
You can edit, pause, or cancel recurring invoices at any time. Changes apply to future invoices — past invoices remain unchanged for your records.
Is automated invoicing included in the free plan?
Basic automation like scheduled sending is available on all plans. Recurring invoices and advanced automation features are available on Illumi Pro from R99/month.
Can clients pay automated invoices online?
Absolutely. Every invoice — whether manual or automated — includes a Pay Now button for instant online payment via PayFast or Yoco.