The Belgian OGM format: how the structured communication works, is recognized and how to generate one.
In Belgium, the structured communication (OGM) is a widely used payment reference on invoices. It is a unique code that automatically links the payment to the correct invoice at the recipient's end. eConnect automatically recognizes this payment reference on PDF invoices and includes it in the e-invoice.
The OGM (Overschrijvingsbericht met Gestructureerde Mededeling) is a Belgian standard format for payment references. It consists of 12 digits, divided into three groups and surrounded by plus signs:
+++XXX/XXXX/XXXXX+++
The last two digits form a checksum: the number remaining after dividing the first ten digits by 97. If the result is 0, 97 is used as the checksum. This built-in verification makes the format reliable and ensures that typos are detected.
An example: +++090/9337/55493+++. Here, 090933755 are the first nine digits, 49 is the sequence number, and 3 is the checksum (90933755493 mod 97 = 3).
The IDR (Intelligent Document Recogniser) automatically recognizes the OGM on Belgian PDF invoices. The system looks for the characteristic pattern of plus signs and digits, and validates the checksum to confirm it is a valid payment reference.
After recognition, the OGM is placed in the payment reference field of the e-invoice (the PaymentMeans/PaymentID element in UBL). This allows the recipient to automatically match the payment with the invoice in their accounting system.
Recognition of the Belgian OGM format is part of the Professional version of the IDR.
Do you send invoices to Belgian customers and want to add a structured communication? In the eConnect platform, you can generate an OGM when composing an invoice. Click "Edit" next to the payment reference field to add a structured communication. The platform automatically generates a valid OGM number with the correct checksum.
In addition to the Belgian OGM, the IDR also recognizes payment references from other countries:
All these recognition features are part of the Professional version of the IDR.
Want to learn more about the technology behind invoice recognition? Read How does Scan & Recognise (IDR/OCR) work?.
Learn how to submit invoices