IT encyclopedia
White Digital IT Encyclopedia
Answers to the questions business owners search for: AI, automation, business systems and software development. In plain language, with examples from our work.
Topics
- AI and artificial intelligence What artificial intelligence, AI agents and ChatGPT are, and how to use them safely in a business — in plain language, with examples. 20 questions
- Automation How to automate invoices, receipts, e-mails, orders and reports — and where to start so that automation pays off. 16 questions
- E-invoicing E-invoicing in Latvia: when it becomes mandatory, what a structured e-invoice is, XML and Peppol, how to send e-invoices and automate them. 12 questions
- Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What ERP and CRM are, inventory management, booking systems and intranets — and how to choose between an off-the-shelf and a custom system. 16 questions
- Integrations and API What an API is and how to connect accounting, an online store, the bank and other software so that data flows automatically. 10 questions
- Websites and e-commerce Building a website or online store: prices, SEO, domains, hosting, maintenance and websites with an AI agent. 16 questions
- Funding and digitalisation LIAA and ALTUM digitalisation funding in Latvia, digital transformation and how to prepare an IT project for a funding application. 8 questions
- Software development How software is made: the development life cycle, MVP, Agile, programming languages and custom development. 10 questions
- IoT and electronics The Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, equipment control and prototyping — how hardware and software work together. 6 questions
Most popular questions
- Websites and e-commerce How much does it cost to build a website? The price depends on whether it’s a template site or a custom design, how many pages and languages there are, whether you need integrations (bookings, payments, CRM), how much content has to be prepared and how the site will be maintained. A template or AI-generated site can cost a few hundred euros; a custom company website costs more, but it is built to win customers. Read the answer
- Automation How to automate invoice processing? Incoming invoices are collected automatically from e-mail or an e-invoicing channel, the data (supplier, amount, VAT, dates) is read from the e-invoice XML or with AI, the system matches it against orders and enters it into accounting. A person checks only the invoices that don’t meet the rules. Read the answer
- AI and artificial intelligence How to use artificial intelligence in a business? AI adds the most value in repetitive work with text and documents: processing invoices and requests, customer questions, summaries and moving data. Start with the one process where the most time is lost, measure the result and only then expand. Read the answer
- Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory Off-the-shelf or custom-built system — which to choose? An off-the-shelf system is faster and cheaper to start with if your processes are standard. A custom system pays off when your competitiveness rests on how you work, you need integrations with specific systems, or the ready-made product forces you to change your processes and pay for features you don’t need. Often a hybrid is best. Read the answer
- Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What is a CRM system? CRM (customer relationship management) is a system that keeps customers, contacts, communication history, deals, quotes and tasks in one place. It helps sales and customer service not to lose anything and to see which stage every deal is at. Read the answer
- Websites and e-commerce What is a website with an AI agent? A website with an AI agent is a custom-built site whose content you change just by writing what you want — for example, "change the phone number in the contacts" or "add a new service". The agent knows the site’s structure and style, makes the changes, checks them and shows a preview, but nothing is published without your approval. Read the answer
- AI and artificial intelligence What is an AI agent? An AI agent is an artificial intelligence program that doesn’t just answer questions but takes actions itself to reach a goal: it reads an e-mail, finds information in a system, fills in data and sends a reply. It works within the limits you set and, when needed, asks a person for approval. Read the answer
- Integrations and API What is an API? An API (application programming interface) is the way programs talk to each other. It is like a "door" into a system through which another program can securely request or send data — for example, an online store sends an order to accounting, or a website gets an exchange rate. Without an API, data between programs has to be copied by hand. Read the answer
- E-invoicing What is an e-invoice? An e-invoice, or structured electronic invoice, is an invoice in a machine-readable format (XML) that follows the European standard EN 16931 (LVS EN 16931 in Latvia). Software can read and book it automatically without retyping. An ordinary PDF invoice sent by e-mail is not an e-invoice in this sense. Read the answer
- Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What is an ERP system? ERP (enterprise resource planning) is a system that brings together orders, purchasing, inventory, production, finance and often HR in one place. Its goal is for data to be entered once and for everyone to work with the same up-to-date information. Read the answer
- Software development What is an MVP, or minimum viable product? An MVP (minimum viable product) is the first version of a system with only the most important features — it already solves the main problem and can be put to use. It lets you get the benefit sooner, test the idea with real users and spend the budget only on what is really needed. Read the answer
- AI and artificial intelligence What is artificial intelligence (AI)? Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that lets computer systems do tasks that normally require human thinking: understanding text, recognising images, making forecasts and simple decisions. The most common kind today is generative AI, such as ChatGPT, which writes text and answers questions. Read the answer
- Automation What is business process automation? Business process automation means that repetitive work — data entry, document processing, approvals, reports — is done by software, and people step in only where a decision is needed. Today automation is increasingly combined with artificial intelligence that understands text and documents. Read the answer
- Software development What is custom software development? Custom software development means the system is built specifically for your company — around your processes, rules and integrations — instead of buying a ready-made product you have to adapt to. The system belongs to you and can grow together with your business. Read the answer
- Funding and digitalisation What is LIAA digitalisation support? In LIAA’s (Investment and Development Agency of Latvia) digitalisation programmes, companies could receive a grant for introducing digital solutions. In the latest round in 2025, grants of up to 10,000 euros were available for digital solutions and up to 200,000 euros for artificial intelligence solutions. Applications for this round closed on 7 November 2025. Read the answer
- Websites and e-commerce What is SEO and why does a website need it? SEO (search engine optimisation) means adapting a website so that Google and other search engines show it when people search for your services. It covers technical quality (speed, structure), content that answers people’s questions, and credibility (mentions, links). Good SEO means customers without paying for every click. Read the answer
- Integrations and API What is system integration? System integration means connecting different programs so that data flows between them automatically: an order from the online store reaches the warehouse and accounting, a customer from a website form reaches the CRM. Integration eliminates retyping, duplicated data and errors. Read the answer
- IoT and electronics What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? The Internet of Things (IoT) means physical devices — sensors, equipment, machines — that are connected to the internet and exchange data. They can send measurements to the cloud, receive commands and work together with company software, for example reporting a fault or ordering materials automatically. Read the answer
- E-invoicing When do e-invoices become mandatory in Latvia? E-invoices have been mandatory for invoicing public bodies since 1 January 2025. From 1 January 2026 the data of these e-invoices must be reported to the State Revenue Service (VID). Between businesses (B2B), e-invoices become mandatory from 1 January 2028 — in June 2025 the Saeima moved this deadline from 2026. Read the answer
All questions
114 questions — and growing.
Tags
- #Manufacturing
- #Logistics and warehousing
- #Trade and retail
- #Public sector
- #Service businesses
- #Small and medium businesses
- #AI
- #AI agents
- #ChatGPT and language models
- #API
- #Cloud
- #IoT
- #PHP
- #Python
- #Automation
- #Document processing
- #E-invoicing
- #Accounting
- #Customer service
- #Internal communication
- #Security and data
- #Laws and regulations
- #Costs
- #Funding
- #Productivity
- #SEO and Google
- #E-commerce
- #Development process
- Can LIAA support be used for building a website? Funding and digitalisation Other questions
- Can you connect programs without a developer? Integrations and API Other questions
- Do ChatGPT and other AI tools understand Latvian? AI and artificial intelligence Other questions
- Does a small business need an ERP? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory Other questions
- How do AI agents work? AI and artificial intelligence How to…?
- How do businesses use IoT? IoT and electronics How to…?
- How is AI changing software development? Software development Other questions
- How long does it take to build a custom system? Software development Other questions
- How long does it take to build a website? Websites and e-commerce Other questions
- How many companies in Latvia use artificial intelligence? AI and artificial intelligence Other questions
- How much does a custom ERP or CRM system cost? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory How much…?
- How much does it cost to build a website? Websites and e-commerce How much…?
- How much does it cost to build an AI agent? AI and artificial intelligence How much…?
- How much does it cost to build an online store? Websites and e-commerce How much…?
- How much does it cost to develop an IoT solution? IoT and electronics How much…?
- How much does process automation cost? Automation How much…?
- How much does website maintenance cost? Websites and e-commerce How much…?
- How should a business prepare for mandatory e-invoicing in 2028? E-invoicing How to…?
- How to add online payments to your system or website? Integrations and API How to…?
- How to automate customer request handling? Automation How to…?
- How to automate document approvals? Automation How to…?
- How to automate e-mail processing? Automation How to…?
- How to automate invoice processing? Automation How to…?
- How to automate manufacturing? Automation How to…?
- How to automate order processing? Automation How to…?
- How to automate receipt and expense processing? Automation How to…?
- How to automate receiving and booking e-invoices? E-invoicing How to…?
- How to automate reports and dashboards? Automation How to…?
- How to automate work with Excel spreadsheets? Automation How to…?
- How to build a booking or appointment system for your business? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory How to…?
- How to build a customer database that isn’t an Excel spreadsheet? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory How to…?
- How to build an AI agent for your business? AI and artificial intelligence How to…?
- How to build an AI assistant that knows your company documents? AI and artificial intelligence How to…?
- How to build an IoT device prototype? IoT and electronics How to…?
- How to calculate whether automation pays off? Automation How to…?
- How to choose an ERP system? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory How to…?
- How to choose an IT developer or software development company? Software development How to…?
- How to choose inventory management software? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory How to…?
- How to connect an online store to inventory and accounting? Integrations and API How to…?
- How to connect e-invoices to your accounting software? E-invoicing How to…?
- How to create a website for your business? Websites and e-commerce How to…?
- How to create an e-invoice? E-invoicing How to…?
- How to create an online store? Websites and e-commerce How to…?
- How to finance a company’s digitalisation when programmes are closed? Funding and digitalisation How to…?
- How to get your website found on Google? Websites and e-commerce How to…?
- How to get your website into AI search (ChatGPT, Google AI)? Websites and e-commerce How to…?
- How to implement a CRM so that employees actually use it? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory How to…?
- How to integrate accounting software with other systems? Integrations and API How to…?
- How to integrate with state registers and databases? Integrations and API How to…?
- How to monitor equipment and production with sensors? IoT and electronics How to…?
- How to prepare an IT project for a funding application? Funding and digitalisation How to…?
- How to send an e-invoice via Latvija.gov.lv and the e-address? E-invoicing How to…?
- How to use artificial intelligence in a business? AI and artificial intelligence How to…?
- How to write requirements, or a technical specification? Software development How to…?
- Inventory management in Excel or in a system? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory Comparisons
- Is a PDF invoice sent by e-mail an e-invoice? E-invoicing Comparisons
- Is a waybill (delivery note) an e-invoice? E-invoicing Other questions
- Is AI worth it for a small business? AI and artificial intelligence Other questions
- Is an AI-generated website enough? Websites and e-commerce Comparisons
- Is it safe to give AI your company data? AI and artificial intelligence Other questions
- Is the LIAA digitalisation programme open right now? Funding and digitalisation Other questions
- Mobile app or website — what does a business need? Websites and e-commerce Comparisons
- Off-the-shelf or custom-built system — which to choose? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory Comparisons
- What are the most popular programming languages, and does it matter to the client? Software development Other questions
- What does a website need to comply with under the GDPR? Websites and e-commerce Other questions
- What is a CRM system? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What is…?
- What is a customer portal? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What is…?
- What is a dealer management system (DMS)? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What is…?
- What is a digital maturity assessment? Funding and digitalisation What is…?
- What is a domain and how to choose one? Websites and e-commerce What is…?
- What is a large language model (LLM)? AI and artificial intelligence What is…?
- What is a REST API? Integrations and API What is…?
- What is a webhook? Integrations and API What is…?
- What is a website with an AI agent? Websites and e-commerce What is…?
- What is Agile development? Software development What is…?
- What is an AI agent? AI and artificial intelligence What is…?
- What is an API key? Integrations and API What is…?
- What is an API? Integrations and API What is…?
- What is an e-invoice? E-invoicing What is…?
- What is an ERP system? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What is…?
- What is an intranet? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What is…?
- What is an MVP, or minimum viable product? Software development What is…?
- What is an online booking system and who needs one? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory What is…?
- What is an XML e-invoice and which standard applies? E-invoicing What is…?
- What is artificial intelligence (AI)? AI and artificial intelligence What is…?
- What is business process automation? Automation What is…?
- What is ChatGPT and how can you use it at work? AI and artificial intelligence What is…?
- What is custom software development? Software development What is…?
- What is digital transformation? Funding and digitalisation What is…?
- What is generative artificial intelligence? AI and artificial intelligence What is…?
- What is LIAA digitalisation support? Funding and digitalisation What is…?
- What is machine learning? AI and artificial intelligence What is…?
- What is MQTT? IoT and electronics What is…?
- What is OCR and how does it help with documents? Automation What is…?
- What is Peppol? E-invoicing What is…?
- What is RAG, or AI that works with company data? AI and artificial intelligence What is…?
- What is RPA, or software robots? Automation What is…?
- What is SEO and why does a website need it? Websites and e-commerce What is…?
- What is system integration? Integrations and API What is…?
- What is the ALTUM digitalisation loan? Funding and digitalisation What is…?
- What is the difference between an AI agent and a chatbot? AI and artificial intelligence Comparisons
- What is the difference between ERP and CRM? Business systems: ERP, CRM, inventory Comparisons
- What is the EU AI Act and what does it mean for a business? AI and artificial intelligence What is…?
- What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? IoT and electronics What is…?
- What is the software development life cycle? Software development What is…?
- What is web hosting? Websites and e-commerce What is…?
- When do e-invoices become mandatory in Latvia? E-invoicing Other questions
- Where to start with business process automation? Automation How to…?
- Who owns the source code of a custom-built system? Software development Other questions
- Why does AI sometimes get things wrong, or "hallucinate"? AI and artificial intelligence Other questions
- Why must e-invoice data be reported to the State Revenue Service? E-invoicing Other questions
- Will AI replace employees? AI and artificial intelligence Other questions
- WordPress or a custom-built website? Websites and e-commerce Comparisons
- Zapier, Make, n8n or a custom solution — which to choose? Automation Comparisons
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