[Rheinbach, 19.09.2025] - With the support of isl-Kocher, FBS is developing the open standard SewerOrder, which digitally maps the ordering process for components in the wastewater sector.
What is SewerOrder?
SewerOrder is the first standardized data exchange format for order data in the wastewater sector. SOFTBAUWARE adopted the standard at an early stage and has already adapted it as an interface for the ERP system ERPbos. The aim of SewerOrder is to establish a uniform digital standard for ordering sewer components in order to simplify the ordering process for all parties involved. The previous error-prone ordering process (data exchange via analog manhole clock/order form) will be replaced by a purely digital, bidirectional interface.
Advantages of SewerOrder:
- Faster processing of quotations and orders
- Safe processing of changes by the manufacturing plant
- Uniform, open standard for software in the field of sewer planning, billing and production assembly
- BIM-compatible processing without loss of information
- Readability through JSON format, which is easier for people to understand than XML
The SewerOrder data model describes both a JSON exchange format and a database schema for MS SQL Server to manage order data centrally. This allows both individual orders and entire projects to be processed efficiently on a large scale.
Digitization of the ordering process
Until now, components were usually ordered using textual descriptions or manually completed forms, which sometimes led to errors and time-consuming corrections. With SewerOrder, the ordering process can be completely digitized, thus avoiding media discontinuities:
- The planner's sewer planning program provides the data basis.
- The construction company generates a digital order at the touch of a button.
- The manufacturing plant can automatically evaluate the order and make adjustments if necessary.
- Change requests are transmitted digitally and can be confirmed or further corrected by the customer.
- The process is repeated until both sides agree to the solution.
- Finally, the last version can be used to create a digital twin.
This digital communication reduces sources of error and ensures a smooth process.
Technical implementation and standardization
Bernhard Bock, who supported the project as an external consultant, explains the technical implementation: "SewerOrder relies on an open data structure whose JSON schema was generated from the SewerOrder database schema and thus enables interoperability between the JSON data and the database storage. The structure of the data model corresponds to previous, proven procedures, but utilizes the advantages of digital workflows without media discontinuity."
Key tables and reference values
To ensure data transparency and consistency, SewerOrder integrates both global and manufacturer-specific key tables. These are available online at www.sewerorder.org and allow components to be clearly identified and categorized.
Pilot project and practical application
isl-baustellenmanager is the first 3D trunking system to support the import and export of files in SewerOrder format. The full range of functions is expected to be available to customers with version 9.1.
The data exchange format has already been adapted by SOFTBAUWARE GmbH as an interface for the ERP system ERPbos. This means that SewerOrder is available in an ERP solution for the concrete industry in a practical way.
The Finger-Beton Group has already used SewerOrder in a SOFTBAUWARE pilot project. The result: significantly faster and more efficient ordering processes - from inquiry to implementation. In addition, Finger-Beton has developed an interface based on the new data exchange format to control the CNC milling machines used to manufacture molded parts for production. This means that downstream work steps and production processes can also be controlled automatically without media discontinuity and benefit from end-to-end digitalization.
Conclusion
SewerOrder makes ordering wastewater components digital, efficient and error-free. Thanks to the early adaptation of SOFTBAUWARE, the standard is already available in a practical form and is decisively driving the digitalization of the industry.
Further information and technical details on SewerOrder can be found at: www.sewerorder.org