CORENET e-Submission system (eSS) is a G2B (Government to Business) internet-based system that enables industry professionals to submit project related electronic plans and documents to regulatory authorities for approval.

The System covers all the application types concerning planning approvals, building plan approvals, building maintenance and certification from the various regulatory Authorities, forming a one-stop convenience point for round the clock submission via Internet.

With this System, the public is able to submit electronic plans and documents from their home and offices to 16 different regulatory authorities. In addition, the public is able to track the submission status online at their own convenience.

The System handles project-related documents for whole project life cycle covering processing of plans and documents related to issuance of:

Planning approvals
Building plans approvals
Structural plans approvals
Temporary occupation permit
Fire safety certificate
Certificate of statutory completion

CORENET is an acronym for Construction and Real Estate Network and is a major IT master program for the building and construction sector in Singapore.

1.2 What is the purpose of CORENET e-Submission System?

CORENET is a virtual, transparent, one-stop, round the clock service "counter" for electronic submission of project related document.

It provides One-stop convenience to both private and public sectors; It provides One-stop point for submission of plans from qualified persons to multiple approving authorities from anywhere, at any time; It provides One-stop access for qualified persons to check submission status online;
It provides One-stop billboard for approving authorities to post submission status online.

2.1 What are the setup requirements?

You should take note of the following requirements:

1. E-Submission Applicants should have the following hardware requirements

Pentium III with 500 MHz and above
Minimum 256MB RAM
56 kbps or 256 kbps ADSL modem (Highly Recommended)
Hard disk with sufficient capacity of minimum 1 GB
Netrust Smartcard Certificate Version 3
Smartcard Reader

2. E-Submission Applicants should have the following software installed in the PC

Supported Operating System (any one)

Windows 98 (Second Edition)
Windows 2000
Windows NT 4.0
Windows ME
Windows XP (Home/Professional)

Microsoft Internet Explorer Browser Version 6.0 and above

Microsoft Office applications

Java Virtual Machine (Not applicable for Windows XP)

Autodesk DWG TrueView (Click here for more details)

Autodesk DWF Viewer and Writer (Optional, click here for more details)

Note 1: McAfee Anti Virus 7.0 and above is not compatible with ESPro and digital applications.

Note 2: The free software named Mail Defense Standard version 3.1.0 (and possibly other versions) appeared to prevent digital signing. It was resolved by uninstalling the freeware. In general, we discourage the use of freeware to avoid potential software incompatibility issues.

2.2 What are the basic software required for e-Submission?

The basic software required are:

Electronic Submission for Professionals (ESPro) v2.2.0
Internet Forms Viewer 4.4.1
Digital Signer v1.1.0
ESPro User Guide - Optional
CORENET eSS Electronic User Guide(AVI) - Optional
URA EDA Client Application v3.3 - Applicable to eSS user who require to send application to URA

Note: The installation of Acrobat Reader has resulted in Internet Forms (*.XFD) being launched as Acrobat documents (*.PDF) for some computers. This can be resolved by reinstalling the PureEdge Internet Form Viewer so that the latter software will take precedence in opening Internet Forms.

2.3 How do I go about applying for internet connection?

You can check out the various packages offered by the following Internet Service Providers. Choose the plan, which you are most comfortable with.

Company	Website links
SingNet	Link to Singnet website
Pacific Net	Link to Pacific Net website
Starhub	Link to Starhub website

2.4 How do I obtain the required software?

Once you have successfully registered as a Corenet e-Submission User, you can log in to the CORENET-eSS website with your Userid and Password and click on the Software Downloads link along your User Name to download the required software.

Note: For installation guide, please click Chapter 2 (Downloading the Relevant Programs onto your Desktop)

2.5 Do I require any licenses for the software?

The Internet Form Viewer requires a unique license key for each site license. The license is distributed by BCA. To encourage early adoption of the System, BCA would be absorbing the initial purchase cost (estimated to be $300) for one license per firm. The distribution of the licenses would be subjected to the availability of stock of the Internet Forms viewer.

Each firm is entitled to only ONE complimentary license key.

To request for a new license, the firm has to write in to Ms Masita Said at masita@nova-hub.com with the following information:

Company's name
Contact person
Contact No.
Qualified Person's name (QP's name)
QP's Professional registration number

2.6 Can I use Internet Form Viewer without the site license?

Yes, but only up to 30 days of evaluation. To apply for internet forms viewer license, you may refer to Section 2.5

2.7 Do I need to register with Netrust?

Qualified Persons (QP) who need to digitally sign plans and documents for regulatory approval need to obtain a Netrust digital certificate. These include, but shall not be limited to, registered Architects, Professional Engineers and licensed tradesmen like Electricians, Plumbers and Gas Workers.

There would be cases where some forms require both the signature of owners / other party and qualified persons. If the owner / other party do not have Netrust digital certificates, they can appoint the qualified persons to act on their behalf via letter of undertaking, etc. Such letter or equivalent document would have to be digitally sign by the qualified persons and submitted together with the plans for regulatory approval.

* Refer to Section 7 for more information.

* More information about Netrust is available at www.netrust.com.sg

2.8 Is there any manual guide to guide me through the installation of CORENET eSubmission For Professional (ESPro)?

Yes, you may go to the 'Online Guides To e-Submission' page to download the ESPro User Manual. Alternatively, you may contact the CORENET_ESS helpdesk at 6325 5901 to 6325 5906 or email to ess-helpdesk@nova-hub.com for installation assistance.

3.1 What is the typical cost structure of setting up CORENET?

Setting up a CORENET environment only involves cost of a personal computer /notebook, an internet forms viewer license, Netrust Card, etc.

Assuming a computer with the relevant operating system:

Internet Forms Viewer:	$300* (one time cost)
Netrust Digital Certificate:	$50 (renewable annually)
Netrust Registration Fee:	$10
Netrust Smartcard:	$25
Netrust Card Reader:	$50-70*
GST	$9.45-$10.85*
Total	$444.45-$465.85

*Estimated Figures

3.2 Will CORENET increase my office costs?

No. In fact, it may even reduce by half of the cost as printing of documents are not required much, dispatch is not required as all e-submissions are done at a personal comfort of the office or home, saves storage space of archiving and convenient way of tracking submissions.

3.3 What are the costs benefits that I can gain from CORENET?

As mentioned in Section 3.2, everything can be done at a personal comfort, reduced costs of dispatch and printing.

4.1 Where can I go for the training?

Training will be conducted at BCA Academy formerly known as CITI. Details are available on the BCA Academy website. Please note that the authority shall not be responsible for the training or support provided by other independent contractors or agency trainers.

4.2 How long is the training and how much will it cost?

The training will be conducted over one full day (7 hours) and will cost S$278.25 per person after GST.

4.3 What are the course contents of the hands-on training?

Course contents of the hands-on training will include the following:

Application for Digital Signature known as Netrust Card
Register as a e-Submission System user
Download Corenet Electronic Submission for Professional (ESPro) software from e-Submission System
Use of Electronic Submission for Professionals (ESPro) – Introduction, Overview, Download Forms, Project Registration, Submission Preparation, Send Submission, Update Project Profile
Introduction to Online Functions of e-Submission System - Inbox, Track Project Status, Update Project Profile, Add Project Member, Replacing/Removing Project Member

4.4 How often will the hands-on training classes be conducted?

For enquiries regarding the training schedule, refer to Section 4.7

4.5 How do I register for the training?

For enquiries on how to register for the training, refer to Section 4.7

4.6 Will I receive any certificate upon completion of the course?

Trainees will be presented with a Certificate of Attendance upon successful completion of the training.

4.7 If I need more information or have further queries, where can I obtain the information or whom can I contact?

For more information on CORENET e-Submission System (eSS) Hands-on training course and training schedule, you can refer toBCA Academy website or contact the following:

BCA Academy (formerly Construction and Industry Training Institute)
School of Building & Development / Skills Training
200 Braddell Road
Singapore 579700
Tel: 6248 9842
Fax: 6258 0558

5.1 What is site support?

In any case if the problems encountered cannot be solved over the phone, CORENET-ESS helpdesk staff will provide complimentary on-site assistance.

However, to be fair to the other users, BCA reserves the right to decline unreasonably numerous requests for on site assistance from the same company.

5.2 Who should I contact for site support?

You can call CORENET eSS helpdesk at 63255901 to 63255906 (6 lines) during office hours or email to ess-helpdesk@nova-hub.com

6.1 Where can I find CORENET manuals guides?

Corenet manual guides can be downloaded from the 'Online Guides To e-Submission' page.

7.1 Where do I register for a Netrust Smartcard?

Netrust Pte Ltd

Address: 70 Bendemeer Road,
#05-03, Luzerne,
Singapore 339940
(Luzerne is formerly known as Hiap Huat House)
Operating hours: 9am to 5:30pm (Monday to Friday)

Netrust Customer Service Hotline: 6212 1388 (to leave voicemail)
Email: infoline@netrust.net
Website: www.netrust.com.sg

7.2 What do I have to bring?

Identification document of Applicant – Identity Card, Passport or Work Permit (foreigners);
Photocopy of front and back of identification document;
Netrust Digital Certificate Application Form;
Original or certified true copy of either one of the following if applicable:
Practising Certificate from the Professional Engineers Board OR
Practising Certificate from the Board of Architects;
Letter of Authorization, authorizing the Applicant to apply for the card;
Original or certified true copy of the RCB (Registry of Companies & Businesses) Certificate.
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7.3 How much do I have to pay?

Netrust Digital Certificate:	$50 (renewable annually)
Registration Fee:	$10
Netrust Smartcard:	$25
Netrust Card Reader:	$50-70*
GST:	$9.45-$10.85*
Total with GST:	$144.45-$165.85
Mode of payment:	Cash Cheque NETS VISA MASTER upon collection

*Estimated figures

7.4 What are my responsibilities for using the card?

The Smartcard with the Netrust Digital Certificate is like an identity card. The onus is on the Applicant to safeguard his/her card. If the card is stolen or lost, it must be reported to Netrust Pte Ltd immediately so that Netrust can revoke it. The password must always be kept private and confidential. There will be legal implications if the card is transferred or used by another person for unauthorized activities. The Applicant shall be held liable in the event of any breach of trust.

7.5 What if I forget my password?

If the Applicant forgets his/her password or the card is locked after seven (7) consecutive unsuccessful attempts, he/she has to apply for a re-issuance of Smartcard at the following charges:

Re-issuance of Smartcard:	$25
Administration Fee:	$10
GST:	$2.45
Total with GST:	$37.45

Note: There will be NO resetting of password for security reasons.

7.6 What if my card is damaged, lost or stolen?

Inform Netrust Pte Ltd immediately. The certificate will then be revoked.

Note: The cost for replacement of card is $37.45.

7.7 What type of support does Netrust provide?

On-site technical support is available by appointment. On-site services include certificate generation, software installation or trouble shooting and are available at the following charges:

On-site Service: 1st hour - $150, Subsequent hours - $100

Transportation Charge: $50.00 per trip

* Prices are before GST

For more information, please contact:

Netrust Customer Service Hotline: 6212 1388 (to leave voicemail)
Email: infoline@netrust.net
Website: www.netrust.com.sg

7.8 What operating systems are supported by Netrust software (Netrust Client and Netrust Security Proxy)?

Supported platforms:

Windows NT
Windows 95/98
Windows 2000 (Professional/Server)
Windows XP (Professional/Home)
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8.1 Is CORENET catered to the Architects only?

No. CORENET e-Submission System is a G2B (Government to Business) internet-based system that enables industry professionals like Architects, Engineers, Licensed Plumbers and Registered Surveyors to submit project related electronic plans and documents to regulatory authorities for approval.

8.2 Who are the potential users of the systems?

Potential users include industry professionals ranging from a draftsman to a Qualified Person (QP).

8.3 Must every project member be equipped with CORENET eSubmission for Professional (ESPro) before submission can take place?

No. Corenet eSubmission for Professional (ESPro) is only applicable for project members who are involved in e-submissions.

9.1 Is CP83 compulsory for all electronic submissions?

No. It varies across agencies.

9.2 What is the maximum file size for each submission?

It is advisable to keep the total files size for each submission within 100MB and each individual file size below 50MB.

9.3 What if I have more than 100MB of documents for submissions?

You can send the files in batches. First batch send as a new submission (ES) and the subsequent batch as a correspondence (CR).

Note: Click here to download the Send Correspondence User Manual.

9.4 What is a correspondence?

A correspondence is to follow up a submission. CR simply means Correspondence Reply from a registered eSS user. A CR number generated will be eg.CR20070707-20007. When sending a correspondence, ESS-CORR.XFD form is mandatory. It is located in the Form Template within the respective agencies folder named Correspondence to agency in the ESPro.

Note: Click here to download the Send Correspondence User Manual.

9.5 Can CORENET eSS accept submission of all types of files?

No. Only selected files types are accepted.

Documents/Reports/Test

	ESPRO	Online
*.DOC	Yes	Yes
*.PPT	Yes	Yes
*.XLS	Yes	Yes
*.TXT	Yes	Yes
*.RTF	Yes	Yes
*.PDF	Yes	Yes
*.HTM	Yes	Yes
*.HTML	Yes	Yes
*.XFD	Yes	Yes
*.EDF	Yes	Yes
*.ENT	Yes	Yes
*.ZIP	No	Yes
*.XML	Yes	Yes
*.GEO	Yes	Yes
*.PRJ	Yes	Yes
*.05N	Yes	Yes
*.05O	Yes	Yes
*.HCP	Yes	Yes
*.SVY	Yes	Yes
*.OUT	Yes	Yes
*.DCV	Yes	Yes
*.JOB	Yes	Yes

CAD data format

Note 1: For BCA applications, minimum font size for text on CAD drawings will be 3mm.

Note 2: For URA applications, *.PDF and *.DWF files are not accepted as drawings.

	ESPRO	Online
*.DXF	Yes	Yes
*.DWG	Yes	Yes
*.DGN	Yes	Yes
*.PDF	Yes	Yes
*.DWF	Yes	Yes

Image Files

(Tip: Avoid sending .*BMP files if possible as the file size is larger.)

	ESPRO	Online
*.GIF	Yes	Yes
*.JPEG	Yes	Yes
*.JPG	Yes	Yes
*.TIFF	Yes	Yes
*.TIF	Yes	Yes
*.BMP	Yes	Yes
*.PDF	Yes	Yes

9.6 What is the payment mode for eSS?

Cash, CashCard, NETS, Credit Card, Cheque, GIRO and e-Payment are allowed but may vary with different agencies.

Note: Click here for a listing of ePayment services.

9.7 Is it an intelligent Plan Checking System?

No. CORENET eSS is for e-submission purposes only. The integrity of drawings still lies within the industry professionals.

10.1 Is it necessary to upgrade from v2.1.1 to v2.2.0?

Yes. ESPro v2.1.1 has been discontinued since 5 September 2006 hence upgrading to ESPro v2.2.0 has been made mandatory.

If you are using ESPro v2.1.1 or lower, kindly upgrade to ESPro v2.2.0.

10.2 What is the required software to be downloaded for upgrading?

For ESPro v2.1.1 or lower, log in to CORENET-eSS website , click on the Software Downloads link along your User Name and download and install the setup file 'Setup Program to Upgrade ESPro - v2.1.1 to v2.2.0'

10.3 Will ESPro v2.2.0 override my existing v2.1.1?

No. Installation of ESPro v2.2.0 full setup will not be allowed if your PC has been installed with ESPro v2.1.1. To upgrade your ESPro, you are required to install 'Setup Program to Upgrade ESPro - v2.1.1 to v2.2.0' . (Refer to Section 10.2).

Note: Upgrading of ESPro will not override the existing information in your ESPro Work and Submitted area.

10.4 Do I need to request for the Internet Form Viewer license key again?

No. You can use the same license key that has been issued to you. If you have forgotten your license key, kindly email the following details to Ms Masita Said at masita@nova-hub.com

Company's name
Contact person
Contact No.
Qualified Person's name (QP's name)
QP's Professional registration number

10.5 What is the difference between ESPro v2.1.1 & ESPro v2.2.0?

There are new functions added to ESPro v2.2.0:

Submission Checklist.
To facilitate e-submissions to URA using its new EDA form version 3.3 (.edf)

Note: Submission Checklist may not apply to all application(s).