Use cases
Managing defects and corrective actions across wastewater infrastructure projects.
These issues may include incorrectly positioned assets, non-compliant manholes, flow-related defects, construction deficiencies or discrepancies between GIS records and actual field conditions.
If not identified and managed effectively, such issues can affect network performance, increase operational risks and compromise the quality of asset information used for future maintenance and network management.
This stage must be carried out in a transparent, consistent and fully traceable manner. When projects involve contractors and subcontractors, it is essential to provide clear evidence of the quality of completed works. This supports contractual compliance, facilitates project acceptance and provides the documentation required to validate project milestones and associated payments.
In practice, however, managing defects and acceptance activities can be challenging. Multiple stakeholders may be involved, delivered information can vary in quality and format, and verifying infrastructure compliance in the field often requires significant coordination.
Implementing a structured process helps organisations manage defects more effectively, improve transparency across projects and ensure that asset information is accurate and reliable before it is integrated into operational systems.
Identifying and assessing defects across wastewater networks
The first step in managing defects is to identify and assess them accurately.
Across wastewater and stormwater networks, issues may include:
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defects affecting manholes, such as incorrect levels, accessibility problems or physical deterioration
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pipeline issues, including blockages, settlement, structural damage or incorrect connections
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inconsistencies in service connection records
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stormwater-related problems such as poor drainage performance, restricted flow or localised flooding risks
Accurate assessment is essential for understanding operational impact and prioritising corrective actions effectively.
With Dotic’s solutions:
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field teams identify and record issues directly on site using ConnectField
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each defect is geolocated and linked to the relevant network asset
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observations are fully documented through photographs, comments and severity classifications
The resulting information is immediately available for operational teams, helping organisations respond more quickly and manage corrective actions more efficiently.
Centralising and visualising all identified defects
Once identified, defects and outstanding issues must be accessible to all stakeholders involved in the project.
With Dotic’s solutions:
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defects are automatically synchronised within ConnectServices
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issues are visualised directly on maps of the wastewater or stormwater network
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teams can filter and analyse defects by type, location or level of criticality
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a shared view of all outstanding issues is available to contractors, operators and project teams
This centralised approach improves visibility across the project, helps teams better understand network issues and supports the efficient tracking and resolution of defects through to completion.
Prioritising corrective actions based on hydraulic and operational impact
Not all defects have the same impact on wastewater and stormwater networks.
Some issues can lead to:
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sewer overflows or flooding risks
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hydraulic performance issues
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environmental impacts and compliance concerns
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operational difficulties for maintenance and inspection teams
As a result, corrective actions must be prioritised according to their level of risk and potential impact.
With Dotic’s solutions:
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defects are classified according to their severity and criticality
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high-risk areas can be identified quickly
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teams can organise corrective actions based on operational and hydraulic priorities
This structured approach helps organisations focus resources where they are needed most, reducing risks and ensuring that critical issues are resolved efficiently.
Tracking corrective actions and field interventions
Defect management does not end with the identification of issues.
With Dotic’s solutions:
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corrective actions are tracked and managed within ConnectServices
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field technicians update information directly after completing interventions through ConnectField
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progress can be monitored in real time
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operational managers can adjust priorities and allocate resources as conditions evolve
This continuous workflow ensures effective operational oversight, improves coordination between field and office teams, and helps organisations maintain control over the resolution of defects throughout the project lifecycle.
Ensuring full traceability of defects and corrective actions
In wastewater and stormwater networks, traceability is essential, particularly where projects are subject to contractual obligations, regulatory requirements or quality assurance procedures.
With Dotic’s solutions:
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every identified defect is recorded and historised
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corrective actions are tracked throughout their lifecycle
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approvals, validations and issue resolutions are fully documented
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supporting evidence, including photographs, field observations and collected data, is securely retained
This complete audit trail helps organisations secure project delivery, improve accountability between stakeholders and provide clear evidence that interventions and corrective actions have been carried out as required.
Improving wastewater network data quality over the long term
Managing defects effectively does more than improve project delivery—it also contributes to the long-term quality of wastewater network data.
With Dotic’s solutions:
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issues identified during inspections and acceptance activities are integrated into the asset information workflow
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corrections made in the field are reflected in network records
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asset data can be updated continuously as defects are resolved
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teams maintain a more accurate and reliable representation of network infrastructure
By connecting defect management, field operations and GIS-based asset management, organisations can continuously improve the quality of their network data.
This approach supports more effective maintenance planning, better operational decision-making and greater confidence in the information used to manage wastewater and stormwater assets.
An integrated step in the wastewater network management lifecycle
Defect management is a critical part of ensuring the quality of wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, as well as the reliability of the asset information used to operate and maintain these networks.
By implementing a structured process supported by tools connected to both field operations and GIS environments, wastewater operators can improve coordination between teams, strengthen operational control and ensure that identified issues are resolved efficiently.
This integrated approach helps organisations enhance infrastructure quality, maintain accurate network data and support the long-term performance and resilience of their wastewater assets.
Improving data quality and consistency
- Verify data quality, consistency and compliance before integration into and use within the GIS
Intervention planning and operational monitoring
- Organise and prioritise corrective actions in the field
Validation of completed works and infrastructure handover
- Validate completed works and identify issues directly in the field
