Convert and dispatch schedules in ESS format with SOPTIM ComCT
ComCT – Communication Client for Traders – is a convenient tool to convert and send schedules in ESS format to the German transmission system operators (TSO) and for processing and displaying the replies in accordance with ESS standards.
SOPTIM ComCT is suitable for all market participants who register schedules with transmission system operators as part of their business processes in the liberalised electricity market. ComCT also fulfils all requirements of the Market Communication 2020 (MaKo 2020). All schedules can be signed and sent to TSOs in encoded form. Furthermore, our solution supports the new standard balancing group contract in Germany as of 1 May 2020 (BK6-18-061) and offers functions to easily implement process adjustments via master and correction dialogues.
Of course, we also provide a solution for the mandatory market communication via the AS4 protocol. More information is provided here.
Are you looking for a comprehensive solution for even more convenience, automation and security in scheduling? Then take a look at our NomT.
Your Advantages with ComCT
- Cross-Border Schedule Submissions
Benefit from enhanced support for new reason codes and capacity contract types, enabling seamless schedule transmission and a clear, qualified display of TSO feedback. - Ongoing Development and Support
The commercial version of ComCT is continuously enhanced, regularly updated with the latest technology, and aligned with evolving market requirements and trends. - Automated Validation
Schedules are automatically checked upon import based on established specifications and regulatory rules, ensuring data accuracy and compliance. - Clear Overview
Feedback from TSOs (ACK, ANO, CNF) is automatically linked to the relevant schedule files, providing a transparent and organized view. - Secure Communication
ComCT supports digital email signatures, helping to strengthen your IT security infrastructure. - Free, No-Obligation Trial
Test ComCT for four weeks—completely free and with no obligation.
-
Features
KISS-Conversion
Alongside the ESS formats, ComCT processes older KISS files. When reading KISS schedules, the files are automatically converted into ESS format.Validation
When reading the schedules, they are validated according to the known specifications and rules. Incorrect files are displayed separately. Errors are listed in detail.Replies
The TSO replies (ACK, ANO, CNF) are assigned automatically to the associated schedules and presented in context. The schedules receive their current status. Errors or deviations are displayed directly in the schedule.Status-Request
To request current status at the TSO, a so-called status requests can be sent. The replies are automatically assigned to the associated schedules, the status information is updated and any error or deviation is displayed.Communication
The import of the TSO replies is done via a central import directory. The schedules and status requests respectively are automatically transferred, via email or FTP, to the TSO or made available by saving them in a dispatch directory. All import and transit operations are logged.Schedule changes / versioning
Changes are done by importing new schedule files. In this case, ComCT compares the current version numbers against the version and status information already present and then checks the contents.Configuration / parameterisation
All settings for Excel conversion and communication are set and stored in ComCT special dialogues. -
Advantages of a ComCT maintenance contract
With a maintenance contract you benefit continously from new features and enhancements:
- More Performance
The data processing speed has been significantly improved in the new ComCT version. In particular, the import and copy operations of schedule files have been accelerated, which is noticeable when you copy multiple files to a network drive. - Microsoft Excel file format support “.xlsx”
It is now possible to import KISS schedules into ComCT in the new Microsoft Excel format with the extension “.xlsx”. - Cross-border scheduling
Many enhancements have been carried out in ComCT in the context of cross-border scheduling. This includes the requirement to support the new reason codes and capacity contract types for the schedule dispatch and for a qualified display of TSO replies. - Further development and support
Unlike the free version, the commercial version is continuously improved, technologically updated and adapted to the trends and requirements of the market. - Support of the new Java runtime environment
The underlying Java version has evolved since the deployment of the last ComCT version 1.1.3 and offers, among other things, improved support for modern Windows operating systems. The commercial version always contains the latest version of the Java runtime environment and thus offers all the benefits that this brings to the user. - Digitale signature of emails
ComCT can digitally sign emails when dispatched. With a digital signature, the message recipient can verify whether the email comes from the correct sender and be sure that it has not been changed during transmission to the recipient.
- More Performance
ComCT Version 1.1.3 is freely available due to the fact that the German TSOs covered the costs of development. Feel free to download and profit from unlimited use here.
The further development of ComCT was supported until 2005. We offer our numerous customers a maintenance contract model for the current ComCT version which covers comprehensive support and ensures the latest upgrade. The maintenance contract ensures that you are always using the current version of ComCT. Additionally, you profit from our professional support – our team is happy to assist you with any further questions.
You can download version 1.1.3 and the installationguide here.
Calculate your maintenance costs for ComCT here.
-
Test SOPTIM ComCT for four weeks without any obligations!
How to test ComCT in daily operation:
- Download the latest version here, and follow the instructions of the installation process.
- Please contact us and let us know your balance group code. We will send you a license file.
- You benefit from the full functionality of the latest ComCT version for four whole weeks.
- Convinced? Then conclude a maintenance contract and look forward to further new functionalities and continuous development of ComCT. You don’t have to take any risks: you can easily cancel the maintenance contract annually.
From ComCT version 3.9.0: only Windows 64bit is supported. Please make sure that your operating system meets the requirements.
MaBiS Extension Module for Energy Traders
With the MaBiS add-on module for SOPTIM ComCT, energy traders can ensure compliance with market requirements in the German MaBiS settlement process. SOPTIM ComCT processes MSCONS, PARTIN, PRICAT, and UTILMD exchange files as part of the data exchange between BIKO and BKV. As of 6 June 2025, the system will also respond to each incoming message with an APERAK message in accordance with market regulations.
All exchange data is presented in a transparently and clearly and can be accessed and reviewed at any time – giving you full visibility and control over your settlement process with SOPTIM ComCT.
