What is the Swiss Normpositionen-Katalog (NPK)?

NPK explained simply

The Swiss Normpositionen-Katalog (NPK), known in English as the Catalogue of Standard Descriptions, is published by CRB and tailored to the Swiss construction industry. Instead of reformulating the same service for every project, planners and companies can rely on standardised descriptions. This reduces misunderstandings and creates a common structure for tenders, quotes, and execution.

The NPK is not a finished quote. It provides systematically organised service descriptions. Only through the selection of items, quantities, project-specific variables, prices, and additions does a concrete bill of quantities or quote emerge.

How is the NPK structured?

The content is organised into chapters, which are further divided into sections, main positions, and service positions. A position can contain fixed text, selectable variables, or designated additions. The edition and version year are important because catalogues are continuously updated.

• Chapter: thematic organisation of a work area
• Positions: hierarchical structure within the chapter
• Service position: specifically tenderable service
• Variables: intended selection for project-specific properties
• Reserve or custom text: individual addition if the standard item is insufficient

Why is the NPK used?

• Services are described in a uniform and comprehensible manner.
• Companies calculate based on a clearly structured foundation.
• Quotes can be checked and compared item by item.
• Quantities, prices, and subsequent measurements remain assigned to the same item.
• Structured data can be exchanged between compatible programs.

Integrating NPK items into quotes digitally

In a digital workflow, the required chapter is selected and the appropriate items are transferred into the quote. The estimator then adds quantities, units, variables, custom text, and prices. Depending on the system, existing bills of quantities can be imported using a suitable exchange format.

In Caturix, NPK quotes can be created from scratch or imported from a CRBX file. To do this, a valid CRB licence is linked to the authorised users. This keeps chapters, items, and project-related quote data within a single workflow. You can find more about this at digital quotes with Caturix.

NPK, bill of quantities, and measurements

The NPK is a catalogue of standardised descriptions. The bill of quantities is the selection and configuration for a specific project. The measurement subsequently records the actual quantities executed. These three levels should not be confused with one another.

What should be kept in mind when using it?

NPK content is licensed professional content. Companies require the appropriate rights and a current version for its use. Individual requirements should be added in the designated places without obscuring the meaning of the standard item. The current information and catalogues are provided by CRB in the NPK-Viewer.

Practical example

A planner creates a bill of quantities for scaffolding work and selects the appropriate chapters and items. The scaffolding company imports the file, adds its prices, and checks the quantities and variables. Once the contract is awarded, items can be reused in the project and executed quantities can be documented in the measurements. This way, the same structure does not need to be rebuilt at every step.

Frequently asked questions about the NPK

Who works with the NPK?

The NPK is used by planners, architects, construction managers, estimators, and contractors, among others. All parties use the same structure but view it from different roles.

What is a CRBX file?

CRBX is a structured exchange format for construction information. It allows bills of quantities, including items and associated project data, to be transferred between compatible applications without the need for manual re-entry.

Is a licence required for the NPK?

The terms and conditions of CRB apply to the use of licensed NPK content. In software, your own CRB licence is typically linked and assigned to authorised users.