Technical and corporate translation for Ecuador
Technical glossary for Ecuador.
A working Spanish-English glossary of the terms most often used in technical, engineering, safety, quality, and procurement files for Ecuador. Use it as a reference when reviewing your own translations, or share it with operations, safety, or procurement teams who need to understand a Spanish source file.
Manuals and procedures
Terms used in operating manuals, user guides, SOPs, and procedures for Ecuador-based companies and operators.
- Procedimiento Operativo Estándar (POE)Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
A documented procedure that describes the steps required to perform a routine activity, with the level of detail needed for a trained operator to perform the activity consistently.
ExampleThe POE for reactor start-up includes pre-checks, valve alignment, parameter setpoints, and the emergency-shutdown triggers.
- Manual de operaciónOperating manual / operations manual
A document that describes how to operate a system, machine, or facility, including the operating modes, controls, indicators, and limits of the equipment.
ExampleThe manual de operación for the compressor package covers normal operation, start-up, shutdown, and emergency isolation.
- Manual de mantenimientoMaintenance manual
A document that describes the preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance tasks for a system, including the intervals, parts, and acceptance criteria.
ExampleThe manual de mantenimiento lists the recommended spare parts, the lubrication intervals, and the vibration-analysis checkpoints.
- Manual de instalaciónInstallation manual
A document that describes how to install, align, connect, and commission a system or component, including the prerequisites, tools, and acceptance tests.
ExampleThe manual de instalación includes the foundation requirements, the alignment tolerance, and the commissioning checklist.
- Guía de usuarioUser guide
A document intended for the end user of a product, describing the features, controls, and common procedures, written in non-technical language.
ExampleThe guía de usuario covers account setup, dashboard navigation, and the most common workflows for new users.
- Material de capacitaciónTraining material
Documents, presentations, and exercises used to train operators, technicians, or end users on a system, process, or product, often paired with a competency assessment.
ExampleThe material de capacitación is delivered over three days and is followed by a written and practical assessment.
- Puesta en marchaCommissioning / start-up
The structured process of testing, adjusting, and starting up a system or facility to verify that it meets the design and contractual requirements, including the performance tests and the handover documentation.
ExampleLa puesta en marcha del sistema de bombeo se realizó en tres fases: pre-comisionamiento, comisionamiento, y pruebas de rendimiento.
Engineering and technical
Engineering, technical specifications, and design terminology used in Ecuador industrial, energy, and infrastructure projects.
- Plano / plano técnicoEngineering drawing / technical drawing
A graphical representation of a system, component, or assembly, including dimensions, tolerances, materials, and notes, used to fabricate, assemble, or install the item.
ExampleThe plano técnico shows the assembly sequence, the bolt torque values, and the weld inspection points.
- Especificación técnicaTechnical specification
A document that defines the technical requirements for a product, system, or service, including the performance criteria, materials, and acceptance tests.
ExampleLa especificación técnica define el caudal, la presión de diseño, los materiales, y las pruebas de aceptación para la bomba.
- Hoja de datos / ficha técnicaData sheet
A document that summarizes the technical characteristics of a product or component, typically published by the manufacturer and used for selection, comparison, and procurement.
ExampleLa hoja de datos del motor incluye la potencia, el voltaje, la corriente nominal, y la clase de aislamiento.
- Informe de ingenieríaEngineering report
A document that records the results of an engineering analysis, inspection, or study, including the methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
ExampleEl informe de ingeniería de la inspección de la torre incluye las mediciones de espesor, los hallazgos de corrosión, y las recomendaciones de reparación.
- Anexo técnicoTechnical annex / technical appendix
A supplementary document attached to a main contract, RFP, or technical file, providing detailed technical data, calculations, or specifications that support the main document.
ExampleEl anexo técnico incluye los balances de masa, los diagramas de proceso, y las hojas de datos de los equipos principales.
- Diagrama de proceso / diagrama de flujoProcess flow diagram (PFD) / process diagram
A schematic representation of a process showing the major equipment, streams, and operating conditions, used to support the design, operation, and review of a process.
ExampleEl diagrama de proceso muestra los equipos principales, las corrientes, y los balances de masa y energía del sistema.
- Plano de diseñoDesign drawing
A drawing issued for the design of a system or component, used to communicate the intent, dimensions, and specifications to the fabricator, supplier, or constructor.
ExampleEl plano de diseño está marcado con la revisión 03 y se emitió para construcción el 14 de junio.
Safety and compliance
Occupational safety, hazard communication, MSDS, and compliance terminology used in Ecuador regulatory and operations files.
- Hoja de Seguridad (HDS) / Ficha de Datos de Seguridad (FDS)Safety Data Sheet (SDS) / Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
A standardized document that communicates the hazards of a chemical product and the protective measures for handling, storage, and emergency response, typically following the GHS 16-section format.
ExampleLa HDS del solvente incluye los componentes, los peligros para la salud, las medidas de primeros auxilios, y los requisitos de almacenamiento.
- Sistema Globalmente Armonizado (SGA)Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
An international standard for the classification and labeling of chemicals, adopted in Ecuador under the Norma Técnica Ecuatoriana NTE INEN-ISO 11014 and related regulations.
ExampleLa etiqueta del producto debe cumplir con los criterios del SGA para la clasificación y los pictogramas de peligro.
- Equipo de Protección Personal (EPP)Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Equipment worn by workers to minimize exposure to specific occupational hazards, including eye, head, hearing, respiratory, hand, and foot protection.
ExampleEl EPP requerido para la carga de sosa cáustica incluye guantes de nitrilo, gafas de seguridad, y delantal de PVC.
- Análisis de riesgosRisk analysis / risk assessment
A systematic process to identify, evaluate, and control hazards associated with a task, process, or system, typically including the likelihood, severity, and controls for each hazard.
ExampleEl análisis de riesgos de la tarea de izaje identificó tres riesgos altos y definió los controles críticos antes de iniciar la operación.
- Permiso de trabajoWork permit
A documented authorization to perform a task that has identified hazards, typically issued for hot work, confined space, working at heights, electrical isolation, or lifting, with defined controls and a valid time window.
ExampleEl permiso de trabajo en caliente se emitió para la soldadura del tanque, con vigilia contra incendios y extintor portátil en el sitio.
Quality and management
ISO, QMS, audit, and quality-management terminology used in Ecuador corporate and supplier files.
- Auditoría internaInternal audit
A documented review conducted by the organization itself to verify conformance to a standard, procedure, or regulation, typically on a planned schedule as part of a management system.
ExampleLa auditoría interna del SGC se realizó en junio y encontró tres no conformidades menores en el área de mantenimiento.
- Auditoría externaExternal audit
A documented review conducted by an independent certification body or client to verify conformance to a standard or contract, typically leading to certification, recertification, or supplier approval.
ExampleLa auditoría externa de recertificación ISO 9001 se realizó sin no conformidades mayores y la recertificación se confirmó para tres años.
- No conformidadNonconformity
A documented finding that a requirement (in a standard, procedure, contract, or regulation) has not been met, requiring root-cause analysis and corrective action.
ExampleLa no conformidad se debió a un control de temperatura que no se registró durante el turno de noche, y la acción correctiva incluyó la automatización del registro.
- Acción correctiva / acción preventivaCorrective action / preventive action
An action taken to eliminate the cause of a detected nonconformity (corrective) or to prevent a potential nonconformity (preventive), with verification of effectiveness.
ExampleLa acción correctiva incluyó la recalificación del operador y la actualización del POE; la efectividad se verificó en la auditoría de seguimiento.
- Sistema de Gestión de Calidad (SGC)Quality Management System (QMS)
The set of policies, processes, and procedures used by an organization to ensure that its products and services consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements, typically formalized under ISO 9001.
ExampleEl SGC de la planta está certificado bajo ISO 9001 desde 2018 y se somete a auditorías de seguimiento anuales.
Procurement and contracts
Procurement, RFP, and supplier-contract terminology used in Ecuador industrial and infrastructure tenders.
- Licitación / proceso licitatorioTender / bidding process
A formal procurement process by which a public or private entity invites suppliers to submit bids for the supply of goods, works, or services, typically under defined rules and timelines.
ExampleLa licitación pública internacional se publicó en julio y las ofertas se recibieron hasta el 30 de agosto.
- Bases de licitación / pliego de condicionesTender documents / bidding documents
The set of documents issued by the procuring entity that define the technical, commercial, legal, and administrative requirements for the tender, including the evaluation criteria and the contract form.
ExampleLas bases de la licitación incluyeron los requisitos técnicos, el cronograma, las garantías exigidas, y el modelo de contrato.
- Oferta técnica / oferta económicaTechnical bid / financial bid
The two parts of a tender response: the technical bid describing the methodology, team, schedule, and compliance with the technical requirements; the financial bid detailing the price and the commercial conditions.
ExampleLa oferta técnica se evaluó bajo el criterio de cumplimiento y puntaje técnico, y la oferta económica se abrió solo para los oferentes que superaron el puntaje mínimo.
- Carta de presentación de la ofertaBid letter / cover letter of the offer
A formal letter accompanying the tender submission, signed by an authorized representative of the bidder, attesting to the validity of the offer and the bidder's commitment to the terms.
ExampleLa carta de presentación de la oferta fue firmada por el representante legal y se acompañó del poder que lo facultaba.
- Acta de recepciónAcceptance certificate / reception report
A formal document signed by the procuring entity and the supplier at the conclusion of a contract, certifying that the goods, works, or services have been delivered and accepted in accordance with the contract.
ExampleEl acta de recepción se firmó en obra sin observaciones y se activó el período de garantía de 24 meses.
- Período de garantíaWarranty period / defects liability period
The period after acceptance during which the supplier remains responsible for defects in the goods, works, or services supplied, and is obligated to repair or replace defective items.
ExampleEl período de garantía contractual de los equipos es de 24 meses desde la firma del acta de recepción.
Need a project-specific glossary?
Every project we translate gets a project-specific glossary and a translation memory built from the source file and any prior related documents. Tag numbers, model numbers, defined acronyms, and units stay consistent across files. If you have a preferred English term for a Spanish source, send it with the file and we will use it.