Technical Translation Glossary for Ecuador

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.

Example: The POE for reactor start-up includes pre-checks, valve alignment, parameter setpoints, and the emergency-shutdown triggers.

Manual de operación

Operating 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.

Example: The manual de operación for the compressor package covers normal operation, start-up, shutdown, and emergency isolation.

Manual de mantenimiento

Maintenance manual

A document that describes the preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance tasks for a system, including the intervals, parts, and acceptance criteria.

Example: The manual de mantenimiento lists the recommended spare parts, the lubrication intervals, and the vibration-analysis checkpoints.

Manual de instalación

Installation manual

A document that describes how to install, align, connect, and commission a system or component, including the prerequisites, tools, and acceptance tests.

Example: The manual de instalación includes the foundation requirements, the alignment tolerance, and the commissioning checklist.

Guía de usuario

User guide

A document intended for the end user of a product, describing the features, controls, and common procedures, written in non-technical language.

Example: The guía de usuario covers account setup, dashboard navigation, and the most common workflows for new users.

Material de capacitación

Training 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.

Example: The material de capacitación is delivered over three days and is followed by a written and practical assessment.

Puesta en marcha

Commissioning / 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.

Example: La puesta en marcha del sistema de bombeo se realizó en tres fases: pre-comisionamiento, comisionamiento, y pruebas de rendimiento.

Plano / plano técnico

Engineering 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.

Example: The plano técnico shows the assembly sequence, the bolt torque values, and the weld inspection points.

Especificación técnica

Technical specification

A document that defines the technical requirements for a product, system, or service, including the performance criteria, materials, and acceptance tests.

Example: La especificación técnica define el caudal, la presión de diseño, los materiales, y las pruebas de aceptación para la bomba.

Hoja de datos / ficha técnica

Data 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.

Example: La hoja de datos del motor incluye la potencia, el voltaje, la corriente nominal, y la clase de aislamiento.

Informe de ingeniería

Engineering report

A document that records the results of an engineering analysis, inspection, or study, including the methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Example: El informe de ingeniería de la inspección de la torre incluye las mediciones de espesor, los hallazgos de corrosión, y las recomendaciones de reparación.

Anexo técnico

Technical 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.

Example: El 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 flujo

Process 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.

Example: El diagrama de proceso muestra los equipos principales, las corrientes, y los balances de masa y energía del sistema.

Plano de diseño

Design 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.

Example: El plano de diseño está marcado con la revisión 03 y se emitió para construcción el 14 de junio.

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.

Example: La 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.

Example: La 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.

Example: El EPP requerido para la carga de sosa cáustica incluye guantes de nitrilo, gafas de seguridad, y delantal de PVC.

Análisis de riesgos

Risk 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.

Example: El análisis de riesgos de la tarea de izaje identificó tres riesgos altos y definió los controles críticos antes de iniciar la operación.

Permiso de trabajo

Work 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.

Example: El permiso de trabajo en caliente se emitió para la soldadura del tanque, con vigilia contra incendios y extintor portátil en el sitio.

Auditoría interna

Internal 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.

Example: La auditoría interna del SGC se realizó en junio y encontró tres no conformidades menores en el área de mantenimiento.

Auditoría externa

External 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.

Example: La auditoría externa de recertificación ISO 9001 se realizó sin no conformidades mayores y la recertificación se confirmó para tres años.

No conformidad

Nonconformity

A documented finding that a requirement (in a standard, procedure, contract, or regulation) has not been met, requiring root-cause analysis and corrective action.

Example: La 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 preventiva

Corrective 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.

Example: La 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.

Example: El SGC de la planta está certificado bajo ISO 9001 desde 2018 y se somete a auditorías de seguimiento anuales.

Licitación / proceso licitatorio

Tender / 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.

Example: La licitación pública internacional se publicó en julio y las ofertas se recibieron hasta el 30 de agosto.

Bases de licitación / pliego de condiciones

Tender 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.

Example: Las bases de la licitación incluyeron los requisitos técnicos, el cronograma, las garantías exigidas, y el modelo de contrato.

Oferta técnica / oferta económica

Technical 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.

Example: La 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 oferta

Bid 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.

Example: La carta de presentación de la oferta fue firmada por el representante legal y se acompañó del poder que lo facultaba.

Acta de recepción

Acceptance 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.

Example: El acta de recepción se firmó en obra sin observaciones y se activó el período de garantía de 24 meses.

Período de garantía

Warranty 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.

Example: El período de garantía contractual de los equipos es de 24 meses desde la firma del acta de recepción.