Distinguish requirements, recommendations, permissions and prohibitions
A requirement, recommendation, permission and prohibition have different meanings. This distinction needs to remain consistent throughout a translated specification. The text must clearly state what equipment is expected to do, under which conditions it operates and how it will be assessed. Missing or contradictory requirements in the source are raised as queries; we do not resolve them by making new engineering decisions. Technical design, conformity assessment and legal interpretation of tender conditions are separate professional tasks.
Check measurements and references to standards separately
In voltage, power, pressure, temperature, tolerance and capacity values, the number and unit carry meaning together. We compare decimal marks, ranges, inequalities and superscripts with the source. Standard identifiers and edition years are retained as given. Translating the name of a standard does not verify compliance with it. If you need unit conversion or adaptation to another standard for a target market, we agree on that work separately, including how it will be checked and approved.
Review the specification with drawings and related project files
The same system may be named differently in a specification, equipment list and drawing. A project glossary and approved equipment names help keep terminology consistent across the files. Checks cover section numbers, drawing identifiers, table headings and references to other documents. Editing wording within drawings or carrying out desktop publishing can be requested separately. Providing editable files from the original application makes it easier to preserve table structures and numbering and to identify the work required for delivery.
Identify the sections that changed in a revision
An update may involve more than new paragraphs. A changed value can affect tables or acceptance criteria elsewhere. We review the previous approved translation, the new source and any change list to plan the update. If only changed sections will be translated, the quote explains which checks will cover the rest. Share the language pair, project context, intended use and requested delivery date. Naming the person who can approve technical terminology in your organisation can help resolve queries.
Details we check
- Consistent wording for requirements, recommendations and permissions
- Units, tolerances and numerical values
- Standard identifiers and edition references
- Drawing, equipment and section numbers
- Relationships between tables and running text
Information to prepare
- Prepare the final specification and list of attachments.
- Share the project glossary or approved terminology.
- Include relevant drawings as references.
- Mark changes if this is a revision.
- Specify the delivery format and technical approval process.
Frequently asked questions
01Will you convert measurement units during translation?+
We do not convert units automatically. If conversion is needed for the target market, we agree on the task, the checking method and the person responsible for technical approval before work starts.
02Do you check whether the specification complies with standards?+
Translation checks cover the transfer of references, terminology and values. Engineering compliance, design verification and certification are separate professional activities.
03Can you translate the specification and drawings together?+
Yes. We assess the amount of text, file types and editing requirements. Translation of the wording and placement of that text in the drawing files are listed separately in the quote.
Guides and standards
How to keep technical terminology consistentStandards for technical translation and user manualsISO 17100 and the translation quality processContent updated: