Technical documentation is a world of its own. User manuals, equipment specifications, tender documents or safety procedures need to be not only linguistically correct, but above all precise and easy to understand for engineers, contractors and end users. That is why ISO standards in technical document translation have become the norm many companies now expect from their language service providers.
In this article, we explain what ISO standards in translation are, how ISO 17100:2015 works in practice and what to look for when choosing an agency to translate complex technical documentation. We will also show how Bireta Professional Translations operates and why working with an experienced, certified team simply pays off.
What are ISO standards in translation and why use them
ISO standards are usually associated with quality management in manufacturing or information security. For many years, however, there have also been ISO standards for translation that very precisely define what a professional translation process should look like.
In simple terms, ISO standards for technical document translation describe:
- what qualifications translators and revisers should have
- how a proper translation process should look step by step
- what tools and resources a translation agency should have
- how projects and communication with the client should be managed
- how to control quality and ensure data security
This gives the client confidence that the translation is not a one-off job done “on the side”, but the result of a well designed process that can be described, repeated and checked.
Why ISO standards matter so much in technical documents
Technical documentation exists to support specific design, operational and maintenance processes in organisations. It is the basis for installing and operating equipment, carrying out works, keeping production running and confirming compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
Every translation error can have very real consequences: downtime on a line or installation, problems with project acceptance, or in extreme cases a risk to people or the environment.
ISO standards in technical translation help to reduce this risk because they require additional control and verification steps. The text does not go straight from the translator’s keyboard to the client. It is reviewed by a second person, specialised tools and often also by industry experts.
ISO 17100 – the key standard for translation services
The key standard in the language services industry is ISO 17100. It is an international standard that sets requirements for translation service providers. ISO 17100:2015 defines in detail how a project should be handled from the first quote through to delivery of the final translation and any after-sales support.
In practice, this means that an agency working in line with ISO 17100:
- follows clear, documented procedures
- uses translators with proven, documented qualifications
- ensures mandatory revision of each translation by a second specialist
- uses appropriate technology and tools
- takes care of data security and document confidentiality
What exactly does ISO 17100 regulate
ISO 17100 sets out in particular:
- requirements for the qualifications of translators, revisers and project managers
- the structure of the translation process: from project analysis and planning, through translation and revision, to delivery and archiving
- rules for cooperation with the client: defining scope, deadlines, file formats and communication during the project
- quality management rules: mandatory control stages and required records from the process
Thanks to ISO 17100, tender documentation or complex technical specifications can be translated in a consistent, predictable way, regardless of which specific linguists are currently working on a project.
ISO 17100 and other standards used in the translation industry
In technical translation, other standards also come into play, for example those relating to:
- information security (e.g. ISO 27001)
- general quality management (e.g. ISO 9001)
- machine translation post-editing (ISO 18587)
For the client, the most important question is whether the agency has robust processes in place and can prove that it really applies ISO standards in its day-to-day work, not only in marketing materials.
What an ISO 17100 compliant process looks like in practice
At Bireta Professional Translations, technical translations are carried out in clearly defined and carefully planned stages. This approach allows us to handle large, multilingual projects while maintaining consistent terminology and a high level of technical accuracy.
Document analysis and quotation
Every project starts with an analysis of the documents. We check:
- the scope and exact subject matter of the translation
- language pairs
- availability of translators and possible delivery options
- any reference materials
- file formats (for example editable files, PDFs, technical drawings)
Only then do we prepare a quote and schedule. At this stage, the project manager already plans resources, selecting translators, revisers and any industry consultants. This is especially important when the project involves dozens or hundreds of pages of documentation.
Translation and linguistic revision
ISO 17100 requires translation and revision to be carried out by two different people. The translator focuses on rendering the content from the source into the target language, using their linguistic skills and subject-matter expertise. The reviser then checks the entire text for:
- consistency with the original
- correct use of technical terminology
- stylistic consistency
- grammar, spelling and punctuation
- compliance with the client’s instructions
This is the stage that largely distinguishes ISO-compliant translations from standard “solo” translations without an additional layer of review.
Tools that support technical translation
In technical translation, terminology consistency is crucial. At Bireta, we work with modern CAT tools, translation memories and client-specific glossaries. This allows us to:
- speed up work on large, repetitive projects
- maintain consistent terminology over many years of cooperation
- reduce translation costs by reusing repetitions
For the client, this means that subsequent versions and updates of documentation or new specifications are produced faster, remain consistent with previous materials and more easily pass internal quality audits.
ISO standards in technical translation – benefits for the client
Implementing ISO 17100 and using best practices translates directly into better quality and safer technical projects. What specific benefits does the client gain?
Lower risk of errors and misunderstandings
In large engineering or energy projects, the impact of a single translation error can be very costly. Working in line with ISO 17100 mitigates this risk through:
- mandatory revision by a second specialist
- clearly documented control procedures
- a stable team of translators familiar with the specific installation or technology
As a result, documents are more predictable in terms of quality and the client’s technical teams can focus on their core work instead of correcting translations.
Consistent terminology across all documentation
ISO standards for translation place particular emphasis on terminology management. For the client, this means that:
- the same terms are translated in the same way across all documents
- it is easier to train new staff who rely on the documentation
- auditors and inspectors can find the information they need more quickly
At Bireta, we create dedicated glossaries and translation memories for each client and, when needed, we consult terminology with the client’s own experts. This is especially important for translations of tender documents, technical specifications or operating manuals.
Data security and confidentiality
Technical documentation often contains information on solutions that are highly valuable from a business perspective. ISO standards for translation require clear information security rules, controlled access to files and strict confidentiality.
In practice, this means for example:
- limiting access to documents to the people involved in the project
- using secure channels for file transfer
- internal procedures for handling confidential information
This gives the client confidence when sharing project or tender documents with the translation provider.
How to choose a translation agency that really follows ISO standards
Awareness of the role of ISO standards in translation is growing, but there are still companies on the market that have no formalised procedures or take a very ad hoc approach to quality. So how do you choose a partner you can trust with important technical documentation?
What to ask in your request for quotation
When you send a request for quotation, it is worth raising a few simple but key points:
- does the agency hold valid ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certificates and work in line with these standards
- does the ISO standard cover all services or only selected workflows
- is every translation revised by a second specialist
- what does the quality control process look like
- how is information security ensured
- does the agency have experience in your sector and in similar projects
- how are large, multilingual and time-sensitive projects organised
The answers will quickly show whether you are dealing with an experienced provider or with a company that is still learning how to handle demanding documentation.
Why work with Bireta Professional Translations
For many years, Bireta has been supporting companies in the energy, infrastructure, aviation, defence and industrial sectors in delivering complex international projects. As a translation agency specialising in business clients, we focus on robust processes, security and long-term cooperation.
What sets us apart in technical translation?
- we work in line with ISO 17100 and ISO 18587, with a strong emphasis on revision of every translation by a second specialist
- we build dedicated teams of translators and revisers for key clients
- we use advanced CAT tools and translation memories to ensure terminology consistency
- we have extensive experience with large tenders and infrastructure projects where deadlines matter just as much as full compliance with technical documentation
Our services include general written translation, specialist translation and highly complex technical translation. This means we can assign a single, coordinated team to your entire project communication, from correspondence with international partners, through project documentation, to manuals, procedures and training materials.
Translations in line with ISO and technical documentation – a summary
ISO standards in technical document translation are not a “nice to have”, but a real safeguard for companies operating in environments that demand precision, repeatability and regulatory compliance. ISO 17100 and other standards help structure the translation process so that it is predictable, measurable and easy to audit.
When choosing a partner for technical translations, it is worth looking beyond price and focusing above all on:
- applicable standards and quality frameworks
- experience in your industry
- the way large projects are managed
- the approach to information security
If you are looking for a team that combines in-depth knowledge of ISO standards with hands-on experience in demanding technical projects, we invite you to get in touch with Bireta Professional Translations. We will be happy to discuss your documentation, tailor the translation process to your internal quality procedures and show you how to use ISO standards in translation to make everyday work easier for your technical, procurement and compliance teams.