ISO 17100 Certified Translation Services: Why Technical Translation Demands More Than Good Writing
ISO 17100 certified translation services are rapidly becoming the global standard for companies operating in regulated industries. At Tilde, we know from experience: translating well is not automatically the same as translating technically well. For medical device, legal, or export companies, a single misplaced word can trigger legal, financial, or even health consequences. That’s why true technical translation requires much more than language skills—it demands certified processes, regulatory expertise, and absolute precision.
Technical Translation vs. General Translation: What’s the Difference?
General translation focuses on converting everyday texts with fluency and cultural style. But technical translation means accuracy is everything. A technical translator must understand specialized terminology, industry standards, and compliance requirements. For example, translating standard operating procedures (SOPs), data sheets, or user manuals in the medical device sector isn’t just about sounding natural—it’s about following strict ISO 13485, FDA, or EMA regulations and using the right terms every time.
-
Technical translation = subject matter expertise, regulatory knowledge, and rigorous processes
-
General translation = fluency, adaptability, and cultural nuance
At Tilde, we build our technical translation services on a foundation of:
-
Certified ISO 17100 processes
-
Field-proficient translators (pharma, law, engineering, life sciences)
-
Deep familiarity with international and local regulations
-
Multi-step quality control and thorough documentation
-
Transparent, auditable workflows
Case in Point: Medical Device Audit Success
Recently, a leading medical manufacturer chose Tilde for ISO 17100 certified translation services ahead of a critical international audit. Their SOPs, manuals, and compliance documents had to be translated from English to Spanish, with zero room for error. The auditor stipulated ISO 17100 as a requirement—Tilde was the only supplier in Costa Rica with this certification and a proven regulatory track record.
Our approach included:
-
Assigning a technical translator specialized in medical devices
-
Independent ISO-compliant review to ensure flawless terminology and structure
-
Dedicated project management for full traceability and communication
-
Delivery of auditable, compliant translations that passed regulatory review without a single observation
The result: our client cleared the audit, strengthened ties with their parent company, and minimized operational risks. This is the real value of ISO 17100 certified translation services for companies that cannot afford to compromise.
More Than Words: Translation as Risk Management
Technical translation is ultimately about responsibility, not just words. On the line are your company’s reputation, global compliance, and operational continuity. At Tilde, we believe that writing well is only a starting point—for regulated sectors, translation must also be technically, legally, and regulatorily perfect.
Is your company ready to operate globally and meet the requirements of ISO 17100 certified translation services? Don’t entrust your documentation to luck. Insist on a partner who understands responsibility, risk, and reputation.
—
📥 Download our free resource: Case Study: Technical Translation for ISO Audits in the Medical Industry and see how Tilde ensures quality and compliance at every stage.processes.
