Glosario

Professional who manages the financial and accounting tasks of a company, including the recording and analysis of economic transactions, ensuring compliance with tax obligations. His/her main functions include inventory management, invoicing, bank reconciliation, accounting reports, tax declarations and projection of financial statements.

Automatic backup is the automated process of periodically backing up data, files and computer systems to protect against loss, damage or unauthorised access. It involves scheduling and configuring backup systems to automatically back up data at regular intervals, using technologies and tools that ensure the integrity, availability and security of information. Automatic backup is essential to ensure business continuity, disaster recovery and protection of critical data in the event of hardware failure, human error, cyberattacks or other incidents.

Administrative burden refers to the set of formalities, procedures and bureaucratic requirements that must be fulfilled in order to carry out a specific activity, whether at the business, governmental or personal level. This burden can involve additional time, resources and effort, and is often associated with inefficient, redundant or overly complicated processes that can hinder productivity and economic growth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a tool capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning and decision-making, using algorithms and data. AI systems can learn and adapt from experience, analyse large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends, and perform complex and sophisticated tasks in a variety of fields. Artificial intelligence draws on a wide range of techniques and approaches, such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing and robotics, and is rapidly transforming the way we interact with technology and address the challenges of the modern world.

An Account Manager is a professional responsible for establishing and maintaining business relationships with individual clients or corporate accounts on behalf of a company. The role of the account manager is to understand the customer's needs and objectives, coordinate the delivery of products or services, manage problems or concerns, and look for opportunities to expand the business relationship and increase customer satisfaction. Account managers play a crucial role in customer retention, revenue growth, and building strong long-term customer relationships.

Actual supply reading is the process of recording and measuring the actual consumption of resources such as electricity, gas, water or other services, using metering equipment or meters installed in a company's facilities. This involves capturing accurate data on the amount of resources used in a specific time period, which is used for billing, cost management, energy efficiency assessment, and other supply management-related activities.

Accounting software is designed specifically to manage the finances of a company, whether B2B or B2C, or even on a personal level. Helps with tasks such as managing income, expenses, taxes, payroll, and generating financial reports. Includes tools for creating balance sheets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory tracking and budget control. It is primarily focused on ensuring financial compliance and facilitating decision-making based on accounting data. Examples of this type of software are QuickBooks, Xero, Sage or SAP Business One.

The administrative team consists of a group of people in charge of carrying out tasks related to the administration and management of a company or organisation. These functions may cover areas such as human resources, finance, accounting, sales, marketing, operations, information technology, project management, among others. The administrative team plays a crucial role in coordinating and supervising the daily activities of the company, making strategic decisions, meeting business objectives and creating value for stakeholders.

Administrative time refers to the time spent by a company's administrative staff on tasks related to the management and operation of the business, rather than activities directly related to the production or provision of services. This may include functions such as planning, organization, communication, coordination, decision-making, reporting, among others. Administrative time is an important part of the operation of any business and is essential to ensure efficient and effective management of business resources and operations.

Big Data refers to extremely large and complex data sets that can be computationally analysed to reveal meaningful patterns, trends and associations. This massive information comes from a variety of sources, such as business transactions, social media, mobile devices and IoT sensors, and its analysis can provide valuable insights for decision-making in areas such as marketing, scientific research, healthcare and business management.

Business intelligence (BI) refers to the process of collecting, analysing, and using data to make informed decisions that drive a company's performance and effectiveness. This involves extracting data from multiple sources, transforming it into useful information and presenting it in a clear and understandable way for end users, with the aim of identifying trends, patterns, opportunities and risks that affect business performance. This technological solution with Polaroo includes from data integration and storage to the creation of structured and customised data panels with different forms of visualisation and advanced data analysis and export, creating synergies with the different programmes you use. It also includes an onboarding phase and personalised attention.

The carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, expressed in units of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), produced directly or indirectly by individuals, organizations or events. The carbon footprint is calculated by taking into account greenhouse gas emissions associated with activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy generation, transportation, production of goods and services, and waste disposal. Reducing the carbon footprint is a key objective in the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable practices.

A centralized platform is an integrated system that allows efficient management of all operations related to a business in one place. This may include functions such as sales, marketing, customer service, inventory management, accounting, and human resources, among others. A centralized platform provides a unified view of all business activities, facilitates coordination and collaboration between work teams, and improves overall efficiency and productivity. Centralized platforms are widely used in companies of all sizes and in a variety of industries to simplify operational management and improve decision-making.

Clean energies are energy sources that produce low or zero emissions of greenhouse gases and other environmental pollutants. This includes renewable energies such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, as well as nuclear energy, which although not renewable, emits low amounts of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. Clean energy is key to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change and promoting long-term sustainable development.

Cloud-based software is a computer application that runs on remote servers accessible over the Internet, rather than being installed and running on the user's local devices. This allows access to the software's data and functions from any location with an internet connection, using devices such as computers, smartphones or tablets. Cloud-based software offers advantages such as scalability, flexibility, remote accessibility, data security, and reduced infrastructure and maintenance costs.

The National Classification of Economic Activities (CNAE) is a numbering system whose purpose is to group and classify all production units according to the economic activity they carry out. Each unit is assigned a numerical code, which is called CNAE code. It is compulsory for all types of companies, enterprises, financial, government and economic agents operating within the European market.

Coliving is a shared housing concept that promotes a communal lifestyle, where residents share not only living space, but also common areas and resources. This model encourages social interaction, exchange of ideas and collaboration among residents, creating a dynamic and enriching community. Coliving spaces often offer additional services and amenities, such as cleaning, Wi-Fi, and social activities, to enhance the residents' experience.

A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that sets out the terms and conditions of a transaction or business relationship. Contracts can be verbal or written and specify the obligations and rights of each party, as well as the consequences of non-compliance. Contracts are essential for setting clear expectations, defining responsibilities and protecting the interests of the parties involved in a transaction. They can cover a wide variety of areas, such as sales, purchases, leases, employment, professional services, licensing, among others, and are legal instruments that provide security and certainty in business relationships.

Consumption estimation is the approximate calculation or prediction of the amount of resources that will be used in a given period of time, based on factors such as consumption history, trends or seasonal patterns. This is done when it is not possible to perform an actual reading of supplies, due to technical, logistical or access limitations. Consumption estimation is important to plan and manage resource availability and avoid interruptions in operations due to shortages or excess supplies.

Comprehensive management is a holistic and systematic approach to managing all areas and aspects of a company or organization in a coordinated and coherent manner. This involves integrating and aligning functions such as operations, finance, human resources, marketing, technology, quality, among others, to achieve business objectives effectively and efficiently. Comprehensive management promotes interdepartmental collaboration, process optimization, continuous improvement and value creation for all interested parties.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the commitment that companies assume to integrate practices into their management and daily operations to promote social, economic and environmental well-being, beyond legal and financial obligations. Through CSR, companies seek to contribute positively to society and minimize the negative impacts of their activities. This concept implies that they not only focus on maximizing economic benefits, but also consider the interests of their employees, the community, the environment and other interest groups, such as consumers and suppliers.

Cost control is the process of monitoring, analysing and managing a company's expenditure with the aim of keeping it within budgeted limits and optimising the use of available resources. It involves identifying areas of expenditure, setting cost standards and targets, implementing cost reduction measures, evaluating performance and taking corrective action where necessary. Cost control is essential to ensure a company's profitability, financial sustainability and competitiveness in the marketplace.

Cost monitoring is the process of tracking and analysing the expenses and costs associated with an activity, in order to identify savings opportunities and improve financial efficiency. This involves collecting data on costs incurred, analysing patterns and trends in spending, identifying areas of excess or waste, and taking corrective action to optimize resource use and reduce costs. Cost monitoring is a fundamental practice in the financial management of any business or organization, and helps ensure long-term profitability and sustainability.

The Universal Supply Point Code (CUPS) is a 20- or 22-digit alphanumeric code that is essential to certify the energy supply. This code was created with the aim of identifying each home or business that receives electricity and/or natural gas. The electricity supply has a CUPS and the gas supply has a different CUPS. Moreover, it is permanent and invariable, even if there are changes of tariff, marketing company or distribution company.

Basic and cheapest Polaroo subscription. Only includes the viewing of invoices on the Alpha platform. DOES NOT INCLUDE optimisation, delegated payment or management.

Customer service is the set of activities and practices designed to satisfy the needs, expectations and demands of customers throughout the life cycle of a product or service. This may include personalized attention, technical support, problem resolution, complaint management, on-time delivery, product quality, among other aspects related to the customer experience. Exceptional customer service is critical to building strong customer relationships, fostering brand loyalty, and ensuring a company's long-term success.

Data analytics is the process of examining, cleaning, transforming and modelling data sets with the aim of discovering patterns, trends, correlations and insights that can be used to make informed decisions and solve problems. It involves using statistical, mathematical and computational tools and techniques to explore and analyse large volumes of structured and unstructured data. Data analytics is fundamental to strategic decision-making and innovation in the digital age.

Data intelligence is the process of collecting, analysing and using data to obtain meaningful information and make informed decisions in the management and operation of a business. This approach involves extracting valuable insights from complex data sets, using data analysis, data visualization and statistical modelling techniques. Data intelligence is used in a variety of areas, such as marketing, customer management, financial planning, operations optimization and strategic decision-making, and is critical to improving business efficiency and competitiveness.

Data structuring is the process of organizing, classifying and labelling information in a systematic and coherent manner to facilitate its storage, retrieval, analysis and subsequent use. This involves defining fields, formats, relationships and hierarchies that allow data to be represented and managed in an efficient and understandable way. Data structuring is essential for the management of databases, information systems, data analysis and computer applications in a wide range of sectors and disciplines.

Delegated payment is a process by which one party authorizes another party to make a payment on their behalf, usually as part of a commercial or financial transaction. This may involve transferring funds from one account to another, sending money through electronic payment services, as well as paying for bills or services. Delegated payment can simplify and streamline financial operations, allowing parties to delegate responsibility for making payments to trusted third parties and reducing the need for coordination and tracking of individual payments.

Efficient management refers to the effective administration and utilization of resources, time and efforts to achieve a company's objectives optimally. This involves identifying and eliminating waste, optimizing processes, using efficient technologies and promoting an organizational culture focused on continuous improvement and innovation. Efficient management is essential to maximize productivity, reduce costs and improve the competitiveness of a company in the market.

The energy auction market is a system in which the rights to buy or sell energy (electricity, gas, etc.) are allocated through an auction process. In this market, energy producing companies, marketing companies or large consumers (such as industries or distributors) participate to offer or acquire energy at prices determined by supply and demand.

Energy certification is a process that assesses and rates the energy efficiency of a building, home or facility by determining its energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. This certification assigns a label that rates the property on a scale ranging from A (highest energy efficiency) to G (lowest efficiency), helping to identify how efficient it is in terms of energy consumption. Energy certification is mandatory in many countries for the sale or rental of properties, and aims to encourage energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact and promote energy savings.

Energy consumption refers to the amount of energy used by a company, household, industry or country to carry out daily activities and operations. This includes the use of electricity, fossil fuels, natural gas, biomass and other energy sources for lighting, heating, cooling, transport, production, among other uses. Energy consumption is a major concern due to its impact on the environment, energy security and operating costs. Energy efficiency is increasingly valued as a way to reduce consumption and minimise negative impacts.

Energy efficiency refers to the optimal use of energy to perform a given task or activity, minimising waste and maximising the desired output or performance. It involves the adoption of technologies, practices and policies that reduce energy consumption without compromising quality, comfort or productivity. Energy efficiency can be applied in a wide range of sectors, such as industry, transport, construction, agriculture, among others, and is key to mitigating climate change, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting environmental sustainability.

Energy saving refers to the reduction of energy consumption by adopting measures and practices that increase the efficiency of energy use. This can include upgrading obsolete equipment and systems, implementing more efficient technologies, optimising industrial processes, improving energy management in buildings and raising awareness of responsible energy use. Energy savings contribute to cost reduction, climate change mitigation and energy security.

Environmental balance refers to the state in which natural systems maintain their biodiversity, ecological functions and processes in harmony, without being significantly disturbed by human activities. This balance is crucial for the health and sustainability of the planet, as healthy ecosystems provide vital services such as air and water purification, climate regulation and the provision of food and natural resources. However, human activities, such as deforestation, pollution and climate change, can disrupt this balance, threatening the health of ecosystems and the survival of species.

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is a software system that integrates and manages all aspects of a business on a single platform, including finance, human resources, inventory, sales and operations. This type of system allows companies to automate key processes, improve visibility and control over their operations, and facilitate strategic decision-making by providing real-time data. ERP systems are used by organizations of all sizes and in a variety of industries to improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

Expense forecasting is the process of estimating and planning a company's future financial outlays based on operational needs, contractual commitments, ongoing projects, and other relevant factors. This involves analysing historical spending, market trends, sales projections, and changes in the business environment to realistically determine the financial resources needed to cover operating costs, debt payments, planned investments, and other anticipated outlays.

A field of business management that focuses on the planning, organisation, control and monitoring of an organisation's financial resources. This includes financial planning, budgeting, liquidity management, investment, financing, risk management, regulatory compliance and financial reporting in order to ensure the solvency of the company.

Financial balance refers to the state in which revenues generated by a business or investment are equal to or greater than expenses, thus ensuring long-term financial stability. Achieving a proper financial balance is essential to ensure the viability and sustainability of a company, as it allows it to cover operating costs, reinvest in the growth of the business and generate returns for investors or owners. Financial equilibrium also means maintaining appropriate risk management and prudent financial planning to cope with contingencies and changes in the economic environment.

Financial management is the process of planning, organising, controlling and making decisions related to a company's financial activities. This includes managing cash flows, assessing financial risks, raising finance, investing resources, budgeting, cost analysis, asset and liability management, and financial reporting to stakeholders. Financial management is essential to ensure financial stability, maximise profitability and create long-term shareholder value.

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO), methane (CH4) and water vapour, absorb and retain part of the solar radiation reaching the Earth from the Sun. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which helps to maintain a global temperature suitable for life on the planet. However, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and intensive agriculture, have increased the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect and causing global warming. This warming has significant consequences, such as rising global temperatures, melting of the polar ice caps, rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns and acidification of the oceans, affecting both the environment and society.

Any real estate associated with sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. These types of assets include investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean technologies, sustainable transport, green buildings, among others, to respond to a shared commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Green assets are a way to promote sustainability and climate change mitigation, and are increasingly popular among investors and companies committed to environmental responsibility.

Holiday home is a real estate property intended primarily for use as a temporary rental for tourists. This type of property is rented independently and are generally private properties that the owners decide to rent for a certain period. They do not have the need to offer additional tourist services, such as daily cleaning or reception, and are not subject to the same strict regulations as hotels or tourist accommodations.

The temporary leasing of a residential property, usually furnished, for tourist or leisure use for short periods of time. This type of accommodation offers travellers the flexibility to stay in different locations without long-term commitments, allowing them to experience the feeling of ‘home away from home’ during their holidays or business trips. These properties are often marketed through specialised online platforms, facilitating the connection between owners and tenants.

HORECA is an acronym that refers to the hospitality, restaurant and hotel industry sectors. This term encompasses establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, nightclubs, among others, that offer accommodation, food, drinks and entertainment services to both local and tourist clients. The HORECA industry plays an important role in the global economy and is a key driver of tourism activity and the dining experience around the world. The implementation of Big Data and Business Intelligence technologies in the HORECA sector is also allowing companies to anticipate peaks in demand and adjust their supply accordingly.

Incident management is an organizational process that is responsible for detecting, recording, classifying, prioritizing, investigating and resolving any interruption or anomaly in a company's services, systems or processes. These incidents can range from technical problems in the IT infrastructure to customer complaints about the quality of a product. Incident management seeks to restore normal operations as quickly as possible, minimizing the impact on the business and guaranteeing customer satisfaction.

The indexed tariff is a type of contract in which the price that the consumer or company pays for the supply of electricity is linked to a price index in the electricity market. This price fluctuates depending on supply and demand in the energy market.

Information extraction is the process of collecting, identifying and capturing relevant and significant data from various sources, such as databases, documents, websites, media, among others. This may involve using data mining, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, or other technologies to analyse large volumes of information and extract useful and insightful insights. Information extraction is essential in areas such as scientific research, business intelligence, computer security or knowledge management, and helps make informed and strategic decisions.

An intelligent report is a report that uses advanced data analysis and visualization tools to provide actionable and insightful information about a company's performance. These reports typically include key metrics, trends, benchmarking analysis, and recommendations that help decision makers better understand the current state of the business, identify areas for improvement, and take action to achieve business goals. Intelligent reports are important tools for business management, enabling more informed decision-making and faster response to changes in the business environment.

Intelligent space design is a planning and design approach that seeks to maximise the functionality and comfort of a space by optimising the use of available space, incorporating ergonomic design elements and integrating advanced technologies. This approach is applied in a variety of contexts, from residential and office interior design to the development of public and urban spaces. Intelligent spatial design aims to improve the quality of life, efficiency and sustainability of built environments.

An intuitive interface is a user design that is easy to understand and use, even for users with no prior experience. This involves the logical arrangement of elements, clarity in the presentation of information, the use of familiar icons and symbols, and the minimization of unnecessary steps to complete a task. An intuitive interface improves the user experience, increases efficiency and reduces the learning curve, resulting in greater satisfaction and productivity.

Maintenance notifications are alerts and communications sent to a property's residents to inform them of scheduled maintenance, urgent issues, or updates related to the space. These notifications may include notices about scheduled water or power outages, repairs to common areas, safety inspections, or any other maintenance activities that may impact residents. Maintenance notifications are important to keep residents informed and ensure their safety and comfort in the residential environment.

Managed property refers to a real estate property that is managed and operated by a property management company on behalf of the owner. This may include rental management, maintenance, repairs, rent collection, tenant management, marketing and promotion of the property. Professional property management can help maximize revenue, reduce costs, protect property value, and ensure a positive tenant experience. Implementing strategies to improve the profitability of a rental property can ensure that profitability not only increases, but does not decrease.

A maximeter is a measuring device used in electrical installations with a contracted power greater than 15 kW. If the power demanded is higher than the contracted power, it DOES NOT jump.

Operations automation is the process of implementing systems and technologies to perform business tasks and processes automatically, without direct human intervention. It involves the use of software, hardware and intelligent devices to automate routine and repetitive activities, increase efficiency, reduce errors and free up human resources for more strategic and creative tasks. Operations automation can be applied in a wide range of areas, such as production, logistics, customer service, accounting, human resources and supply management, and is key to improving competitiveness and business agility in an increasingly digitised environment.

Password encryption is the process of converting a readable password into an unreadable format using cryptographic algorithms, in order to protect access information from unauthorised access. This involves applying encryption techniques that convert the password into a seemingly random sequence of characters, which can only be decoded using a specific secret key or algorithm. Password encryption is a fundamental cybersecurity measure that helps prevent credential theft, unauthorised access to systems and violation of user privacy.

Price stability refers to the absence of significant fluctuations in the general price levels of goods and services in an economy over a given period of time. This implies keeping inflation under control and avoiding sudden changes in prices that could affect the purchasing power of consumers, the profitability of companies and macroeconomic stability in general. Price stability is a key objective of governments' monetary and fiscal policy and is fundamental to promoting sustainable economic growth and social well-being.

The objective of this category is to digitize and automate your business processes that are related to operational or productive aspects. With Polaroo, this service includes everything from assigning an Account Manager dedicated to your account and assets, to the automatic collection of invoices, control and management of calls, incidents, payments, registrations/deregistrations and changes with suppliers. In addition, it involves an onboarding phase and personalized attention.

Profit margin is the difference between the total revenue generated by a company and the total costs incurred to produce the goods or services sold. It is typically expressed as a percentage of revenue and represents the profitability of the company after covering all operating and financial expenses. A high profit margin indicates greater efficiency and profitability, while a low margin may indicate cost problems, aggressive competition, or tight margins in the market.

Profitability refers to the ability of a business to generate profits in relation to the investment made. It is typically measured as return on investment (ROI) or profit margin, and is a key indicator of a company's financial health and success. A profitable company is able to generate revenue that exceeds the costs and expenses associated with operating the business, allowing it to be reinvested in growth and expansion, rewarding investors and owners, and ensuring long-term viability.

A property is any fixed property that is anchored to the land and has economic and legal value. The most common examples of real estate are buildings, houses, land, farms and any fixed structure or construction. In legal terms, real estate is characterized by its durability and by being subject to certain rights and obligations, such as the payment of taxes, property regulations and the possibility of being mortgaged or sold.

Property management refers to the set of activities and processes involved in the administration and maintenance of a real estate property. This may include financial, operational and administrative management of the property, coordination of maintenance and repair services, oversight of leases and contracts, marketing of the property and customer service. Effective property management is essential to protect the investment and ensure the satisfaction of the tenants or users of the property.

Any immovable property, such as land, buildings or houses, that has a monetary value and is owned by a person, company or institution. These properties or assets that have an economic value and can be bought, sold or rented for investment purposes or personal use, and may include land, residential or commercial buildings. They are considered critical in the financial and real estate market because of their potential to generate passive income or capital appreciation over time, as well as to meet housing or business needs.

Recurring expenses are costs that are regularly incurred in the operation and maintenance of a business or property. These expenses are necessary to keep business activities running and may include, but are not limited to, facility rental, utilities, staff salaries, office supplies, and marketing expenses. Recurring expenses are typically predictable and occur periodically, which differentiates them from other types of expenses, such as capital expenses or one-time expenses.

The regulated market is a type of market in which the conditions of supply, demand, prices and competition are subject to regulations and controls by government authorities. These regulations may include restrictions on the entry of new competitors, setting maximum or minimum prices, production quotas, quality regulations, among other measures intended to protect the interests of consumers, promote fair competition or guarantee the security and stability of the market. Type of tariffs regulated by the government or small margin cost price.

Aggregate data reports are documents that present summarized and consolidated information about a set of data, rather than individual details. This involves combining and summarizing data from multiple sources or categories into an easy-to-understand format, providing a high-level overview and analysis of the performance or status of a business, project, or process. Reports with aggregated data are useful for identifying trends, patterns, and areas of focus, as well as facilitating data-driven decision-making.

A savings strategy is a set of actions designed to increase the amount of money or resources that a person, company or entity can keep or accumulate over time. This may include adopting more prudent spending habits, seeking opportunities to reduce costs, investing in financial products that generate returns, and planning long-term to achieve specific financial goals. An effective savings strategy can help improve financial stability and achieve important financial goals.

A smart meter is a metering device that records and monitors the consumption of electricity, gas, water or other resources in an automated and accurate manner. These devices are equipped with advanced communication and data processing technology, which enables remote transmission of information to service providers, as well as the ability to perform detailed consumption and trend analysis. Smart meters provide benefits such as accurate billing, efficient supply management, anomaly detection and active user participation in the management of their consumption.

A single manager can be either a professional or a centralized tool that is responsible for coordinating and supervising all activities related to a project, an operation or a specific service in a company. This manager is responsible for managing resources, assigning tasks, setting goals, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with deadlines and quality standards. The figure of the single manager facilitates coordination and efficiency by avoiding duplication and conflicts of responsibility between different teams or departments.

A strategic partner is a person, company or organization with which a collaborative relationship is established based on common objectives, shared interests and mutual long-term benefits. This may include suppliers, customers, business partners, financial institutions, among others, who contribute resources, knowledge, experience or capabilities that complement the company's strengths and needs. Strategic partners can play a crucial role in business growth, innovation and success by providing access to new markets, technologies, financing opportunities and networks. At Polaroo we have a wide network of collaborators who provide efficiency and value for the growth of other businesses.

Supply management is a comprehensive process that involves the coordination and supervision of all activities related to the acquisition, distribution and efficient utilization of resources necessary for the operation of a property, company or organization. This ranges from purchasing planning to inventory control, supplier management, cost optimization and ensuring supplies are available at the right time and place to meet operational needs. Effective supply management is essential to ensure business efficiency, minimize costs and maximize continuity of operations throughout the supply chain.

A supplier is an entity or company that supplies goods or services to another entity or company. Suppliers play a crucial role in the supply chain by providing the resources necessary for the operation and growth of a company. This may include suppliers of raw materials, components, equipment, services, technology, among others. Selecting suitable suppliers and managing relationships with them are key aspects of business strategy as they can affect the quality, cost, availability and competitiveness of an entity's products and services.

Supply systems are infrastructures and networks designed to provide drinking water, energy or other basic resources to a population or specific geographic area. This may include drinking water distribution systems, electrical networks, natural gas transportation networks, sewage and wastewater treatment systems, among others. Supply systems are essential to guarantee access to basic services and improve people's quality of life, and require adequate planning, construction and maintenance to function efficiently and reliably.

Sustainable practices are actions and behaviours that seek to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This means taking a balanced approach that takes into account the environmental, social and economic aspects of our actions and decisions. Sustainable practices may include conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting social equity and corporate responsibility, and adopting more efficient and cleaner technologies and processes. Sustainability is a fundamental principle for long-term development and preservation of the planet and its resources.

Sustainability and social responsibility (ESG) refers to business practices that take into account the economic, social and environmental impacts of a company's operations. This includes the responsible management of natural resources, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, respect for human rights, diversity and inclusion, transparency in financial information and commitment to the community. Companies that adopt ESG practices seek to balance financial success with social and environmental responsibility, and are increasingly valued by investors, customers and other stakeholders.

A tariff is the price or amount of money charged for a service or product. This term is applied in various contexts, such as public services (electricity, water, gas), transportation (airline tickets, train, bus), telecommunications (telephony, internet) or any type of commercial service. Rates can be fixed or variable, depending on the type of service or good offered, and are usually regulated in sectors where the aim is to protect the consumer and guarantee competition.

A tenant is a person or entity that rents or leases a physical space, such as a home, business premises, or office, in exchange for a periodic payment known as rent or rent. The tenant has the right to use and enjoy the space during the rental period, subject to the conditions established in the rental agreement and current rental laws. Tenants can be individuals, families, companies or organizations, and have the responsibility to comply with contractual obligations, keep the space in good condition and respect the coexistence rules established by the owner or landlord.

Hourly discrimination is a billing model for utilities, such as electricity, in which variable tariffs are applied according to the time of day when the energy is consumed. Generally, lower tariffs are set during off-peak hours, such as evenings or weekends, and higher tariffs are set during peak hours, when energy demand is higher. The objective of time discrimination is to incentivise energy consumption during off-peak periods, promote energy efficiency and reduce the load on the electricity grid during peak hours.

Water consumption refers to the amount of water used by an individual, an industry, an agricultural sector or a particular activity. It includes water abstracted and consumed from natural sources, such as rivers, lakes or aquifers, to meet different needs, such as human consumption, agricultural irrigation, industrial production or energy generation.

A water crisis is an emergency situation caused by a shortage of drinking water, whether due to adverse climatic conditions, overexploitation of water resources or water pollution. These crises can have serious repercussions for public health, agriculture, industry and the environment, and can lead to social and political conflicts. Sustainable water management and measures to conserve and protect water resources are crucial to prevent and mitigate water crisis.