Friday, July 29, 2016

Manage your very first translation project like a pro: Where to begin?

If you are new in a company and are suddenly assigned with also handling translations in your role as product manager, office manager, marketing manager, documentation manager, etc., or you are simply the type whom everyone turn to for help when they are stuck, this blog is a must-read.

Manage translation like a pro.
Source: AdobeStock.com

The material to be translated is not so important. You could end up having to find someone to translate a data sheet, a press release of a new product, brochure or even a web site. Based on our experience, it's not that uncommon that companies have no workflow or protocol in place when it comes to the occasional need for translation, especially for new languages or exotic ones. Imagine having to find someone to translate your company’s English company intro into Maltese or Hebrew…
It is a fact that all translated content published by a company speaks to potential customers in new international markets and therefore should be considered as “weapons” to gain new ground. And because of this it's quite surprising how often companies lack a conceptual approach to their documentation and translation management. Often this area involves unwritten know-how that leaves the company with the person who has been used to handle these tasks. 

If you are the lucky one assigned to manage, say, translation of an annual product catalog, and you have never managed any translation project before, here are some important tips how to deal with it like a pro:

1. Search for translation resources. You could save a lot of effort.
2. Map the suppliers thoroughly. The difference is night and day.
3. Document your company's language management.
4. Establish a translation management workflow in your company.

Let's break it down a bit more, point by point.

Search for translation resources.
Source: AdobeStock.com

1. Make a search for translation resources. If none are available, create them for the future.

'Translation resources' doesn't refer to the actual document you need to translate. But what’s important is that when translating content that is similar or basically an update of something already translated (e.g. a catalog in this case), there is a good chance some or even a lot of the volume has already been translated and saved in the form of a translation memory, preferably together with a glossary – most likely at your previous translation supplier. So you don't need to translate that again.
Translation resources and the knowledge of them are important and make up a valuable resource:

  • If you have no translation resources at all, you will pay the full price for translation. This is a cost issue. And here's the deal: Having access to already pre-translated content reduces both the translation cost and delivery time.
    Creating and preparing translation resources for future savings on translation expenses is a common service included in the price of translation by professional agencies that work with special translation tools and software.
  • If you have translation resources in your hand, your company has most likely already cooperated with a language service provider (LSP) at some point in the past. Try to find out the details of this cooperation, and if you gain positive feedback, you have a hot candidate for translation supplier.
    More importantly, if you do not have the resources, but know an agency has built them, your company is the legal owner of the resources, and you can request if from your agency any time.

And here we get to the next point  mapping and choosing a translation supplier  explained in our next blog --->


5 comments:

  1. don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
    I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already
    온라인경마
    경마사이트

    ReplyDelete


  2. I strongly suggest that students visit this website because it is chock-full of insightful information about dissertations. service for writing assignments If you want to finish your assignment writing coventry is the best service you can use. It is better to choose professionals who can finish your task quickly, so I advise you to visit this website because it is full of helpful information about dissertation writing, and I also urge you to submit your task here.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice Article. Thanks for sharing this informative article to us. Keep sharing more related blogs.
    Abogado DUI Petersburg VA

    ReplyDelete
  4. This insightful blog sheds light on the often overlooked world of translation management. The tips provided are invaluable for anyone venturing into this realm for the first time. New Jersey Expunge Order of Protection I appreciate the practical advice, especially the emphasis on leveraging existing translation resources. Kudos to the author for demystifying a complex process and making it approachable for newcomers! New Jersey Domestic Violence Attorney Cherry Hill

    ReplyDelete
  5. Start by clearly defining the project scope, including target languages, specific content to be translated, and any cultural considerations.

    Research and select qualified translators or a reputable translation agency with expertise in the subject matter.

    Develop a detailed project timeline, assigning tasks and setting realistic deadlines to ensure a smooth workflow.

    Implement a robust communication plan to keep all stakeholders informed, addressing any questions or concerns promptly.
    bankruptcy lawers near me



    ReplyDelete