The Localisation Process

Preparation and Assessment

The next step is to analyse the source files and examine the text with regards to the amount, nature of the text, language combination, specialist field as well as the selection of translators.

The preparation phase paves the way for localisation and the necessary technical tools.  We are always willing to try to accommodate your specific project specifications.  To help us meet your demands in the most effective way possible, please provide us with the following information:

• Any existing foreign documents, previous translations or Translation Memory files as reference material to guarantee consistent use of terminology.
• Pictures, schematic diagrams, drawings and other materials are often useful to better understand the text to be translated.
• All specifications and guidelines relating to the individual project or product can help to ensure an accurate and correct translation of more complex technical data.
• Access authorisation, usernames and passwords, as well as technical aids required for transferring your files.

Alignment with a Translation Memory System

Thanks to our many years of translation experience, we have access to a wide range of terminology lists which can be used for a possible comparison.

Amongst other aids, we use Translation Memory Systems which simplify the comparison of terminology and translation processes.

After the first translation has been completed, the saved terms and phrases form the basis of future translations.  This improves not only the individual translation, but also the consistency of the terminology used in all texts, and can also help speed up the entire translation process.  Yet another advantage is the creation of a large database which can be used for other customer translations.  We can also incorporate an already established Translation Memory into our system.

Localisation

During this stage, our translators begin with the localisation and translation processes to transfer the document into the target foreign language. An essential part of the process consists of the use of reference material for the terminology, as well as supplied terminology lists which may be supplied by the customer. Our translators typically have between 3 and 5 years of experience of translating texts into a foreign language and are often specialised in a particular field of expertise.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is an important part of the localisation process. During this stage, we check whether the user interface, online help and documentation were localised and/or translated as necessary. In some cases, a resizing of the menu and buttons must still be carried out in software solutions with websites. This is again discussed and agreed with the customer beforehand.

Furthermore, files can be checked, on request, by a second linguist for language consistency and practicality. The second linguist will check that the content has been correctly and accurately translated into the target language, proofread the text for any grammar or spelling mistakes and check for consistent use of terminology.

Delivery

Translated documents can be delivered as a printout, by FTP and on CD-ROM, or we can e-mail data directly to your inbox. Furthermore, a back-up copy of all files is made and archived. In this way, we can access data anytime over many years through a project search.

Customer Satisfaction

One of the crucial stages of our quality control procedures is the processing of customer feed-back. The assessing of a project is vital for determining the efficiency and achievement of our project management and the quality of our services.