Software localisation involves adapting a software to suit different languages and cultures, and meet regional requirements in order to ensure that it can be used effectively throughout the world. Localisation is critical to the success of any software, as it allows a broader user base and increases acceptance in international markets. The translation of user interfaces, menus, error messages and documentation into the target language removes any barriers to the use of the software. Localisation also takes into account cultural differences such as date formats, currencies and culturally sensitive content to ensure the user-friendliness of the software in different countries.
Are you interested in our software localisations or do you have queries on this topic? Do not hesitate to get in touch with us using the contact form – we look forward to receiving your enquiry!
Another important aspect of our services is the translation of SAP systems. SAP, as a world-leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, is often indispensable for many international companies. KERN UK Ltd. provides specialised translation services for SAP modules and interfaces in order to ensure that your SAP environment is optimally adapted to the linguistic and cultural requirements of your target markets. Our experienced specialist translators and IT specialists work closely together to localise all relevant SAP components, including user interfaces, reports, forms and training materials, accurately and efficiently. This ensures seamless integration and user-friendliness for your international teams and helps drive operational efficiency and global collaboration.
KERN UK Ltd. makes use of the most modern methods to localise menus, dialogue boxes, buttons in a software user interface, online help, printed documentation and other accompanying files (licence agreements, README files and much more) for use in the target country. Since the text lengths in various languages can vary significantly, KERN UK Ltd. adapts the size of user interfaces and dialogue boxes (resizing) as part of the localisation process. The localised user interface serves as a reference when translating online help and documentation; ideally, this is carried out by the same team that localises the user interface.
In terms of software user-friendliness, quality assurance has a fundamental role in avoiding internationalisation and localisation errors. The quality of the internationalisation strategy and the source language texts largely determine the standard of a software that is available in several languages. The test procedure includes internationalisation testing, localisation testing and functional testing.
Internationalisation testing is a critical step in software development before any product is actually localised. The main goal of internationalisation testing is to ensure that the software is designed to easily adapt to different languages, cultures and regional requirements. This is often done as part of a pseudo-localisation, in which the software is temporarily translated into a non-English language to detect potential problems at an early stage.
During the internationalisation test, the software is checked in several ways. This includes ensuring that regional standards such as date and currency formats are correctly supported. A check is also performed as to whether the character set used is appropriate for the target language and whether the software is compatible with the software and hardware in the target countries.
Localisation testing is another important step in the software localisation process. It includes a series of important checks to ensure that the localised software meets the expectations of international users. A key element is linguistic validation, where skilled native-speaking translators with specific IT knowledge ensure that the translations are accurate and culturally adapted. This validation ensures the accuracy and consistency of the localised content.
In addition, high-quality localisation involves verification by a second specialist translator in order to minimise errors or inaccuracies. Localisation testing is another essential step that not only takes linguistic, but also visual and functional, aspects into account. This ensures that the user interface is displayed correctly, that buttons and menus are functional, and that any differences in operation due to culture are taken into account.
Functional testing is usually the end of the software development process and occurs after localisation. Its purpose is to ensure that the software works properly in the target language and culture. Successful testing requires a test script that provides detailed instructions on how to open menus and perform all functions.
Possible functional tests include:
User interface testing, compatibility testing, performance testing, security testing, transaction testing and many more types of testing can also be carried out in this context, depending on customer-specific requirements.
Do you have questions about the areas of localisation and testing? Please contact us by phone, by e-mail or via our contact form:
We are there for you Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Phone: 0207 831 5600
Email: kern.london@e-kern.com
Language Courses