Technology in translation to cut costs – not corners
The use of technology to improve efficiencies, increase productivity and improve quality is ‘business as usual’ across all sectors these days.
The translation industry is certainly no exception, over the years, the industry has adapted quickly to changes in technology. It is these changes which have enabled the industry to become adaptive and efficient. These efficiencies are not just for the translation product itself but for the translation process as a whole.
In this article we will explore the range of translation technologies which have become vital parts of the translation process. Providing customers with a smooth workflow and cost effective.
Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools
These are tools which can create databases of previous (human) translations and as such enable their re-use. Not just by the original translator but amongst whole translation teams. Translation memories can capture whole sentence structures and repeated text segments. This is an important tool for control of terminology. It also is an effective cost control mechanism. SDLTrados is a market leader in the field of CAT software.
Design tools and desktop publishing
For translation of artwork, it is vital the translators can translate directly within the original file type. Most commonly, Adobe Creative Suite formats such as InDesign. After the translation, the designer will then edit and format the translated text as per the original layout. The designer will ensure that the end-product is on-brand.
Project management and the translation process
Multiple language translation projects of marketing collateral such as brochures, posters, presentations, etc require complex project management. The role of the translation project manager is key. The PM does rely on translation/project management technology which automates parts of translation project workflow. Also, software fundamental to the effective project management of the entire multi-step workflows.
Neural Machine Translation
In 2018, we bit the bullet, so to speak, and invested heavily into Neural Machine Translation. Put simply, it has allowed us to translate a larger quantity of text faster and at a much lower cost (between 50% – 80% of the human translation cost). We offer our NMT service in conjunction with Human Post-editing which improves the quality of the machine translation and removes any errors. Currently the main use of NMT is to render an understanding of the contents of a document, whatever the context, no matter how technical. We advise our clients to opt for NMT when the translation is not intended to be published and solely intended to render an idea of the contents.
Technology to cut costs – not corners
Translation technology has made it possible to leverage translation memories, link the translations and design work and overall to tailor and streamline the translations management process. As such technology has brought enormous productivity gains, cost savings and quality improvements to the translation industry. In light of the many benefits it can in fact be tempting to take automation further and further. However, it’s good to bear in mind that technology should never be used to cut corners and the first priority in professional translation must always be quality.
Do you need help with your translations project?
- At McFelder Translation we embrace the latest technologies in every aspect of our business.
- Optimized workflows are all adapted to the specific needs of every client.
- Use of the latest CAT and Neural Machine Translation software.
- In-house creative artwork team who are specialists in foreign language typesetting.
- We’ve been helping some of the world’s largest B2B corporations and government agencies.
- We localise copy, for forms of communication.