We are members of the Association of Language Companies, USA and we strictly follow the Code of Professional Conduct & Business Practices established by the association.
Communication without quality control will lead to chaos. We ensure that everything is checked for quality right from the first response to the client's enquiry to translation, proofreading, typesetting, delivery and follow-up revision.
Client Satisfaction Surveys are performed on a regular basis. All feedback is recorded, analyzed and measured to improve our Quality Management System and services.
Our work flow structure includes the following steps:
- Project analysis
- Pre-production
- Production
- Post production
- Assessment
- Revisions and updates
Project analysis
Planning and Discovery:
The client’s needs form the basis of our planning and discovery phase. Your goals, objectives and specifications prompt us in selecting the tools and resources that we would use. For projects that need to be distributed, we keep in mind the key points of branding along with the scope of translation desired. We recommend the assignment of contact points for each language as this enables us to get in touch with them in case there are any doubts on the language for tone, style, consistency in usage, etc.
Timeline Construction:
After a thorough and complete assessment of the project, the Project Manager constructs a roadmap and puts down the production timeline. Thus, a clear definition of the specific requirements for a project before the commencement of production translates into strong benefits that carry through the Quality Assurance phase.
Language Dependency Analysis:
The Project Manager now separates all language-independent tasks from language-dependent tasks. By noting language-dependent areas at an early stage in the project, consistent quality can be maintained through any planned or future multiple language versions of the product.
Use of Translation Memory Tools:
Use of Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) tools such as translation memories and processes that include text alignment and leveraging begins at this stage. These tools greatly minimize costs and improve consistency.
Pre-Production
Toolkit Construction:
The next step after Project Analysis is Toolkit Construction. This typically consists of all source files, existing terminology glossaries, approved lexical and style guidelines, and any relevant particulars and logistics related to the translation environment.
Review of Target Language Requirements:
This step includes a detailed analysis of the source language. Special attention is paid to style, tone, target audience as well as any coding requirements (character set, meta tags, etc.) and incorporation of these requirements into the translation process.
Initial Client Review:
Before initiation of the complete translation process, we recommend a review of selected sample text. This allows us to do a reality check and refine the style and tone to convey your message as precisely as possible. We suggest that a contact for each target language be established so that the contact can be available for any questions that arise during the translation process.
Production
Text Translation:
We do not believe in literal translation. Rather, we work within the target language to retain the nuances and tone of the original language. In this step, we create a source-to-target language translation appropriate for the intended audience.
Proofreading:
Experienced native speakers of the target language are involved in proofreading the text that has been translated.
Adjustment for Language Characteristics:
The number of words or the quantity of copy on a page may differ in different languages. For example, a French, Spanish or Portuguese text will typically expand to 20% - 25% more words than the English equivalent. At this stage, we look at limiting any changes in the graphical elements or text sections.
Cultural Consulting:
We understand the cultural impact that colour schemes, layouts and iconography may have which is why we stick to the norms prevalent in the target culture. This helps avoid cultural misunderstandings which could lead to a negative impact on your success in international markets.
Post-Production
Integration:
At this stage, the overall cohesion of the project is reviewed. The language is re-inserted into the files or original format from pure text or through automated translation tools.
Sampling:
This involves monitoring of quality and formatting for accuracy. This is performed throughout the project, from initial phases until completion.
Final Quality Check:
This step includes a complete review of the project. Consistency, accuracy and design integrity are checked and re-checked at this level.
Assessment
Project Assessment:
After the completion of the project and submission of files to the client, a comprehensive review is conducted which analyses whether goals were met, deadlines were kept and, in general, which elements of the work went well and which offered opportunities for improvement.
Client Feedback:
At this stage, we ask you for your feedback so we get a 360 degree view of the entire process.
Revisions and Updates
Monitoring:
This step includes customized processes to translate new/revised content and to carry out front and back-end modifications. Through continued interaction with the Account Executive, any additions/alterations to the original content can be efficiently implemented in the translated versions.
