Translation Processes
The clients of Skrivanek have a significant advantage in being able to procure their complex multi language projects from us as a single vendor; this serves to decrease our client’s project management time and hence costs.
Our strong team of full time Project Managers acts as a central point of contact for all the languages we can provide. Each of our clients is assigned a dedicated project manager to ensure the entire translation process is handled smoothly and all requests and details are taken care of. Our custom built order management system enables us to process and track efficiently a high volume of multiple language projects. The whole Skrivanek team has extensive experience in the translation and localization industry as well as a depth of knowledge of CAT (computer assisted translation) tools.
The chart below shows how translation projects are proceeded starting from the intial request, though file transmission, translation, quality assurance processes to final delivery. To learn more about our translation processes look at the text under the chart.
Quotation & Order Management
All requests for quotations are processed immediately on their receipt. If the documents to be translated are available a quote is prepared based on the word count after analysis of the document. If the documents are not immediately available then a provisional quote is prepared for the client using their word count. This provisional quote can then be revised after the documents have been analyzed.
Orders may be accepted via secured FTP, e-mail or a web-based portal. When uploading documents to be translated via a web-based portal project details such as language pair, deadline, translation purpose, subject, project description, workflow, requested file format etc. are specified. Web-based portal provides an overview of project statuses at any time, receive finished projects, etc. Portal as front-end helps to streamline processes, increase efficiency and cut costs considerably. Our translation platform as back-end allows a high level of automation of all translation process steps including costs calculation, system-based assignment and the transmission of projects, including integration with customer CMS or other systems.
Project Manager Assignment
Our clients are assigned their own dedicated Skrivanek Project Manager. All communication is in English (or in any other preferred language) and is centralized and universally operated. If required the project starts with a kick-off meeting and continues with follow up meetings and satisfaction surveys.
Skrivanek collects and studies from clients as much reference material to work with as possible to stay consistent with previous translations and language/style (i.e. any previously translated documents in any format, translation memories, terminology glossaries, style guides). If necessary we organize training for our resources on language style and communication strategy of our clients to implement it in our processes and keep it consistent.
Skrivanek collects and studies from clients as much reference material to work with as possible to stay consistent with previous translations and language/style (i.e. any previously translated documents in any format, translation memories, terminology glossaries, style guides). If necessary we organize training for our resources on language style and communication strategy of our clients to implement it in our processes and keep it consistent.
In-house check & Project Preparation
Source files are checked for content, style and complexity. Any open issues are clarified in advance (e.g. translation of abbreviations, measurements etc.). A technical inspection and pre-processing (file format is converted, non-translatable content is locked etc.) is completed before the project starts.
The PM assesses word-counts and workflow of the project and prepares a project schedule and the budget. The PM creates Instructions to ensure proper handling of files and prepares a translation kit including Source files, Instructions, Translation memory, Glossaries, Style guides, Reference materials.
The PM assesses word-counts and workflow of the project and prepares a project schedule and the budget. The PM creates Instructions to ensure proper handling of files and prepares a translation kit including Source files, Instructions, Translation memory, Glossaries, Style guides, Reference materials.
Translation
All our translations are carried out by in-country native speakers of the target language and subject matter specialists based on the instructions and references provided. In case multiple translators have to be used they work side by side sharing terminology, glossary and common translation memory to maintain a good level of consistency. The whole text is then proofread by 1 person, who ensures the style is as consistent as possible.
Terminology and translation memory management software provides one central location to store and manage terminology/translation memory. It ensures consistent and high-quality content from source through to translation as well as easy terminology maintenance, updates and approval cycle management. We use different terminology management tools such as SDL Trados Multiterm and Across crossTerm base.
If the material to be translated contains glossaries then the translation process will start with the translation of terminology and approval of its appropriateness with the client to ensure that all the translators working on this project use exactly the same terminology. The PM will be always be available for consultation and will help when any issues or questions arise with a client.
The PM monitors the current progress status of each particular task at a glance to ensure on-time delivery. The progress level is displayed in the form of words and percentages completed available in the translation memory technology.
Terminology and translation memory management software provides one central location to store and manage terminology/translation memory. It ensures consistent and high-quality content from source through to translation as well as easy terminology maintenance, updates and approval cycle management. We use different terminology management tools such as SDL Trados Multiterm and Across crossTerm base.
If the material to be translated contains glossaries then the translation process will start with the translation of terminology and approval of its appropriateness with the client to ensure that all the translators working on this project use exactly the same terminology. The PM will be always be available for consultation and will help when any issues or questions arise with a client.
The PM monitors the current progress status of each particular task at a glance to ensure on-time delivery. The progress level is displayed in the form of words and percentages completed available in the translation memory technology.
Review
Once the translation is completed, the reviewer – a second translator – checks the translation for accuracy, grammar and readability in the target language; ensuring the use of correct spelling, consistently used terminology, accurate punctuation, corrects errors of style, i.e. grammatical and semantic errors, and formatting of text in accordance with the original document. A specialized consultant who provides expert advice in terminology is part of a production team.
3rd party review (spotcheck)
To ensure the high quality and accuracy of the translation a randomly selected piece of translation is sent to a second translator for 3rd party review and quality evaluation.
Quality Control
Once the translation, editing/review, DTP phase is completed, our in-country QA specialist (proofreader) compares the source and target documents to check the final files for completeness, grammar, typos and formatting errors and checks the quality of the deliverables according to a specific check list using various QA tools.
Delivery
Before the delivery of files the PM makes sure that all steps of the workflow have been completed in compliance with the client’s instructions and that any queries raised during the project have been dealt with satisfactorily. The PM is also responsible for an overall check of the file/deliverable completeness.
The completed files are handed back to the client for a client review. The PM takes care that any requested changes by the client are fully implemented.
The file returned to its original format in accordance with the client’s wishes is delivered in a timely and professional fashion.
The completed files are handed back to the client for a client review. The PM takes care that any requested changes by the client are fully implemented.
The file returned to its original format in accordance with the client’s wishes is delivered in a timely and professional fashion.
