The manual translation is an essential task for many companies in the production industry, but it can be time-consuming and costly. With the use of CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools, companies can streamline the translation process and improve the quality of translations.
In this article, we will explore how CAT tools can help companies in the production industry improve manual translation quality and save time. We will cover the benefits of using CAT tools in manual translation, how to optimize the use of CAT tools for your specific needs, and real-life examples of companies that have successfully implemented CAT tools in their manual translation process. Read on to learn more about how CAT tools can revolutionize your manual translation strategy.
Leverage existing translations
One of the most significant benefits of using CAT tools for manual translation is the ability to leverage existing translations. CAT tools allow you to store and reuse translations, which can save time and money on future projects. By reusing translations, you can ensure consistency and accuracy in your manual translations, as well as reduce the need for human translation.
When you translate a manual, you often come across repetitive content. Rather than having to translate the same sentence or paragraph repeatedly, CAT tools reuse already-done translated texts. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency in the use of terminology and style throughout the manual.
CAT tools also allow you to store translations in a centralized translation memory, which can be accessed by multiple translators and editors. This helps to ensure that everyone is using the same terminology and style, which improves the overall quality of the manual translation.
Ensure consistency and accuracy
Consistency and accuracy are crucial factors in manual translation, as they ensure that the information conveyed in the manual is clear and accurate for the end user. CAT tools provide consistency and accuracy in translations by enforcing specific terminology and style throughout the manual.
One of the ways in which CAT tools ensure consistency and accuracy is through the use of terminology lists. These lists can be created by the client, by the translation bureau or together in collaboration, and they specify the terms that should be used in the manual. CAT tools then ensure that these terms are used consistently throughout the translation process.
This is particularly important for technical manuals, where the use of specific terminology is crucial for the understanding of the end-user. This also helps to maintain consistency among the whole documentation, the next versions of manuals, content on the website, and product names.
Built-in quality assurance
Built-in quality assurance is an essential feature of CAT tools, as it helps to ensure that translations are error-free and of high quality. One popular tool for quality assurance in CAT tools is Xbench.
Xbench is a plugin for CAT tools that performs a variety of quality assurance checks on translations. It checks for spelling and grammar errors, consistency in terminology and style, and formatting issues. It also checks for numbers, dates, and punctuation. It also has a feature that allows you to check for missing or untranslated segments in the translation. Additionally, Xbench allows you to create and customize your own quality assurance checks, so you can tailor them to your specific needs.
Streamline workflows in manual translation
One of the ways in which CAT tools streamline manual translation workflows is through the automatization of repetitive tasks. For example, CAT tools can automatically insert translations from the translation memory, which saves time and improves consistency. Additionally, CAT tools can automate the process of checking translations for errors and inconsistencies, which can improve the overall quality of the translation.
Another way in which CAT tools streamline manual translation workflows is through automatic quality control. By using built-in quality assurance features, such as Xbench, CAT tools can automatically check translations for errors, which can save time and money on costly proofreading and editing.
CAT tools also provide automatic terminology management. By using terminology lists, CAT tools can automatically check translations for consistency in terminology, which can improve the overall quality of the translation. Additionally, CAT tools can store and reuse translations, which can improve consistency in terminology and style throughout the manual.
Customizable Solutions with CAT tools
Customizing CAT tools for manual translation is a crucial aspect of the translation process. It allows companies to optimize the use of the tool, improve the quality of the translation and streamline the workflow.
One aspect of customization is the use of terminology lists. Companies can create their own terminology lists, which can be used to ensure consistency in terminology throughout the manual translation. Additionally, client-specific terminology bases and lists can be used to ensure consistency in terminology throughout the manual translation and future projects.
Another aspect of customization is the use of translation memories. Companies can create and store their own translation memories, which can be used to ensure consistency in terminology and style throughout the manual translation. Translation memories can also be shared among multiple translators and editors to improve consistency and accuracy in the translation.
CAT tools also offer flexibility in customizing the software’s interface and functionality to match the specific needs and workflows of the company. This can include adding or removing certain features, customizing the layout of the software, or integrating with other tools and systems.
Conclusion
The use of CAT tools in manual translation can significantly improve the quality of translations and save time and money. By leveraging existing translations, ensuring consistency and accuracy, implementing built-in quality assurance, streamlining workflows and customizing solutions, companies in the production industry can revolutionize their manual translation strategies. At Slavis Translations, we specialize in providing CAT tool services to improve the quality and efficiency of your manual translations. Contact us to see how we can help your company.