As a person responsible for localization in a company, some common problems you might encounter when searching for an application translation services provider include:
- Finding a bureau that has experience and expertise in the specific industry or subject matter of the content I need to translate.
- Ensuring that the bureau has access to translators who are native speakers of the target language and have a strong understanding of the culture of the target market.
- Finding a bureau that can deliver translations within the necessary timeline and budget constraints.
- Ensuring that the quality of the translations is high and that the bureau has processes in place for quality assurance.
With so many translation bureaus in the world, it can be overwhelming to choose the best application translation services provider for your needs. To help you make an informed decision, here are the 5 most important questions you should ask the potential provider to ensure they are the right fit for your business:
Do you have experience translating applications in our industry or subject matter? Can you provide examples of similar projects you have worked on?
To determine the experience and expertise of an application translation services provider, there are a few key things you can do:
- Review their credentials: Look for any relevant certifications or qualifications the provider may have, such as membership in professional organizations or accreditation from industry-specific bodies.
- Ask for references: Request references or case studies from previous clients to get a sense of the provider’s track record and the types of projects they have worked on.
- Request samples of their work: Ask the provider to provide examples of their translations, particularly those that are similar to the content you need to have translated. This will give you a good idea of the quality of their work and their ability to translate technical or industry-specific terminology accurately.
- Ask about their process: Inquire about the provider’s process for translation and localization, including any quality assurance measures they have in place. This can help you understand their approach to the work and ensure that they have a systematic and reliable process for delivering high-quality translations.
- Determine their specialization: Find out if the provider has any particular areas of expertise or specialization, as this can be an indicator of their experience and knowledge in specific industries or subject matter.
By taking the time to review the provider’s credentials, ask for references and samples of their work, and understand their process and specialization, you can get a sense of their experience and expertise and determine if they are the right fit for your application translation needs.
What is your process for application translation services and localization? How do you ensure the quality of your translations?
When asking about a translation services provider’s process for translation and localization, there are a few key things you should look for:
- Quality assurance measures: Find out what steps the provider takes to ensure the quality of their translations. Do they have a formal quality assurance process in place? Do they have a team of proofreaders or editors who review the translations before they are delivered?
- Use of translation tools and technologies: Ask about the tools and technologies the provider uses to facilitate the translation process. Do they use translation memory software to ensure consistency and speed up the translation process? Do they have a system in place for handling tags and codes in the source content?
- Team structure and expertise: Determine how the provider’s team is structured and what expertise they bring to the table. Do they have specialized translators for different industries or subject matter? Do they have project managers or coordinators who oversee the translation process and ensure that it runs smoothly?
- Communication and collaboration: Find out how the provider communicates with clients and collaborates with their team. Do they have a clear and efficient process for keeping clients informed about the status of the project? Do they encourage open communication and welcome feedback from clients?
By asking about the provider’s process for translation and localization, you can get a sense of their approach to the work and ensure that they have a systematic and reliable process in place for delivering high-quality translations. This can help you feel confident in their ability to handle your translation needs effectively.
Do you have native speakers of the target language on your team who are familiar with the culture of the target market?
It is crucial to choose a translation services provider that has native speakers of the target language on their team, as these translators will have an in-depth understanding of the language and be able to accurately convey the intended meaning. Native speakers will also be familiar with the culture of the target market, which is essential for ensuring that the translations are culturally appropriate and well-received by the intended audience.
When inquiring about the provider’s team of translators, confirm that they are indeed native speakers of the target language and ask about their background, experience, and any specialized skills or certifications they may have. Some providers offer “blind CVs,” which allow clients to see the qualifications and experience of the translators without disclosing their personal information or names.
In addition to having native speakers on their team, the provider should also have established processes in place for quality assurance to ensure that the translations are accurate and consistent. This may include using translation memory software (CAT Tools) or having a team of editors or proofreaders review the translations before delivery. By choosing a provider with native speakers and a strong process for quality assurance, you can trust that your translations will be accurate, culturally appropriate, and of high quality.
Can you accommodate our timeline and budget constraints?
When selecting a translation service provider, it is important to confirm that they are able to accommodate your timeline and budget constraints. Here are a few things to consider when asking about their ability to meet these requirements:
- Request a quote: Ask the provider for a quote for the translation services you need, including an estimated timeline for completion. This will give you an idea of the overall cost and how long it will take to complete the work.
- Discuss your deadlines: Make sure to discuss your deadlines with the provider and confirm that they are able to meet them. If your deadline is very tight, a professional application translation services provider will be able to advise you on the right steps and procedures to take to ensure that the work is completed on time.
- Consider the provider’s workload: Find out if the provider has the capacity to take on your project in the timeline you need. If they are already heavily booked, they may not be able to accommodate your timeline.
- Negotiate the terms: If the provider’s timeline or budget does not meet your needs, try negotiating the terms. A professional provider will be able to advise you on what is worth the investment and what can be omitted in order to meet your budget constraints, while still ensuring that the quality of the translation is not compromised.
By working with a professional translation services provider who can help you navigate your timeline and budget constraints, you can ensure that the translation process goes smoothly and that you get the best value for your money.
Do you offer any post-translation support, such as updates or maintenance for localized content?
When choosing a translation service provider, it is important to consider the post-translation support they offer. Here are a few things to consider when asking about their post-translation services:
- Updates and maintenance: Find out if the provider offers ongoing support for localized content, such as updates or maintenance. This is important if you plan to release new versions of your application or if you need to make changes to the localized content after it has been translated. Using tools like SDL Trados Studio can help save time and money by leveraging translation memory and terminology lists built during the initial translation process.
- Project management: Ask about the provider’s process for managing projects after the initial translation is completed. Do they have a team in place to handle updates and changes, or will you be responsible for making those updates yourself?
- Support channels: Determine the channels through which you can reach the provider for post-translation support. Do they have a dedicated support team or do they use a ticketing system for managing requests?
- Post-translation quality assurance: Inquire about the provider’s process for ensuring the quality of localized content after it has been translated. Do they have a team in place to review updates and changes, or do they rely on the client to do so?
By choosing a provider that offers post-translation support and has a robust process in place for managing updates and changes, you can ensure that your localized content remains accurate and up to date over time. This can help you maintain the quality of your translations and ensure that your application is well-received by the intended audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to carefully evaluate the application translation services provider you choose to ensure that they can meet your needs and deliver high-quality translations. Be sure to ask about their experience and expertise, their process for translation and localization, their team of translators, their ability to accommodate your timeline and budget constraints, and the post-translation support they offer. By considering these factors, you can feel confident that you have chosen a provider who can handle your translation needs effectively and deliver excellent results.
If you are interested in exploring the application translation services offered by Slavis Translations, we definitely encourage you to learn more about how we work and the support we offer to our clients. We believe that our experience, expertise, and commitment to quality make us an excellent choice for your translation needs.