Within the translation industry, project management is frequently used by translation providers to help identify client’s requirements, organise an action plan, ensure the plan stays on target, and to successfully deliver the final project.
The difficulties associated with each translation project can vary depending upon the scale, objectives, languages, and depth.
However, there are three main factors which influence every translation project… Quality, cost and time.
Let’s face it, in business we all want the best, the most reasonably priced, and the fastest work available.
In reality though, achieving 2 out of 3 of these factors is usually difficult enough. It is rare to find something of superb quality at a low price, a fast turnaround often means more resources and man-hours, and excellence is often overlooked when you’re in a hurry!
In order to better understand translation project management, it is vital that we recognise the link between these three main factors (known as the triad of translation project management) and grasp how each will affect the outcome of our project.
Translation and Quality
Accuracy, precision, reliability and quality are words that we all like to hear related to our work. However, the value placed on quality in the translation industry can vary widely between companies, and also client requirements.
For instance, if you are a pharmaceutical, medical or legal company it is highly likely your translation project will need to deliver as close to 100% accuracy as possible. Whereas, if your project is marketing a new soft drink, accuracy is less likely to be the number one reason you choose your translation provider, instead you may prefer to look at cost and time constraints.
The phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ is often overused, but in the translation industry, quality will come at a price.
The translator, or translation provider, which commands the best linguistic knowledge of both the source and target language, the greatest sector specific skills, and is equipped with the latest Translation Memory (TM) software, Computer Assisted Translation, and other tools of the trade, is likely to charge more for their translations.
Using translation providers who are ISO certified will give assurances regarding quality of management process, translation process, and checks, but again this will come with an increased cost.
A quality translation project does not just involve the process of translation. There are many other levels beyond the initial translation which will also affect the quality of your translation. These levels can include editing, proofreading, back translation, and linguistic validation. If you require a high degree of accuracy, precision and quality then these factors will be vital in ensuring you achieve your aim.
Translation and Cost
Operating on a small, or tight budget, for your translation project will likely mean that cost is the most important factor when negotiating your translation project.
As you can see from the section above regarding quality, a low cost project may mean that the quality of the translation project is where corners are likely to be cut in a bid to keep costs down.
However, there are a few points which can be considered when cost is a motivating factor that can help to reduce expenditure:
• Bi-lingual employees/colleagues – may be able to help you with some elements of your translation project meaning costs can be kept down
• Machine translation (MT) – has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. While it isn’t advisable to rely on it for a detailed translation, it is possible to use it in combination with multilingual employees, or as a final option. Quality can vary hugely depending upon translation requirements, so if considering this option be aware it will need an awful lot of editing.
• Human-Enhanced-Machine-Translation (HEMT) – involves the use of machine translation initially, then using a human translator to edit, proofread, and tidy up the translation ready for use. This can save you both time and money, and give greater accuracy than purely MT, but quality will be far lower than when using a professional translation provider.
• Freelance Translator – this is a good option when there is only a small budget available, and quality needs to be better than offered by MT or HEMT. Using an experienced linguist will ensure your translation has a higher degree of accuracy and will give a more relevant translation. However, if there is a tight deadline for your project you might want to plan well in advance, or opt for a professional translation team, as a sole translator can only translate so much in one day. It is also worth hiring an external editor/proof reader as it very difficult to spot mistakes in your own work.
When cost is the main factor for your translation project, you will need to work hard to find ways to keep costs down and quality up. Maintaining good communication links between your provider, and your firm, will ensure that everyone is on the same page, and that your translation project goes according to plan, and budget.
Translation and Time
Planning well in advance of any translation project is always recommended, but this is the real world, and this isn’t always an option!
Any project where time is the main motivating factor is likely to be subject to additional costs, and in some cases, may be a lower quality if there has been no time for thorough editing, proofreading or formatting.
If you do find yourself in the situation of needing a translation project in a rush then the following tips might help:
• Professional Translation Providers – are your best chance of securing a fast, accurate translation. They will generally cost more than an individual translator, but the whole process can be completed ‘in-house’ and project managed to ensure deadlines are achieved.
• Individual Translators – can generally only translate around 2000 words per day. Bear this in mind when planning to use an individual as this is likely to slow down your turnaround time. You would also need to factor in editing, formatting and proofreading as required, as an additional time factor.
• Editing and Proof Reading – are essential parts of the translation process when accuracy is high priority, however, if your translation project does not require this, you could always forgo using their services. This will save both time and money. But be warned, quality will suffer.
• Machine Translation – can be a fast option when you need a translation in a hurry. However, as already discussed, quality will suffer, especially if thorough editing and cleaning up isn’t completed by a native speaker, or experienced linguist. If your reputation won’t be damaged by a poor translation then machine translation is a viable option.
• Human-Enhanced-Machine-Translation – will be a more accurate method than using only machine translation, while still giving a fast turnaround time. The quality won’t be as good as if you were using a professional translation provider, or an individual translator, but if time and money are of the essence this is a possible alternative.
When it comes down to deciding which factors motivate your translation project only you can be sure where your priorities lie. Weigh your priorities carefully to ensure to ensure you get the best value for money translation available to you, and that you are likely to be happy with the final product.
Discussions with a professional translation provider will help you understand what options are available, how to ensure your project is accurate, cost effective and completed in good time.
If you require assistance with a translation project please contact Creative Word.
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