Our translation process and quality checks
Every project follows the same steps: a fixed quote, a native translator with the right subject background, a second linguist who reviews the work, automated checks for numbers, tags and terms, and a final check in the finished file. Here's what happens at each step.
<b>RESET</b> for 10 seconds until the light turns green.<b>RESET</b> 1 Sekunden gedrückt, bis die Leuchte grün wird.Halten Sie <b>RESET</b> 10 Sekunden gedrückt, bis die Leuchte grün wird.- Tags match the sourceOK
- Glossary term used: LeuchteOK
- Numbers: 10 in source, 1 in targetNumbers: 10 in source, 10 in target1 issueFixed
- Spacing and punctuationOK
Automated checks flag the problem. The reviewer decides and fixes it.
How we make sure a translation is right
Translation quality comes from three things: the right translator for the subject, a second linguist who checks the translation against the source, and automated checks that catch what people miss, such as a changed number or a missing tag. Then someone looks at the finished file, because a correct translation can still be cut off in a layout.
The same process applies to a one-page letter and a 500-page manual. Only the size of the team changes.
The steps on every project
You deal with one project manager from quote to delivery.
Quote
We check your files, count the words, and send a fixed price and delivery date in writing.
Preparation
Files prepared for translation, with your glossary, style guide and translation memory loaded.
Translation
A native translator with the right subject background translates in a CAT tool.
Review and checks
A second linguist reviews against the source, and automated checks run on numbers, tags and terms.
Second check QAFinal file check
The finished document, layout or build is checked before delivery.
What each check catches
Different checks find different kinds of mistakes.
Second linguist review
Meaning errors, missed text, wrong tone and anything that reads like a translation.
Automated checks
Numbers, dates, tags, placeholders, double spaces and inconsistent translations of the same sentence.
Glossary checks
Every approved term used the same way, from the first page to the last.
Translation memory
Sentences you've approved before reused word for word, so documents stay consistent.
File and layout check
Cut-off text, broken line breaks, missing fonts and images that still contain English.
Your feedback
Changes from your reviewers added to the glossary and memory, so they carry into the next job.
What you can expect from us
On every project, whatever its size.
- A price and a date in writing. Before any work starts, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
- One project manager. The same person from quote to delivery, on email or phone.
- Native linguists. Translators and reviewers work into their own language.
- Changes after delivery. If your reviewer asks for corrections, we make them.
More about how we work
Questions about our process
What is the translation process?
A typical translation process has five steps: a quote and file check, preparation of files and reference material, translation by a native translator, review by a second linguist with automated quality checks, and a final check of the finished file before delivery.
How do you check translation quality?
A second native linguist reviews every translation against the source. Automated checks look for wrong numbers, missing tags, inconsistent terms and spacing errors. Then the finished file is checked for layout problems.
How long does a translation take?
It depends on the length, the subject and the language pair. Every quote includes a delivery date in writing, and for urgent work we can split a long document between several translators with one reviewer.
What happens if we're not happy with a translation?
Tell your project manager what you'd like changed. We make corrections and add your preferences to the glossary and memory, so they're applied next time.
Start a project
Send your files, or book a call to talk through your process. We reply with a fixed price and delivery date.
- Phone
- +44 20 3290 0116
- Phone hours
- Weekdays 9:30 to 16:00, weekends 9:30 to 12:00, UK time