Workflow - Methodology

1. Receipt of translation and/or quotation request from prospective client, or customer This stage involves the examination of the request, the assessment of the technical feasibility of the project, also taking into account the deadline requested, and of course drawing-up the quote. If we need additional information, e.g. on the availability of glossaries, the client is contacted. In general, we will be able to make a precise estimate without needing further information.

2. Acceptance of our quote, acceptance of the translation assignment This is when the real work can begin. We assign your project to a translator, who is always a native speaker with experience in your technical field and/or affinity with the subject matter. Additionally, any special technical or other resources that might be required are gathered, set-up, or possibly purchased.

3. Compilation of multilingual terminology list This terminological database is primarily destined for internal use, to ensure the consistency of technical terms within the translated document(s), as well as in future translation projects. At this stage we may ask the customer to validate some terms that will be used in the target document. Work on the terminological level is mostly carried out in parallel with the actual translation. This is the process that ensures compliance with our quality criterion of terminological consistency.

4. First spell checking and "revision" Spell checking is an easy, but all-important step in any serious translation process. After spell checking, the translated document is now ready for the "revision".The translator revises his work, i.e. compares the source and target texts, checks the consistency of the technical terms used, checks the register of language, and addresses style issues.

5. "Review" by a second translator and final spell checking After the revision round, during which all specific translation and language issues are resolved, the text is passed on to another translator, who performs a "review". This quality control step involves a monolingual review aimed at correcting errors, typo's, or technical issues that the translator might have overlooked. The reviewer will also focus in particular on the legibility, and fluidity of the translation, so that it reads like a native text rather than like a translation. The review is normally carried out without the original document, and is followed by a final spell check after all corrections have been entered into the text.

6. Delivery of the translated documents After a final check to ensure all documents, text elements, text-in-figures, etc. have been translated and are adequately formatted, the translation is now ready to be sent to the customer.

7. Archiving the source and target documents The source and target texts are archived for future reference, together with the glossaries of technical terms compiled during the translation process. That way we are well prepared for your next assignment.