Quality control process for localisation projects
Baltic VIP implements a total quality process for all stages of your localisation project.
File analysis and project preparation
In preparation for your project, your files are analyzed once again for word count totals and any specific localisation issues, such as the need to adjust expressions of dates and time, weights and measures and the use of proper names, etc. specific to the particular target languages and cultures of the project.
By utilizing Translation Memory tools our staff determines what percentage of the content to be translated is actually repetitive which can potentially lead to a substantial reduction in cost and decrease the overall duration of the project itself.
We then determine whether the text needs to be extracted to be translated or if translators can work directly in the source files.
Terminology Database Creation
Depending on the size and nature of a specific project we often recommend that a glossary or terminology list be compiled and approved by our clients prior to the commencement of translation. This enables our translating team to maintain consistency of terminology throughout a project prevents any misunderstanding early on in the project.
Terminology database approval
After a terminology database has been compiled it is submitted to the client for approval.
Translation
Taking into consideration the guidelines set at during the analysis phase, our translators focus translating to their specific target languages of the project. The goal is to create a piece of writing which reads as though it were originally written in the target language itself. Equally important in this process is the ability to maintain consistency which is dramtically enhanced by the use of Translation Memory and terminology management tools.
A translator using translation memory takes every sentence and phrase translated and stores it in a bilingual database. For every subsequent reoccurrence of a particular sentence or fragment of a sentence, the translator is automatically provided with the translation stored in memory. The translator then chooses whether to accept this translation if it is a 100% match or edit it to make it acceptable.
Editing
The translated files are then submitted to an editor whose job is to ensure that the content has in fact been translated accurately and that the quality is acceptable. This is done by comparing the translated text to the original source language line by line, all the while keeping in mind that correct rules of grammar and syntax have been followed. The editor is also responsible for ensuring that terminology is consistent within the documents and that client-approved glossary terms are employed. Since larger projects can often involve more than one translator, the editing stage is especially critical to create a smooth and flowing document.
Proofreading
Another linguist evaluates the translated and edited content for grammar, style, readability and terminological / cultural consistency. The proofreader's main role is to assess the overall flow of the document, keeping in mind the intention that it should read as if originally written in the target language itself.
Text reintegration and formatting
Once the entire content has passed through all stages of translation the files are then reintegrated back into their original format or converted to a file type as predefined in the analysis stage. The final localized product is built so as to include the desired layout, graphics and all other elements set out in the initial guidelines.
Final Quality Assurance
The product is then put through one last linguistic inspection to ensure that the translated content and technical functionality is error free. The type of testing is set within the project scope and will have already been determined in the analysis phase.
Delivery to client
The localized product is now delivered to the client for review and approval. Method of delivery may vary depending on client requirements. Smaller projects are normally delivered via email, while larger projects can be downloaded via our FTP site or delivered on CD-ROM.
Client approval
Once receipt of final files is confirmed, our clients then have a designated amount of time to conduct an internal linguistic and technical review. The duration of this review period depends on the size and nature of the project and will have been stated at the start of the project.
Guaranteed client satisfaction
Any technical or linguistic adjustments requested by the client and within the original scope of work are to be implemented by Baltic VIP free of charge.
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