Large language service providers act as an outsourced translation department for multinational companies (i.e., servicing demand across their business units). EVS Translations holds contracts with multinational firms under this type of procurement model. A centralised supplier model can reduce costs by 10-15% and alleviate administrative effort on the client-side while allowing for greater quality control.
To be successful, it’s important to establish objectives and responsibilities in the initial stages. Implementing, then optimising systems and processes throughout the duration of the partnership is also key.
Here’s our summary of the responsibilities which exist between a client and its translation services provider. Good execution and collaboration in these areas to create the foundation for a successful partnership.
The Client
Systems:
- Where agreed, provides access and parameters to the interfaces of systems, platforms or portals through which translation orders are placed and associated data exchanged
- Centralises integration of content creation, corporate terminology, and vendor management
Processes:
- Defines quality management: requirements, quality criteria, random evaluations
- Establishes order management: awarding/cancelling orders
- Sends information to different e-mail or delivery addresses as required – particularly with deliveries by post – and to various invoice recipients
- Defines and sends requests for changes
- Assigns points of contact on the client-side
- Provides reference materials
- Specifies terminology – as far as possible – as well as giving approval
- Specifies requirements regarding stylistic and typographical specifications, style guides and guidelines on text processing
The Translation Services Provider
Systems:
- Works with the client’s preferred systems and tools or making recommendations where different tools can generate greater value and optimisation
- Manages translation and/or quality assurance according to the client’s specific requirements
- Ensures the flow of information (including coordinating queries from translators)
Processes:
- Ensures the permanent availability of a dedicated project manager who has participated in product briefings with the client where required
- Confirms and maintains schedules and provides prompt notification if deadlines cannot be met
- Selects suitable internal or external resources according to the specifications of ISO 17100 along the entire process chain (including suppliers)
- Collaborates on creating market- and language-specific style guides, as well as guidelines on text and image processing
- Implements ongoing terminology management: evaluation, coordination with client and maintenance if requested and stipulated in a master service agreement
- Immediately incorporates/updates information sent by the client (e.g., changes to the text, proof-reader requests, terminology) in the files to be translated and in the translation, memories used, if required and stipulated in a master service agreement
- Implements quality assurance: maintaining quality processes and complying with checking criteria to identify errors
- Forwards relevant statistics on quality assurance for risk analysis, if required and stipulated in a master service agreement
- Participates in discussions for kick-offs and in cases of quality issues, if required and stipulated in a master service agreement
- Participates in training sessions and product briefings, if required and stipulated in a master service agreement.
A partnership that generates long-term value
Successful translation comes from investing in a partnership where all parties are focused on generating long-term value. A great translation services provider takes a holistic approach to a company’s content and forms a clear and central point for all business units in the company to access. The provider manages content with a view to long-term value by applying the appropriate software and content management strategies.
If your department or company is considering a new translation partner, contact our team today. We can find out more about your translation objectives and advise on the next steps.
EVS Translations also actively participates in tenders. We invite businesses to send us their RFI or RFQ documentation.
EVS Translations UK
+44 (0)115 964 4288
EVS Translations USA
+1 404-523-5560
EVS Translations GmbH
+49 69/82 97 99-99
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