Manufacturing and Engineering Translations – FAQ
We deliver consistent and accurate translations by creating bespoke glossaries for all your technical terms
FAQ
Global manufacturers are dealing with constant changes within the industry. Not only is technology evolving, but production pace is fast increasing, with more companies than ever trying to enter global markets. This also means that more documents need translating into a wider variety of languages, helping those companies to reach new audiences.
When it comes to manufacturing and engineering, accurate translations are essential. The industry works with many different types of documents, ranging from technical documents like instruction manuals and product descriptions, to marketing materials and more. Poor translation services could lead to the unsafe use of your products, which can in turn have significant financial and legal consequences.
So, what makes translating manufacturing documents such a challenge?
1.Terminology
For some documents, the content can be highly technical or even relate to entirely new concepts. In these instances, a simple translation would not suffice. This is where you can really benefit from working with a professional translation agency.
Whenever a new word comes up, the project manager can then discuss it with the client, working out the best way to translate the term. With access to the latest translation technologies, the agency will then create glossaries and translation memories with the chosen translation, ensuring consistency across all documents.
By working closely throughout the translation process, the client always has the final say on how industry-specific content is translated.
2.Website content
Websites also need to translating to help solve user problems. When users visit a manufacturing website, it will usually be for one of two reasons:
• They need help with a technical problem
• They need to purchase an item or commission a service
As such, it is important to translate your website in order to deliver great customer service. By working with a professional agency, you can make sure your pages are adapted to the right audience in the right language. This will give your visitors all the information they need, inspiring trust and helping to grow your business.
3.Local expectations
Another element of that comes into building trust among your clients is branding. When users and clients engage with your content, they will expect to see your brand identity and product quality also present in your translated content.
Manufacturing buyers might also look for the ability to search and find a product by feature or reference. This means that the search bar must also be able to handle translated content.
In order to meet these expectations, the content must be localised to suit your target audience while also adhering to industry standards. As such, your best bet is to work with a language service provider experienced in handling manufacturing documents, technical translation and websites.
A translation agency you can trust with your manufacturing content
Regardless of your project’s purpose, finding the right translation agency will contribute to its success. At Intertranslations, we have over 25 years of experience within the translation industry and have successfully helped a number of manufacturers overcome these challenges.
We do this by working with native speakers from a wide network of subject matter specialists and industry experts. With an in-house Desktop Publishing Department, we can even handle a range of editable and non-editable documents, including illustrative drawings. ISO certified for accuracy and quality, our processes will ensure you receive the best translation possible while respecting your deadlines with timely deliveries.
We also know that security is essential for protecting your data and information, which is why we are fully cyber essentials and GDPR compliant. We offer non-disclosure agreements signed by both our in-house and freelance teams, giving you peace of mind that your information is in safe hands.
No matter what industry you work in, the aim of translation is to facilitate effective communication, promote collaboration and contribute to company growth. However, in the manufacturing industry, the pitfalls associated with translation can lead to a multitude of problems.
Common translation mistakes or mistranslations can have significant financial or legal consequences. For example, poor marketing translations can prevent a company from entering a market due to loss of meaning or miscommunication, costing them millions of dollars. Ultimately, incorrect and low-quality manufacturing translations can halt a company’s activities at any stage of the process.
In order to avoid the common pitfalls of manufacturing translations, you first need to know what they are. That way, you can take the steps needed to choose the right agency for the job and ensure you receive high-quality translations.
1.Working with technical translation specialists
One of the most common pitfalls is not choosing the right agency for the job. When it comes to translation, different types of documents require different translation strategies and approaches. This means that it in order to get the best results, you need to choose a specialist in technical translations.
Technical translations are one of the most common types of translation when it comes to manufacturing. This covers technical, technological or scientific information created by technical writers, and the main purpose of these documents is to help people use products effectively. As such, the translations must be clear and accurate with no room for ambiguity or errors.
This type of translation should be done by qualified translators with experience in your relevant industry. By working with technical translation specialists, you can ensure the quality of your translation and see to it that your customers get the right information.
2.Ensuring accuracy and avoiding errors
Another common pitfall is simply underestimating the importance and skill involved in translating manufacturing documents. This step is often left until last, assuming that translation is simply swapping one word for another. However, the translation process is much more complex, and even the slightest error can have serious consequences, including:
• Failure to launch a product into a new market because of failure to comply with local requirements
• Poor quality products caused by the use of incorrect materials or methods during the production process
• Inability to obtain certification in a particular location
• Loss of consumer interest due to a lack of information or low-quality localisation of product documents
• Products impossible to manufacture due to translation errors that lead to an incorrect manufacturing process or the misuse of specific machines or technologies
For manufacturers, a poor translation of manufacturing steps, processes and materials can stop the manufacturing process in its tracks. These mistranslations and errors can arise from the inadequate translation of industry-specific terminology, or a lack of localisation.
This is why it is especially important that you work with native speakers of your target language, who are also subject matter experts. They will be able to choose the right terminology and approach for your translation, delivering the best possible results.
3.Project management and delays
Without proper management, translation projects can cause delays and result in companies missing their deadlines. Mismanagement can also cause other issues, including translators who lack the right training or failure to comply with the legal requirements of the target market.
As such, it is important to work with agencies that are ISO certified. These certifications range from quality and accuracy to project management, and in order to be certified, agencies need to have strict processes in place. By choosing a certified translation provider, you can avoid delays and save yourself the time, effort and money needed to fix any issues.
How to avoid these common pitfalls
The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to work with a professional language service provider (LSP). They will have all the necessary tools, experience and expertise needed to provide your company with accurate manufacturing translations, keeping your business on track. But there are also several things that you can do to help your chosen agency both before and during the project.
If you want to make sure that you receive a high-quality manufacturing translation, you should provide your language service provider with:
• A list of all the relevant industry-specific terms, jargon, abbreviations, and/or acronyms
• Specific guidelines from your company
• Details about your target audience, target market and target language (for instance, French Canadian, Spanish from Chile…)
• A translation memory if you have one
• Willingness to answer any questions from your project manager
Avoiding these common translation pitfalls is of the utmost importance for a professional translation provider like Intertranslations. During the last 25 years, we have continued to refine our processes and deliver high-quality translations, helping our clients succeed in their international endeavours.
When looking for a language service provider to translate manufacturing documents, you might find yourself faced with an overwhelming range of choices.
Choosing the right agency for the job is essential, and when making your decision, there are several factors that need to be taken into account. The most obvious of these would be the range of languages offered and translation quality assurance, as well as the different services, specialisations and expertise. The type of translator is also important, and you should always look out for agencies that use native speakers of your target language.
Look for ISO certification
But how can you tell which agencies are the best? The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is a non-governmental organisation that has developed a set of standards accepted by authorities worldwide. They offer a range of certifications for different industries which includes translation, and choosing an ISO certified agency will ensure your project is in safe hands.
What ISO can offer you
Working with an ISO certified language service provider will ensure you that:
• The agency has an efficient management system in place for handling translation projects
• Your translation projects will be handled by professionals approved by an official international organisation
• Your translations will comply to standards defined by an international organisation, with less chance of errors or inconsistencies
• The translation agency’s quality control systems have been approved and comply with the standards defined and accepted by official authorities
Translation resources and ISO 17100:2015
The ISO 17100:2015 certification is an important one when looking for a translation partner. This relates specifically to translation services, defining the steps that should be taken when using human, technical or technological resources.
Human resources include translators, proofreaders, revisers and project managers, while technical and technological resources relate to the tools and software used. Many translation agencies work with translation memories and glossaries to guarantee consistency across different files belonging to each client.
By combining human expertise for accuracy and professional tools for consistency, translation companies can deliver high-quality translations. ISO standards offer assurance that these resources are up to the task.
A translation agency you can trust
In order to make sure that you receive high-quality, accurate translations, the best solution is to work with an ISO certified professional language service provider. ISO certification shows that they comply to international standards and guidelines as defined by an independent organisation recognised by authorities worldwide.
This will give you several benefits, including security in terms of management, translation, quality assurance and data security for peace of mind.
At Intertranslations, we have spent the past 25 years providing clients with quality translations, becoming one of the top translation companies around. We offer a range of translation and localisation services, and as an ISO certified translation agency, you can be sure that your projects are handled by professionals.
We have ISO certifications for accuracy and quality, as well as ISO 17100:2015 certification regarding the overall quality of our translations. This means that you can rest assured your translations will be handled by subject matter experts and native speakers of your target language.
The manufacturing industry is constantly changing. From technological advances and new industrial or consumer products and services, to the very countries where factories are located and the entire manufacturing process. If manufacturers want to keep up with the competition and stay at the forefront of this fast-paced landscape, then translation is an essential tool.
But what kind of documents might a manufacturer need to translate? Manufacturing files are highly technical and include everything from equipment user manuals and operating instructions to product descriptions, marketing materials and training materials.
Since manufacturing has become a global activity, the target audiences of these documents speak a number of different languages. As such, manufacturing companies often need professional translation services for both the day-to-day running of their business and when looking to enter a new market.
Here are some of the key benefits of manufacturing translation, and why it is essential to choose the right translation agency for the task.
1.Health and Safety
The manufacturing sector often involves working with tools and equipment that can be dangerous if not used correctly. The health and safety of workers is of the utmost importance, especially when working with heavy industrial equipment and machines. As such, employees must go through extensive training in order to meet safety standards and reduce the risk of injury.
Training materials include manuals, presentations, videos, or any combination of these, and they should be provided in your employees’ native languages. Having an accurate translation of technical documentation will help make sure that everyone fully understands how to use the equipment, giving them the knowledge that they legally need to work safely.
2.Connecting with your audience
Localisation is also great for connecting with a target audience on a deeper level. While a classic translation crosses language barriers, localisation crosses cultural ones. This lets you communicate with your audience in a way that feels familiar to them, inspiring trust and creating that all-important connection.
Localised language translations are critical for increasing and maintaining internal employee relations, especially when they speak different languages. This in turn contributes significantly to increased productivity and profitability. It is also essential when selling, acquiring, or establishing a new manufacturing unit. When doing business worldwide, human resources need to be able to communicate in the local language of different target markets.
The bottom line is that localisation can help you succeed in your manufacturing endeavours, allowing you to connect with both employees and potential business partners.
The benefits of choosing a professional translation agency
Because of the technical and repetitive nature of industry jargon, working with a professional translation agency also has its benefits. By using professional translation tools, an experienced agency will be able to reduce both the time and cost involved in translating your documents.
From translation memories and glossaries to content management systems, these tools help speed up the translation process while identifying any repetitions. This will in turn ensure consistency across all your documents, making sure you only pay once for your translations.
A professional agency will also work with linguists who are subject matter experts and native speakers of your target language. That way, you know you will receive a quality translation that is accurate and true to the original document.
The importance of choosing the right agency
Translation plays an important role in the global operation of manufacturing businesses. If you want to expand into the global marketplace successfully, then these translations must be handled carefully and professionally. Any inaccuracies or misunderstandings can prove to be costly, while cultural blunders can also have a negative impact on business relationships.
While employees may be asked to handle translations on occasion, they may not have the linguistic skills needed to complete the task to a high standard. This can lead to mistakes or delays, which is why it is always best to work with a professional language service provider. That way, you will know that your documents are being handled by experienced professionals who have the skills and tools needed to deliver quality translations.
Essentially, by choosing to work with a professional translation agency, you can ensure that your manufacturing translations are consistent and of a high quality.
A global translation agency you can trust
At Intertranslations, we have more than 25 years of experience in localisation and translation services. ISO certified for accuracy and quality, our commitment to excellence has seen us become one of the top translation agencies in the industry. Drawing on all our experience and expertise, we have strict management processes in place to ensure that we deliver quality localisation and translation services.
When you choose to work with us, you are choosing to have your files translated by native speakers who are subject matter experts in your industry. Meanwhile, our professional translation software not only ensures accuracy and consistency across all documents, but also means we can offer you the best price.
We also take security seriously. Cyber essentials and GDPR compliant, both our in-house and freelance teams sign strict non-disclosure agreements to help protect your data and ensure total confidentiality.
When it comes to global companies and manufacturing, clear communication is essential to make sure everyone is on the same page.
If technical material is not translated, language barriers make it challenging for businesses to communicate with potential investors and purchasers. This lack of communication could discourage buyers from making a purchase, or worse, lead to misunderstandings about a product’s technical specifications. The latter could have a disastrous impact on a company’s reputation, especially if customers discover that the product does not do what they expected.
Furthermore, manufacturing can now take place across multiple countries and languages. The production process can become even more complicated if workers do not clearly understand operating instructions. As such, it is essential that you make sure the entire production team fully understands all of your content, smoothing out the production process.
With translation playing such an important role for manufacturers, you need to ensure you receive high-quality translations that communicate your content accurately. At Intertranslations, we have identified four ways to guarantee the production of high-quality manufacturing translations.
1.Quality source documents
A translation cannot exist without the original document. These source documents create the basis for your translation, which means that a higher quality text will give you a higher quality translation.
The best way to ensure the quality of your source documents is to follow a style guide. This will keep your documents consistent, while also making sure the terms used are up to date and approved. This will help your chosen translation agency create a reliable glossary of all your key terms, while also producing better quality translation memories. Providing consistent and reliable source documents is fundamental to the delivery of accurate translations.
2.Translation management technology
Translation and content management also has a role to play in delivering quality translations. By using the right systems and technologies, project managers can anticipate your needs and adapt their processes to suit your specific project.
Some translation companies are ISO certified in terms of translation management. This offers a level of reassurance regarding the quality of a translation agency’s management systems. By choosing an ISO certified agency, you can have confidence in their ability to deliver quality translations on time.
3.Consider localisation
Some projects will only need a basic translation service, but others will need to go one step further. While translation breaks down linguistic barriers, localisation bridges the cultural divides. The further apart two cultures are, the higher the chances are that you will also need localisation services.
Although localisation is inextricably linked to traditional translation, it must be carefully considered when attempting to reach a new audience. The localisation process handles cultural nuances and aspects that could have a significant impact on your company’s success in a new market. This is especially important when making sure the target audience correctly understands your product and how to use it.
Localising your content and products lets you speak directly with your target audience, creating a connection by using language that feels familiar.
4.Speed to market
If you need a fast turnaround, then Advanced Machine Translation is a great solution for businesses with tight deadlines. Using advanced technology, we have trained our neural engines with thousands of translation memories collected over the years. Using these memories, our engines are able to learn languages much like the human brain does.
The result is a machine that can deliver quality translations quickly, making this an effective way to save time and money. It is especially useful when translating technical documents, which often contain repeated content and lots of technical terms.
Choose a professional translation agency
At Intertranslations, we have been delivering high-quality translations for the past 25 years. During this time, we have built a global reputation as one of the best agencies around thanks to our client-focused approach.
Whether you want the highest quality or are looking to save on time and money, we tailor our services to suit your needs. Your dedicated project manager will discuss your exact requirements, and then suggest the service that will give you the best results.
For internal translations…
Our Advanced Machine Translation is a cost-effective and time-saving solution. We trained our neural machines using translation memories we have accumulated over the past 25 years. This means that we are now able to deliver quality translations in just a few hours at very competitive rates.
For official translations…
When faced with an urgent project intended for publication or formal use, we create dedicated teams of professional translators and subject matter experts. All of our experts and linguists are native speakers of your target language, and work with bespoke glossaries created from your documents. This ensures consistency across all documents for high-quality results.