Let’s talk tech: what translation tools save time and money?

Used correctly, translation tools can bring significant time and cost savings. Used correctly. Let’s unpack that tiny statement. First, your translation tools are only effective if you’re using the right tools. Second, you only reap big benefits by using the tools correctly.

What cat translation tools do we use?

To begin, take a look at the tools that work well for the Word Connection team. Keep in mind that the right tool for one company might not be the right tool for another.

memoQ

memoQ is now our main tool. memoQ Server is a secured, server-based computer-assisted translation (C.A.T.) tool that helps to manage projects, also enabling translators to optimize efficiency. The tool has secure space for storing all the translation data while an integrated terminology base and translation memory suggests relevant translations. Our translators save time, because they don’t have to translate recurring words and phrases. MemoQ also streamlines collaboration between multiple translators for large projects. All the translators on a project can in real time, see the same terminology stored in the tool and other peoples translations. We have worked with memoQ to localize their Japanese Interface, and it works very well for our team.

SDL Trados Studio Professional

SDL Trados Studio Professional is an industry standard and we use the project management component. A powerful translation memory (TM) records and stores translated content for later use. Additionally, translators can save time with predictive typing and quality checking to highlight possible errors. SDL also streamlines project management, especially for larger projects across multiple languages.

How do we use them?

Now, once you find what tools work for your team, how you use them is key. Your entire team, from project managers to translators and QA need to become experts.

Never stop training your team

Obviously, you want to keep quality high. So, training your team from the beginning is highly important. All of the translation tools listed above are intuitive and easy to use. Even so, the Word Connection team regularly holds training sessions to review routine processes and deepen our knowledge. Often, you can also take advantage of training sessions at industry events. Take our word for it – you will save so much time if you train your staff to leverage the full benefit of your translation tools.

People control the tools, not the other way round

Lastly, “used correctly” means, first of all, used by a person. When translation tools help a person do a job better, these machines add value. However, trouble comes when we rely on tools to automate quality translation. Machines contribute most effectively through organisation and standardization. A high-quality translation tool is not a license to hire low-quality translators. A quality translation will always require a talented translator (read more about why here).

Conclusion

When you know what you can and cannot rely on tools to accomplish, you can keep quality high. Do your research to ensure that you are using the right tools for your team, clientele and projects. After all, the right tools used correctly generate time and cost savings that you can share with your clients. Now that’s something that everyone can get excited about!