At Stealth, upon receiving a project from a client, ensuring a high level of quality is paramount. For that reason, it remains the top priority within all projects and during each stage of the production process. Translation quality is accomplished throughout the stages demonstrated below.
Pre-production stage
Within the pre-production stage, a number of steps are carried out by the Project Manager for upholding quality. The first step is to set up a client-translation service provider agreement. Within that agreement, factors such as deciphering liability and warranty as well as explaining the dispute resolution process are discussed with the client.
This is then followed by identifying technical elements of the project. Components examined include the verification of language resources and the necessary style guides if provided. Additionally, appropriate terminology is collected and then inputted into the translation memories or termbases using computer aided translation tool software. Depending on assignment allocation, this information input process is carried out by the translator in advance of translating the documentation.
Translation production stage
Then we move to the production stage and quality is preserved in the following manner. The Project Manager updates the Content Management Software to log any translation amendments made after the project has commenced. Another way of ensuring quality is by using a Computer Assisted Tool (CAT) software to apply and update Translation Memories with key language terminology from the client’s style guide or reference materials. The translator carries out this step to guarantee quality, save time and promote consistency throughout the translation project.
After completion of the translation, the documentation undergoes four stages of checks to further promote quality. The first stage involves the initial check and correction by the translator. At the second stage, revision & correction is applied by a different linguist. In the third stage, review & correction is performed by a different linguist and the fourth stage is where the documentation is returned to the 2nd linguist for proofreading and correction. At all stages of documentation checks, information on any language terminology amendments, and updates on the progress of project work are all effectively communicated to the necessary individuals.
Post-production stage
Finally, we assure quality in the post-production stage via the handling of feedback forms to the client regarding the translation product. Dedicated relationship managers at Stealth Translations will have further discussions with the client via e-mail or telephone. All information is then sent back to the respected individuals involved at all stages of the translation production process explained above. Communication is just as important in all earlier stages as it is here. Even at this point in production, although documentation may be regarded as finalised, the production process itself continues. It is still important to remain in contact with the customer and all persons involved. We bear in mind the client’s feedback to ensure that a continuity of quality prevails in future translations projects when they are received.
Conclusion
We continually engage with the customer in relation to their requirements and monitor all stages involved in the translation process. In this regulated manner, consistency can be guaranteed with each project. In order to have high quality in translation, these are all the elements which those at Stealth Translations take into consideration upon accepting, producing and delivering the client’s project.
