Whether you are in need of a quick translation or a more complex project, there are some basic steps that you can take to choose the right translation agency. For one, you need to know what the standard turnaround time is for your project. You also need to find out what other services the agency provides. Some offer subject-matter experts, desktop publishing capabilities, sworn translations, and even testing software. Lastly, you need to know the confidentiality policies of the translation agency you are considering.
Quality control practices of a translation company
When selecting and onboarding a translation agency, look for the quality control practices they use. These practices ensure that the work is done as promised and that the translated material is error-free. A quality translation company will have a team of editors and proofreaders who can review the work before it is finalized. They should also be HIPAA compliant and have the appropriate insurance.
A good translation agency will use a combination of manual translations by linguists and computer-assisted translation (CAT) techniques, which use terminology and memory management systems to improve the accuracy and fluency of the translations. However, if a translation is to be used in a professional setting, it should be done by a person who specializes in the target language, as well as a native speaker. A professional translation company will have experts working around the clock to ensure the accuracy and fluency of each translation.
Experience of project managers in the translation agency
When selecting and onboarding a translation agency, you should consider the experience of the project managers. The job of a project manager is very specific and requires a high degree of expertise in the translation industry. The manager is responsible for all aspects of a project, from the choice of vendors to the deadlines and rates. They also need to communicate with multiple clients to ensure that the translation is done correctly.
Project managers must be familiar with your translation requirements and be willing to communicate with them and your company’s culture. Experienced managers are more likely to communicate well with your customers, ensuring quality and timely completion. The experience of project managers is very important, and managers should be selective in hiring them.
Project manager’s proficiency level in the source language
When selecting a translation agency, consider the proficiency level of the project manager. This person will handle your communication with all the stakeholders involved in the translation process. The project manager will make sure that everyone understands the project brief and is working to the same time line. Translation projects can be time-sensitive and project managers must be able to manage time effectively.
A good translation project manager should have a working knowledge of the latest technologies and tools, and should be able to handle large translation projects using cloud-based platforms. They must also have an excellent command of the English language. Finally, they must be able to think strategically when translating large amounts of text.
Project manager’s availability in the translation agency
If you have recently hired a new translation agency, a project manager’s availability should be one of the factors to consider. While a good translator does not necessarily make a good manager, the person you hire should be able to handle the responsibility of overseeing your project. You do not want to hire a project manager who is not ready for the responsibility of communicating with clients, handling non-trivial problems, or abandoning your favorite translations. If you hire a new project manager without checking the person’s experience or personal qualities, you may end up losing an excellent translator and acquiring an average project manager. However, you can avoid such a dramatic event by carefully evaluating each candidate and selecting project managers who have the same level of experience and skill set.
A project manager’s availability is essential for ensuring that deadlines are met. Project managers manage the work of multiple translators and may need to scale up or down the size of their team depending on demand. In most cases, a translation team will have a Project Manager and at least three translators. However, this number can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the deadline.
Cost of hiring a translation company
The cost of hiring a translation agency depends on several factors. One of the biggest factors is the volume of material to be translated. Large projects tend to have higher costs than smaller ones. Translations into complex technical terms or fields require a higher degree of specialized knowledge, so they will typically cost more. Fortunately, there are some ways to cut the cost of a translation project while maintaining the quality of the translation.
One tip to cut the cost of a translation agency is to pay upfront for the service. Many translation service providers are cash-strapped, so they will often honor discounts for up-front payments. Some companies will even let you put the cost of their services on your credit card. The advantage of paying up-front is that you can build a good relationship with the translation vendor, which can lead to additional discounts and better service in the future.