Localisation projects are often complex and varied with a single project often involving numerous languages, documents, linguists and processes. Having an experienced project manager to oversee your project from start to finish can make a huge difference to the success of your project and is one of the main reasons clients choose to work with Language Service Providers. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at project management in the translation and localisation industry: the processes involved, recent technological developments and how it all benefits you as a client.
The role of a localisation project manager
A localisation project manager will be with you at every step of your project – from advising you on the best solution for your requirements and budget to final delivery of the target-language content in line with your timeframes and formatting requirements. Even a project with just one document and one target language can include several complex stages.
The processes involved in a typical localisation project usually include the following:
- Assessing your requirements and providing guidance (depending on languages, service type, deadlines, budget, formatting, for example)
- Analysing your content to confirm the volumes and any repeated text (repetitions can then be charged at a discounted rate)
- Preparing a quotation in line with your budget requirements
- Selecting suitable linguists based on areas of expertise, service required, language combination etc.
- Preparing your documentation for the linguist team, e.g. in a computer-assisted translation tool, and providing them with your reference material and all instructions relating to stylistic requirements etc.
- Managing the linguist team and consulting you on any queries that arise throughout the course of the project
- Arranging proofreading (if required) and formatting of the localised text
- Checking over the final translated content and delivering to you on time and in line with the high quality standards you expect
A localisation project manager acts as the interface between you and the broader team of linguists (which can be quite extensive), using their excellent communication skills and in-depth knowledge of localisation to ensure you get the best result.
Technological developments
While the skills required to be an effective project manager – such as excellent problem solving, communication and organisational skills – remain the same, the role of a localisation project manager has changed somewhat in recent years thanks to advances in technology. Many of the processes mentioned above require the use of technology in the form of computer-assisted translation software, translation management systems (TMS) and integrations, and there are a number of increasingly efficient tools available that can make these processes even more automated and streamlined.
Translation Management Systems, for example, can be used for logging, tracking and scheduling projects, automating a lot of the repetitive tasks that project managers used to have to do manually such as importing word count analyses and sharing files with linguists regardless of their current time zone.
Thanks to these advances in technology, the time saved on manual and repetitive administrative tasks can now be spent on higher value-adding tasks for clients. Localisation project managers now have more opportunity to communicate with you to understand your needs and incorporate any feedback from previous projects, for example in the form of QA checks. Taking the time to discuss localisation requirements allows project managers to further improve efficiency for you as the client and to offer additional services such as consulting or training for linguists.
Client benefits
There are many benefits to having a dedicated localisation project manager to support you with your plans for business growth and expansion into international markets. Project managers are experts in their field and have in-depth knowledge of the tools and technology that not only ensure your translations are accurate but also guarantee projects will run smoothly. They can guide you at every stage of the process and organise complex localisation projects involving multiple languages, documents, linguists and time zones.
They will ensure that your localisation results are consistent by using software such as translation memories, which store previously translated content, and placing your projects with the same experienced team of linguists. They will manage the query process and ensure that your translations are delivered on time and in line with the highest quality standards, taking proactive steps where necessary – for example clarifying anything that is unclear in the source content.
Thanks to the technology that is now available to project managers in the translation industry, they will also be able to take more time to understand your specific needs, get to know your business and goals and work on making the process even more efficient for you. Every stage of your localisation project will be managed for you, leaving you with more time to focus on what you do best – running your business.
Example ecls project
We recently completed a 150,000-word project under tight time constraints for one of our clients, a multinational technology giant. We were tasked with translating and proofreading a huge variety of technical product descriptions from French into US English for their shopping service platform that helps users to compare products from different online retailers.
The project was instantly added to our orders system thanks to an API that we have set up to automatically accept and log projects from the client’s online portal. We assigned the project to a group of our most trusted and experienced translators and proofreaders via the same portal, who were then able to access the files in the client’s own translation software. These multiple integrations and automated workflows allowed us to save valuable time to focus on the finer details of the project itself, for example clarifying guidelines with our client regarding how they wanted us to localise currencies and measurements for a US audience.
We received a glowing testimonial from our client, who confirmed that our “professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence” made a significant impact on their organisation and that our “simple and straightforward workflow has significantly enhanced […] operations, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity”. Our client particularly appreciated our “collaborative approach” and “willingness to adapt and accommodate changes”, which made the project run smoothly and efficiently.
If you would like to discuss your localisation, AI editing and cultural consultancy requirements and plans for international growth with us, please do get in touch at info@ecls-translations.com and our team of friendly and experienced project managers will be happy to help.