Without the use of information technology, it would not be possible to meet the global demand for translations. Technology increases efficiency enormously, especially in translation, and also ensures a high level of consistency and thus, high quality in the target language.
Our goal is not only to master this technology, but also to use it throughout the entire information lifecycle in such a way that we achieve maximum efficiency and process reliability for our customers.
That's why the Translation and IT departments work together closely. The employees from both of these worlds always find the most efficient solutions, even for extraordinary challenges.
Translation Memory is the Basis for Modern Translation Processes
Central to the translation memory is a database in which sentence pairs (segments) are stored in the source and target languages. During translation, texts are broken down into these segments and compared with the memory. The Translator will then receive matches with varying weights:
Hit |
Result |
---|---|
101% Match |
Here, the sentence to be translated matches the sentence in the translation memory and is also in the same context as the hit, so it has an extremely high probability of 1 : 1 can be accepted. |
100% Match |
Here, the sentence to be translated matches the sentence in the translation memory. But both are in different contexts, so it makes sense to quickly check whether the translation is still correct in its new context. |
95 to 99% Match |
Larger portions of the sentence to be translated match the existing segment in the database. The Translator must do this manually, but they can use the existing phrases as a fall back solution. |
85 to 94% Match |
Smaller portions of the sentence to be translated match the existing segment in the database. The Translator must do this manually, but they can use a few existing phrases as a fall back solution. |
0 to 84% Match |
The sentence is new and must therefore be translated from scratch. |
In addition to the matches from the database, the Translator can also display additional hits (e.g. from reference documents or public encyclopaedias). This allows him or her to decide what is the most suitable translation for each individual segment.
Terminology Tool
Apart from the translation memory, the terminology database is the key to a good translation. In the terminology database, the different terms for a given term are managed. A rough distinction is made between the (one) preferred denomination and the prohibited designations. The preferred terms are in the different languages within the database and are suggested to the Translator during the translation process.
Important to the Terminology Tool are the numerous interfaces to Content Management Systems, translation memory and, if necessary, other systems in which terms are to be collected. Translation Memory Systems often also have a terminology component. However, for larger projects, we rely on specialised systems.
Linking with Content Management Systems
Our expertise in the use of Content Management Systems and related processes provides us with a level of service that goes well beyond the actual translation, itself. We are, for example, able to initiate, process, and deploy translation jobs within your Content Management System, so that you no longer need to worry about the translation and can therefore focus on your core activities.
In order for this process to run smoothly, we develop individualised concepts for cooperation with our customers.
Scripting and Automation
Translation often involves tasks that can’t be solved by using standard tools (e.g. when pre-defined translations of display texts are to be adopted or formatting is to be changed automatically, depending on the language). In such cases, our Translation Project Managers rely on the Application Developers in the IT department, who are familiar with all common scripting languages and, of course, XML technologies. This is how creative and practical solutions for both big and small challenges are found.
An additional application for our Developers is system integration. Especially when a lot of text has to be created within a very short time frame, it’s worth it to automate routine tasks and connect different systems. Using this approach, a significantly higher level of efficiency can be achieved at a reasonable cost.
Customer Cockpit
If required, we will give you access to our customer cockpit. Here, you not only have the opportunity to exchange data with us, but you can also receive an overview of the status of your projects.