Translation Case Study

Financial Language Translation Case Study

Introduction

In October 2011, one of our large bluechip organisations approached us with a problem. For legal reasons they had to change the 3rd party financial investment company that underwrote all of their terms and conditions to a new financial division of their company. This was a major problem for the organisation who were yet to launch this division of their business. Typically, their business had existed outside financial markets and this new business was seen as a good way to develop their brand as well as a suitable inroad into new markets.

With a planned marketing campaign scheduled for spring 2010, they needed a translation service company that could provide high quality translations within very narrow turnaround time frames. After winning initial contracts and working in collaboration with their chosen design and marketing agency, PS translation has become their preferred translation supplier.

Solution:

With over 26,000 words of financial text needed in 8 different languages, a very tight time schedule was stipulated. Due to the nature of the text and its target readership of both business and consumers, it was felt that for consistency, the minimum number of translators as possible would work on the documentation. The documentation itself consisted of various MS Word files, PowerPoint presentations and Visio files, and having been translated, they were to be supplied to the design and marketing agency for them to set into specific design and marketing material. Once all documentation had been set we were then required to proofread the documentation prior to releasing it to our client for their validation. As some of the documentation had already been translated it was agreed that to aid the quick turnaround of the assignment translation memory would be used.

Our Process:

Documentation was supplied in batches and working very closely with the design agency, a schedule for production was drawn up. Full FTP access was given to a central FTP Server where all documentation was stored and uploaded into a specific folder structure. By keeping this specific structure, the design agency was able to know which documentation related to which specific design file.

Finding suitable translators who were happy with the deadline was key to the success of the project. It meant sourcing translators who were willing to work throughout the evening and weekend to ensure the deadline was met. As a result of the excellent relationship that PS has built up with its suppliers, finding suitable translators was relatively easy.

As documentation was drip-fed onto our FTP site, our team of translators would be continually working on existing documentation. Our goal was to have very little time delay between receiving new documentation and our translators finalising their existing work. This was greatly aided by the existence of the production schedule. We therefore had a situation where work would be continuous, with translators submitting completed translation, the design studio finalising typesetting and the proof-readers checking typeset documentation. As with all projects that PS undertake, a central project manager was given responsibility for the smooth running and co-ordination of the project.