The Challenge: Updating a Complex Technical Manual

When a major manufacturer of road sweeper trucks approached us to translate significant updates to their user manual, we were faced with a unique challenge. The client required translations into multiple languages, but there was no existing electronic translation memory database available for the project.

In the world of technical translation and localisation, translation memory software plays a crucial role in maintaining consistency and efficiency. Without this valuable resource, we needed to devise an innovative solution to meet our client’s needs whilst ensuring the high-quality output they expected.

Our Innovative Approach

Faced with this challenge, our team of expert linguists and project managers devised a creative workaround:

  1. Utilising Existing Resources: We requested that the client provide previous versions of the manuals in each target language as PDF files.
  2. Visual Identification: The client marked the new text in red within each PDF, allowing our translators to quickly identify the sections requiring updates.
  3. Reference-Based Translation: Our linguists used the previous manuals as a reference for adopted terminology, ensuring consistency with existing content.
  4. Quality Assurance: Despite the lack of a translation memory, we implemented rigorous quality control measures to maintain our high standards.

This approach allowed us to effectively update the manuals while preserving the terminology and style established in previous versions.

The Power of Translation Memory

While our solution proved effective, this case study highlights the immense value of working with translation memory software. Translation memory offers several advantages:

  • Ensures consistency across all documents
  • Speeds up the translation process
  • Reduces costs for repeated content
  • Improves overall quality assurance

Looking to the Future: Creating a Translation Memory from Scratch

To prevent similar challenges in future projects, we proposed an additional service to our client: creating a translation memory from scratch using previously translated manuals. This process, known as ‘Alignment’, involves:

  1. Utilising specialised software tools to align source and target text from existing translations
  2. Creating a comprehensive translation memory database
  3. Ensuring future translations benefit from increased consistency and efficiency

By investing in this process, our client would be well-positioned for smoother, more efficient translations in the future.

The Takeaway

This case study demonstrates our ability to overcome challenges in technical translation and localisation. By combining innovative problem-solving with our deep understanding of translation processes, we delivered a high-quality solution that met our client’s immediate needs while also proposing long-term improvements to their translation workflow.

Whether you’re dealing with complex technical manuals or any other form of specialised content, choosing the right translation partner is crucial. Look for a company that not only offers expertise in your field but also demonstrates adaptability and forward-thinking solutions to unique challenges.

Are you facing similar challenges with your specialist technical translations?

Contact us today to discover how our innovative approaches and deep industry expertise can help streamline your localisation processes…