It might be a brochure or a technical document. Maybe it’s a website. Either way, your company needs something translated and translated fast. At first glance, it might seem easiest to use Google Translate, but the inaccurate phrases and context aren’t worth it. So you turn to a translation agency, but want to make sure that the project is finished as efficiently as possible.

So, how can you expedite the translation process? Here are three ways to help guarantee the fastest possible turnover:

1. Set the Objectives.

When you first meet with a translation service provider, make sure that you have a brief that clearly highlights exactly what you want to accomplish. The more information and transparency upfront, the better. If you want to translate the company website, outline the pages and sections that need to be converted. Have a user interface that needs to be translated? You should explicitly list which elements need to be prioritized in your brief.

By going through the objectives of the project with your language service provider (LSP), companies can eliminate a lot of the typical back-and-forth that slows down the translation process.

2. Send Over All Source Files.

You might want to translate a marketing brochure that’s in PDF format. But if you just hand over a PDF, LSPs won’t have the source files that allow them to modify pictures, graphics and text. Instead, they will have to create a new brochure from scratch and try to recreate the design.

To work around this problem, make sure to locate all the source files for the project. If it’s a PDF that was created in InDesign, find the .indd files and the pictures associated with it. If it’s a video project, find out which software was used to edit and produce the footage, then locate the source file.

LSPs can provide graphic, design and video editing services, but it takes a lot more time to replicate a project, rather than modify it.

3. Store Files on the Cloud.

Enormous system files, databases or creative can’t travel between an LSP and a client through email. Some companies choose to store everything on a DVD with all the relevant files. But as soon as one file is missing or another needs to be replaced, more DVDs have to be sent. This doesn’t just slow down the process, it can ultimately make things disorganized, too, with LSPs navigating dozens of folders and hundreds of files to find the right versions.

Rather than relying on DVDs, businesses should look into cloud storage or file transfer solutions such as DropBox or YouSendIt to more easily and efficiently collaborate with their translation service provider.

Consolidation & Translation

The most important way to ensure that a translation project is performed as quickly—and accurately and effectively—as possible is to find an LSP that offers comprehensive services under one roof. A translation services agency that can do everything from project management to video editing, website translation to graphic design, will ensure that your project will be seamless, from start to finish, and clients will never have to worry about delivery dates.

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