Quality is controlled at all stages of a localization project. Using tests, checklists, evaluations forms, project status reports, process flowcharts, project management tools, and an internal manual, we have developed procedures to ensure that we have a uniform, flexible, and repeatable approach to everything from assignment to delivery.
A complete description of all the processes is beyond the scope of this website and would necessitate disclosure of competitive advantages, but the process includes the following areas:
- Choosing the right translators
- Tracking all the logistics of the project while it is in progress
- Performing checks before handing over each stage of a project
1. Choosing the right translators
We use both in-house and external contract translators. Heavily technical subjects such as pharmacology, law, or automotive assembly manuals are best assigned to specialists, whereas user-level manuals for subjects such as printers, computers, telecommunication devices are best done in-house. Thai-localized IT products contain a lot of partial localization (The Windows 95/NT Thai interface is primarily in English, for example), and in-house staff have the experience to work out which terms need or do not need to be localized.
Each year, over 2000 applicants apply to be translators. We have stringent specialist tests in every field, and only 5% of applicants manage to pass the tests. All contractors are required to have daily email access and new contractors are first assigned smaller local jobs before being allowed to work on larger projects contracted from abroad. Our database tracks historical words-per-day rates to guide project managers in gauging contract translators' ability to meet deadlines.
All our contract translators receive feedback with evaluation reports
The edited and proofread translations are always sent back to translators along with an evaluation of the standard of the work. This keeps the translators informed about weaknesses which may need to be improved and provides feedback which can improve the standard of future jobs.
2. Tracking all the logistics of the project while it is in progress
Our custom-built database outputs detailed status reports
Translators, editors, and DTP staff are required to regularly report their progress in terms of units completed and/or percentage completed. The data is input by project managers into our database to be used for producing project status reports. These reports are then used for regular staff meetings and are sent to clients. The report automatically calculates the words per day assigned and progress completed by staff at given date as compared to the progress required in order to be on track for meeting the deadline.
3. Performing checks before handing over each stage of a project
Part of our linguistic checklist
Linguistic staff work with checklists of all the points that typically need checking in a Thai localization project. Many of these points are specific to the Thai language and would not be included in any "all-language" checklist. Similarly, we have a Thai DTP checklist covering all the points that need to be checked after DTP staff have completed their work on a project. The project managers, having checked completeness, sign off checklists for receipt and delivery of files upon confirmation of delivery.
