Services
At BlueOrange, we value any translation projects, no matter how small or big they are. Our clients always come first, and we do everything we can to help them solve their problems with translation. We understand that the only way to provide good service is to ensure that everyone gets the same level of quality regardless of how much work they place with us.
Our project managers work hard to get everything done on time and in line with all quality standards. The client sends a document and receives its translation within the arranged time. However, few people understand the mechanics behind this process. So, what is the project manager's part in all this?
Handling projects is like trying to catch a fish: it's a process that requires patience and persistence. For a fisherman, catching even a tiny fish is fulfilling; but if it's large enough to feel in hand, the catcher feels an intense surge of joy. Sure, it will take some effort to catch such a fish. You must be patient and persistent — but if you succeed in catching it, the reward will be well worth your efforts.
We believe all our clients deserve to know what makes their projects prosper.
Take a sneak peek behind the scenes of our translating agency to see what goes into making your documents translated accurately and delivered on time. It's not all fun and games!
What are some features of a large project? It’s easy — the size of a project depends on how much text needs translating. Large projects also involve a variety of formats, i.e., text documents such as .docx and .pdf files, complex technical drawings in .dwg format, and spreadsheets in .xls format.
As part of our most recent large-scale project, we translated a package of technical documentation for a large mining company. We knew that it was going to be a challenge, but our team rose to the occasion and completed the work within four weeks. All in all, we processed over 800 thousand words in about four weeks! Quite a big fish, isn’t it?
Translating a project — no matter how large or small — is always a multi-stage process that brings together many specialists. First, layout designers. They prepare files for translation, make hard-to-read documents legible, and ensure that the final product is immaculate.
The translation industry has been developing rapidly. As a result, working in a document by looking up terms in actual dictionaries has grown out of fashion. Nowadays, most companies use computer-assisted translation systems to increase efficiency and decrease human error. Many years of experience in translating have taught us that a well-prepared file is the key to a successful translation.
Once received from layout designers, documents are sent to translators. Every agency employs reliable specialists who are experts in their fields. Yet, large-scale projects often involve tight deadlines, which can be challenging even for the most skilled translator.
Many years of experience in translating have taught us that a well-prepared file is the key to a successful translation.
Our translators are professionals that have proven themselves time and again. Still, they cannot translate exceeding amounts of text in a snap without sacrificing quality. This is why sometimes the project manager has to source a competent person whose input is crucial for a particular job. Finding a specialist requires patience and a good eye. For instance, the team behind our project for the mining company included 12 members.
BlueOrange takes pride in the quality of our work, so we check every project through two-stage editing. In the first stage, editors review for typos, syntax errors, and terminology consistency with a glossary. They also enforce the style and ensure that all documents adhere to criteria for grammar and punctuation. Before being sent to the client, the project goes through additional reviewing. With this approach, we guarantee the quality of our work at every step while meeting our clients’ expectations.
As for the glossary, it's an invaluable resource that is especially vital when 12 translators and 6 editors work on a project. It helps us hit three birds with one stone. The glossary can speed up our translation process, ensure consistent use of terms and check that no client-imposed requirements are ignored. Besides, our project entailed working closely with the client's engineers to settle any issues or clarify any controversial points. We always learn more when we ask than if we guess!
So, we have much work and many people involved. How do project managers fit into this equation? Project managers are like the glue that holds it all together. They are responsible for arranging all processes and uniting all resources. Much like the director with overall control over filmmaking, the manager is significant for determining the project's outcome.
Managers feel their responsibility right from the moment they first communicate with the client. As the face of the company, they are expected to maintain a standard of professionalism. Managers must always be courteous and focused on details. Therefore, the initial stage of work demands preparing an accurate estimate so that the client does not incur any unnecessary expenses.
Much like the director with overall control over filmmaking, the project manager is significant for determining the project's outcome.
Further stages of work also depend on the managers' diligence and attention. They have to keep track of documents to know which of them are in progress or already completed. Other tasks include assigning projects, sending documents to layout designers and arranging for editing. Managers also keep in touch with everyone contributing to the project — from layout designers to clients. They are always on top of things so that nothing falls through the cracks.
While a manager’s part is indeed critical, no one can accomplish much working on their own. Successful projects are built upon effective teamwork. So, we can confidently say that behind every translated text, there's a manager and their team living and breathing the clients' projects.
We hope you enjoyed looking behind the scenes with us! And if you have read down this far, here are our results on the mining project in figures:
Project duration:
Involved:
Translated:
Designed:
