5 workflow steps in a translation agency

Here we go. Let’s imagine you got in touch with a translation agency a few weeks ago about a big translation project for your company. After explaining what you needed from the agency, the professionals examined your request and have just sent you the quote which you have just accepted.

Everything’s ready, the translation agency is firing the engines and getting the project ready to go, but you can’t shake the doubt: ‘What happens to my document now?’

The workflow of a translation agency

For newbies to this sector, it’s natural to not know everything about the workflow of a translation agency. It’s normal to have doubts or worries, especially when you’re concerned about distorting information in important documents from another language and another culture.

But fear not, we are here to help you! Your text has surely landed in good hands that know how to take care of it and do it justice in all the languages you need for your project. A certified translation agency knows its business and can rely on the mastery of numerous professionals tailored to your needs.

The workflow of a translation agency generally includes 5 steps, which are essential to deliver quality translations that have the desired effect and stay true to the original. Take a look at them here.

5 workflow steps in a translation agency

STEP 1: Planning

Once the client’s request has been evaluated based on timing, feasibility, relevant issues, and the quote has been accepted, we move on to planning the project:first, the text is examined and formatting errors are dealt with, checking that there are no conversion or graphic design problems. Then the level of complexity and specialism area is determined.

Reference material is also developed during this phase. This is a fundamental part of the translation process where terms are extracted to create industry guidelines or glossaries. Resources such as translation memories are also prepared,i.e. databases that collect already translated parts of texts within the same field (often for the same client) that aid the translation process by ensuring consistency and continuity, along with reference documents (‘parallel texts’) that provide translators with the necessary linguistic and terminological tools .

Key professionals at this stage: project manager.

STEP 2: Translation

The second phase of the project is truly the heart of the work, the translation process: this is when the text is translated from the original source language to the target language, making use of the all the reference documents and resources provided earlier.

Once the first draft is completed, the translator who worked on it conducts an initial check that involves rereading, editing and revising it independently. In this stage, you can also bring up any concerns or issues that arose during the process so that they can be addressed and corrected before moving on to the next step.

Key professionals at this stage: translators chosen according to their language combinations and the client’s required specialism.

STEP 3: Quality control

This phase of the workflow focuses on quality control, which involves checking the final version for accuracy. First, the translated text undergoes bilingual revision by another qualified translator who is also specialized in the relevant field: the translation is placed side by side with the original and every detail is checked to ensure the final version conveys the message, objective, and every nuance of the source text.

Revision includes the correction of spelling, terminology, content, syntax or punctuation errors to guarantee linguistic, cultural and formal consistency and to avoid discrepancies. Following this, proofreading (or draft correction) is carried out, during which the final translated text is checked independently from the original, to verify that it comes across effectively in the target language and culture.

Key figures at this stage: reviewers and proofreaders.

STEP 4: Graphic layout and desktop publishing

After checking the translation quality, we move on to the next step, which is devoted to organizing the layout of the final translated text. During this phase of the workflow, desktop publishing perfects the graphic look of the translation: the layout is formatted to align with that of the original, going through every detail with a fine-tooth comb from the font size and margins to the colours selected by the client.

Additionally, any changes to the digital typography are tested and checked to ensure the translation is readable and verify that other multimedia features, such as images, tables, and charts, are seamlessly integrated into the text.

Key professionals at this stage: DTP specialist.

STEP 5: Delivery

The delivery stage is the last step in the workflow of a translation agency after several quality checks, the project manager has given the okay, and the target text is deemed ready. The project is finally considered complete. The agency can send the translated material to the client and await feedback on how they handled their request.

As you can see, managing the workflow of a translation agency has many stages and each one is specifically designed to guarantee you receive the best possible quality throughout. Here at AlfaBeta, we believe in the power of words: our primary goal is to listen to you and convey your message with tailor-made solutions. What are you waiting for? Contact us!