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Producing quality materials

Translators, editors and proofreaders

betmar languages has developed a large network of qualified translators, editors, proofreaders, and typesetters with the requisite high level language abilities necessary for quality translation work. Most of them are members of the American Translators Association (ATA) as well as other professional groups.

Selection
All translators, editors, and proofreaders employed by betmar languages are independent contractors. The use of independent contractors allows careful matching of the specific project requirements to the unique experience and abilities of the translators and editors. We believe the use of in-house translators poses risks to quality. In-house translators need to be kept busy full time and this may result in asking translators to do work outside of their field of expertise.

Reliability
Bilingual office staff and immediate availability of independent contractors allow betmar languages to address quick turn, pressing or time sensitive translation and translation related issues for our clients.

Credentials
Comprehensive files are kept for each independent contractor employed by betmar languages. These files include credentials, references, and resumes are available upon request. Also included in each worker’s file is a signed confidentiality agreement.

Confidentiality
In addition to this, betmar languages requires a signed agreement for each project from all Independent Contractors. This agreement includes a project/client specific confidentiality agreement and is filed with the project.

Performance
betmar languages tracks the work performance and client satisfaction rating of all translators in our database. We also pursue new relationships with translators as needs, availability, technical knowledge, etc. change and evolve. We employ a thorough system of researching, testing and then carefully pairing new contractors with experienced contractors in order to procure the services of the best language experts available.

Process

On-site management
All projects undertaken by betmar languages are managed in-house. No assignments are outsourced to other agencies or off site project managers. Quality control issues are carefully monitored throughout the course of each project.

Defined process
From the start of a project through completion our process is clearly defined, well organized and documented. Our procedures are outlined in written form including: bidding process, project management procedure, record keeping in the database, archiving of documents and electronic files, and archive retrieval.

Status
Each step of the process is undertaken with care. A status report is kept during the progress of the job. Each project is reviewed at a weekly staff meeting keeping the entire staff informed of current projects. This allows for help from colleagues when necessary. It also allows project managers to share important client and contractor related information.

During the course of a project each step is carefully reviewed for accuracy. Accuracy of the appearance of the end product is carefully monitored as well as translation accuracy. All translations are edited by a second, qualified native speaker. Projects are reviewed by in-house staff as well as by language appropriate proofreaders. The review process involves careful checking not only of printout materials but also of electronic files including typeset files (in programs such as Quark, FrameMaker, InDesign, PDF files, Word files, etc.).

For larger or more complicated projects, meetings are held during the course of the project as necessary. A post-production meeting is held to review the project and note any relevant information to improve the process or client satisfaction.

Completion
Upon completion, the project is reviewed, organized, archived and all pertinent information is recorded in the database. The paper portion is filed and the electronic portions archived. The supervisor of the translation department reviews each project before it is filed.

Client satisfaction
We consult carefully with our clients to be sure that they are satisfied with the outcome of their project(s). Whenever a problem or area for improvement is identified, immediate steps are taken to enhance our processes or customer service.

We keep client specific information/requirements on file. For larger clients, we create a ring-bound notebook where we track client specific instructions, communications, and records as appropriate. This acts as a central source of available information for all project managers.

Any information gained by project managers during the course of a project which would improve staff knowledge or ability to serve our clients better is reviewed and considered at the weekly staff meetings. Ideas for improvement or change are implemented immediately.

Client specific information is also compiled and stored in our database. We have the ability to track all projects for all clients, create reports, and track comments by date, project, client contact, and so on.

Document translation

Translation is accomplished by a qualified native speaking professional translator with experience and education in the subject matter as described above.

Editing is performed by an equally qualified native speaker.

Consensus must be reached between the translator and the editor as to the accuracy of the translation.

Communication with the client is necessary whenever there are questionable areas. English may be ambiguous and may require consultation with the client in order to arrive at the best possible translation.

Formatting of documents

Translated text must be imported into the existing English files accurately. To ensure this requires multiple rounds of proofing.

• Native speakers must proofread formatted documents to determine if words break correctly or if there are any translation errors or inaccuracies that show up in the formatted version.
• Proofing by a non-speaker of the language helps to catch formatting problems including things like spacing, omissions, and inaccurate numbers, that the native speaker may have overlooked while concentrating on context.
• Another round of proofing after corrections have been made is vital to ensure that they have been made correctly and to check that something else wasn't inadvertently moved during the process of fixing problems in the electronic files.
• betmar languages performs as many rounds of proofing and fixing as necessary to ensure quality.

Memory software

Memory software, including TRADOS and SDLX, is employed in order to create a bank of existing translated material.

• Previously translated material can be reused without charge.
• Reuse of materials ensures consistency and accuracy.
• Material previously translated with slight changes can also be recalled and modified promoting consistency and cost effective pricing.

Additional TRADOS generated advantages:

• Various translators can work on projects for the same client without losing consistency.
• TRADOS allows for the handling of high volume as projects can be passed among a team of translators and editors as necessary. When several manuals need to be translated at the same time the use of TRADOS keeps multiple translators consistent with vocabulary choices, boilerplate language, etc.
• TRADOS streamlines the formatting process, increasing quality and reducing costs.
• TRADOS removes text from existing files, keeping formatting tags which allows for translated text to be re-imported efficiently.
• The re-importing of text through the use of existing tags assures that indexes and table of contents are accurate in the target language.

Glossaries

Industry specific and client specific glossaries are established for each client.

• The use of glossaries encourages consistency of usage over time.
• Glossaries also facilitate the use of more than one translator to work on projects.
• Identification of key terms and the opportunity to choose preferred vocabulary is another feature of glossary usage.

Glossaries are maintained and updated as necessary.

• Synonyms are identified.
• Specifics of usage are documented for future reference.

Software

betmar languages' thorough understanding of the client's choice of software eliminates the need for the client to spend time repairing problematic files. Advantages include:

• The index is generated properly from the text.
• The table of contents is accurately pulled from the text.
• Graphics and diagrams are imported properly.
• Pagination and numbering (of diagrams, etc.) is accurate.

Next : References

6260 Highway 65 NE, Suite 308; Minneapolis MN 55432
tel:763.572.9711; fax:763.571.3467; best@betmar.com

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