Setting up and optimising translation processes

•    Speed: AI-supported processes enable faster processing of large volumes of documents.
•    Cost-efficiency: automation can reduce costs and mean that savings can be passed on to our customers.
•    Consistency: AI models ensure uniform terminology and style

1.    Initial analysis: we assess the scope and requirements of your translation projects.
2.    AI-supported translation: our AI models take on the first translation phase.
3.    Human verification: our specialist translators refine machine translations and ensure their quality.
4.    Workflow orchestration: the entire process is managed by a robust workflow management system to ensure efficiency and transparency.
 

An efficient translation process is a key component of the customer-oriented project management at KERN. From arranging orders to maintaining language databases, the project managers will create a detailed project schedule together with you.

At the beginning of a translation project, a suitable project manager will be selected for you. They will keep you informed about the status of your project at all times. The project is planned, the costs are estimated and all aspects to be coordinated are taken into account.

The project manager responsible for your project coordinates the entire translation project with you and our specialist translators, editors, graphic designers, etc.

As a customer, you can even help us in advance to ensure that we carry out your translation order to your complete satisfaction.

Plan in advance

The processing time of a translation depends on the following parameters:

• Length of text
• Difficulty of the text
• Desired language combination
• Quality of the manuscript

Please bear in mind that a professional specialist translator can translate a maximum of 10 to 15 pages per day on average. More time is needed for difficult texts and rare languages.

When choosing your desired delivery date, please consider the increased workload and time required for additional work, e.g. for adaptations, proofreading, foreign-language typesetting, editing, graphic design, printing, etc.

When placing an order, provide all details:

• the desired language combination
• for which country the translation is intended
• whether the translation should be certified by a sworn translator
• whether the translation is to be published
• any requests in terms of formatting and conversion, as well as which end product you require

Translation aids

Provide KERN UK Ltd. with translation aids such as glossaries, reference materials and parallel texts. This helps translators to produce specialist translations and allows them to work more efficiently.

Translatable writing

The translation process begins not when the documents are handed over to KERN UK Ltd., but rather when the documents themselves are created. When creating a document in the source language, you can avoid potential translation problems by using wording that is easily translatable. Texts where the possible translation was not taken into consideration often result in:

• a great effort being required on the part of the translator in order to understand the facts,
• for example through additional research, and
• higher translation and layout costs due to expensive correction and formatting work.

Moreover, source documents that are suitable for translation facilitate the efficient use of translation software such as translation memory systems. Last but not least, the time taken to process and create your multilingual documents will be significantly reduced.

In the creation process, a documented should be phrased and designed in as culturally neutral a manner as possible. This includes formalities such as the use of culture-neutral non-verbal language. For example, internationally recognized pictograms and the large-scale avoidance of the use of idiomatic expressions. Furthermore, you have to bear in mind that the target text can become considerably longer than the source text with certain directions of translation.

Proposals for rules

When creating your documents, the rules that you should observe regarding translatable writing can be summarised as follows:

• Language-neutral formatting
• A defined meaning for every word
• No use of synonyms for technical terminology
• Explanation of new terms and abbreviations
• No filler words, no complex sentence structures, support direct requests through syntax
• Adherence to a logical order (first cause, then effect)
• Present tense
• One call for action per sentence
• Use of culturally neutral illustrations

The highly qualified KERN translation team has many years of experience in translating texts from one language into their particular native language. This enables fluid translation management.

KERN translators backgrounds in terms of training and experience:

Training:

• Training and qualification as a translation graduate with a university education in foreign languages (4 to 5 years)
• Linguist with a university education in one or two foreign languages (4 to 5 years)
• BA or MA degree
• State-approved or accredited translator (state examination, 2 to 3 years)

Practical experience:

• Translation experience of at least 4 years
• Specialisation in one or more areas of expertise (e.g. economics, technology, law, etc.) A detailed list of the areas of expertise can be found here
• Certain translators have taken an oath before a court and may certify translations
• Further training in the use of software and tools

KERN's specialist translators only translate into their native language:

A basic principle of KERN UK Ltd. for over 50 years

The joint development of editorial guidelines is an additional aid for internal and external employees. The guidelines contain all the internal directives and stipulations that those involved in the creation of the documents must observe.

They establish, among other things, linguistic specifications on terminology and syntax as well as design specifications such as typography, layout and the use of graphics. Aspects of corporate identity such as logos and in-house fonts must also be taken into account. As well as areas of responsibility.

As a result, the documents created are not only more consistent but the overall public image of a company is characterised by homogeneity as well.