How to Pick the Best Translation Solution

There are three main options to explore when considering translation solutions. Which one you ultimately choose will depend on a number of factors, including project size and scope, content type, target languages, technology requirements, budget, and turnaround time.
 

Option 1: All-in-One Solution from a Language Service Provider

An experienced language service provider (LSP) like SimulTrans offers a complete localization solution, including translation, desktop publishing,  engineering, quality assurance, and access to the latest translation management tools. In a nutshell, a LSP is a one-stop shop for all of your translation needs.

When to use:

• You have a variety of content types and formats  that need to be translated into multiple languages
• You need to adapt marketing messages for other markets
• You work in an industry (e.g. technology, medical, education) that uses specialized terminology
• You have ongoing translation needs and want to ensure consistency and continuity across projects
• You don’t have time to manage multiple tools and/or providers 

Key considerations:

Option 2: Separate Language Services and Tools from Two Different Vendors

An alternative approach is to source language services from one company and tools from another. In this model, the LSP is responsible for translating the content, while a second vendor provides software and technology solutions.

When to use:

• Your company requires language and technology services to be sourced separately
• You require highly specialized translation services
• You already work with a translation management system or tool from a specific supplier

Key considerations:

It may be difficult to integrate language services and tools when using separate vendors. Project management also becomes more complicated and time consuming.

Option 3: A Combination of Language Services and Tools from Several Vendors

Finally, you could engage multiple LSPs and technology vendors to satisfy your translation needs. This solution is usually employed by enterprise-level companies with high translation volumes, complex requirements, and substantial budgets.

When to use:

• You need large amounts of content translated on an ongoing basis
• You have many languages that need to be translated at the same time
• You have short lead times and tight deadlines
• Your technology requirements are expansive, exceeding the capability of any one vendor

Key considerations:

Again, the more vendors you have, the more challenging it is to coordinate efforts across them, potentially compromising quality. This is also generally the most expensive option.

Conclusion

For most companies, an accredited translation service provider like SimulTrans which offers a full range of language services and localization management tools – all backed by a rigorous quality-oriented process – is the best choice. As a trusted corporate localization services provider, we understand our clients’ business and can develop a customized end-to-end solution to meet your current and future translation needs as your company grows.

Whichever option you pick, ensure you ask these four key questions when choosing your localization partner.

Ready to switch and benefit from partnering with SimulTrans? Download our free guide and learn how to switch to the best translation service provider in town.