What to Consider When Choosing a Localization Partner

When choosing a translation supplier to manage your localization program, there are several aspects you need to consider.

Below are six key considerations:

1. Type of Partner

The type of partner you choose may fall into one of the five following categories:

• Multi-Language Localization Vendor (MLV) - Larger, worldwide companies that focus on many different languages. These types of partners have a larger capacity to handle multiple projects at once but also can be pricey.
• Single-Language Localization Vendor (SLV) - Smaller companies located in one target country that are focused on one single language. SLVs are generally less expensive than MLVs and are very focused on the linguistics of their target language. However, if you wish to target multiple languages, you would need to work with multiple SLVs.
• Freelance translators - Individual translators who are not necessarily associated with a specific company. Translators tend to be less expensive and are fairly flexible in meeting deadlines. Yet, if you want to translate into multiple languages, you will need to build a team. Also, even when translating into one language, you will want to have more than one translator focused on that language to ensure your translations are correct.
• Distributors - Distributors who target a particular market generally don’t have much upfront cost as they tend to benefit from selling your translated product into the market they’ve built expertise in. When working with a distributor, however, you don’t have much control over the output as you aren’t paying them and are relying on them to translate your product correctly. Also, a distributor’s main focus is not translation, so there could be inconsistencies between translations.
• Internal employees - This would be an employee of your company who speaks the target language. Be sure these employees are native speakers of the language so the translations are authentic.

2. Location

When choosing your localization partner, you want to consider their location as well.

• Are they close to you?  It is best if they are in your same time zone to have better and easier communication. 
• Are they in your target country? If you are looking to expand into a Japanese market, you want to ensure your localization partner either fully understands the Japanese language or is located in the country. A native familiarity with the target language ensures a proper translation.

3. Quality Process

What quality process will your partner follow?

Look for any ISO certifications:

• ISO 9001 – a general quality certification that covers companies in many industries
• EN 15038 – a certification that focuses on the translation process
• EN 18587 – this certification outlines the requirements for post-editing of machine translations
• Translator qualifications – professional/full-time, native speakers translators

Also, you’ll want to take a look at the process that is followed before the translation begins. Will the company train the translators on your product? Will your translation partner review the source files before the translation to identify any problems that may occur (e.g. does your code create a pluralized word that won’t translate across the globe)?

Lastly, what processes take place after the translation has been completed? Is there a thorough technical (e.g. editing) and linguistic (spelling, grammar, etc.) review? Is there a QA round for testing software to ensure nothing was linguistically changed during the translating process?

4. Technology Options

Your localization partner should have all of the tools necessary to meet your requirements. Be sure to focus on the following before making your choice:

• File compatibility – can the partner you choose work with the file types you will provide? You should not need to manually convert your files just so you can have them translated.
• Process – your localization partner should work with you to ensure a seamless and the most cost-efficient process for review.
• Security – do they have tools to ensure the security of your intellectual property and confidential information?
• Portability – your translation partner should use an approach that allows you to take the work you have done for translation and continue to benefit from it.
• Access – how much do you want to be involved in the translation process? Do you want access to the live files? Your partner should allow you as much access to the translation process as you wish.
• Information – the tools you have should provide the information you need (e.g. status reports, roll-up reports, quarterly/yearly reports, etc.).

Note – the tools should not hold you hostage to the vendor. The toolset your localization partner uses should allow you the option to work with other companies in the future should the need arise.

5. Cost and Schedule

As you compare options, you need to determine what the most cost-effective choices are for you. It’s important to look at your total cost or the cost that totals both what your translation partner is charging you plus your internal costs (e.g. internal reviewers, team management, etc.).

Be sure you are comparing comparable service offerings. Does one partner offer you two weeks of user interface testing, but the other doesn’t? This will most definitely affect your cost.

If you build translation memory during the project, think about future costs. Will the translation memory be reusable across your product? If so, this will allow you to save on future localization needs.

A big reason you partner with a localization company is to avoid the cost of buying all the translation tools yourself.  Make sure your partner will allow you access to their tools.

A large portion of your total cost is derived from the time it takes to complete your translation project. Ensure your partner has enough available resources to not only reduce completion time but also to ensure your deadlines are met. A localization partner with enough resources will build contingency plans into their schedules to be sure timelines are met even when schedule slips occur.

6. Contract Terms

Make sure your partner can commit to both the required schedule and quality. Will they allow for one round of feedback on the translated items and correct errors at no additional charge?

Ask for a detailed scope of work to be sure both parties have the same understanding of the work to be performed. Your partner should also clarify change orders and additional fees. As the project progresses, and you realize you need to add 1,000 words, you want to have a clear understanding of how your partner will handle this. Also, be sure you are the owner of the final translated memory. You should be given the files in a format you can use.

Finally, do not be afraid to ask for an exclusivity or volume discount. Even if this is the first project you are working on together, find out what kind of discount is available if you guarantee to give all of your localization work to that translation partner.

Now that you are ready to choose your localization partner, create a matrix for yourself that includes all of the above criteria and any other points you feel are important. As you speak with each firm, check off where they meet the requirements.

Recognize that this translation partner is someone you will be working closely with, so be sure to choose someone with whom you have a rapport. Just because a localization company meets all of the criteria does not mean it will be the right partner for you. Trust your gut.

If you're interested in learning more about evaluating and changing localization suppliers, we offer a concise guide to assist you in making the switch.