What do you do if your translation workflow needs to incorporate new technology?

1 Assess your needs

Before you decide to adopt any new technology, you need to assess your current and future needs. What are the goals and expectations of your translation projects? What are the pain points and bottlenecks in your workflow? What are the skills and preferences of your team members and clients? What are the costs and benefits of the new technology? By answering these questions, you can identify the gaps and opportunities in your workflow and choose the technology that best suits your needs.

2 Research your options

Once you have a clear idea of what you need, you can research the available options for new technology. There are many types of technology that can help you with different aspects of your translation workflow, such as translation memory, terminology management, machine translation, quality assurance, project management, collaboration, and communication. You can compare the features, functionality, compatibility, and reliability of different tools and platforms, as well as read reviews and feedback from other translators who have used them. You can also consult with your clients and colleagues to find out what they use and recommend.

3 Test and evaluate

Before you implement any new technology in your workflow, you need to test and evaluate it thoroughly. You can do this by using free trials, demos, or samples of the technology, or by creating a pilot project with a small group of team members and clients. You can then measure the performance, efficiency, accuracy, and usability of the technology, as well as the feedback and satisfaction of the users. You can also identify any issues or problems that may arise and how to solve them. Based on the results, you can decide whether to adopt, modify, or reject the technology.

4 Train and support

If you decide to adopt a new technology in your workflow, you need to train and support your team members and clients on how to use it effectively. You can do this by providing clear and comprehensive instructions, manuals, tutorials, or videos, as well as offering online or offline workshops, webinars, or courses. You can also create a help desk, a forum, or a chat group where users can ask questions, share tips, or report issues. You can also monitor and evaluate the progress and performance of the users and provide feedback and guidance.

5 Review and update

Finally, you need to review and update your workflow and technology regularly to ensure that they are still meeting your needs and expectations. You can do this by collecting and analyzing data, feedback, and suggestions from your team members and clients, as well as keeping an eye on the latest developments and trends in the translation industry. You can then make adjustments, improvements, or changes to your workflow and technology as needed. You can also seek new opportunities and challenges to enhance your skills and knowledge.