The Financial Impact of Simplified Technical English (STE)

Simplified Technical English (STE) offers a compelling solution for reducing costs and improving efficiency in technical documentation. To illustrate this, let's compare two versions of the same text: one in standard English and the other in STE.

The STE version is noticeably shorter and more direct, eliminating unnecessary words and phrases. This reduction in word count translates to significant cost savings during the translation process. Translators typically charge by the word, so a shorter document means lower translation costs. Additionally, translation memory tools can further reduce costs by suggesting previously translated phrases, leading to potential savings of up to 35% per language.

While the direct financial impact of STE on operational costs may be less tangible, the indirect benefits are substantial. Clearer and more concise documentation can lead to reduced customer support inquiries, as users are less likely to encounter ambiguities or misunderstandings. This, in turn, can lower support costs and improve customer satisfaction. Moreover, STE can contribute to enhanced product safety and compliance by ensuring that critical information is presented clearly and unambiguously. The potential costs associated with product recalls or legal disputes due to unclear documentation can be significantly mitigated through the adoption of STE.

?? Simplified Technical English as the basis for your documentation needs hosted by tekom Denmark: https://youtu.be/BXDGsRYocOg?si=x9hsIN5i54Psb1Lj.

?? Learn more about what the STE standard can do for you: https://www.shufrans-techdocs.com/simplified-technical-english-case-study/

?? Ongoing STE workshops: https://www.shufrans-techdocs.com/online-ste-workshop-2-day-training-course/