Harvest Your Process Data!
Most content owners treat localization as a throw-over-the-wall process. They simply send their source files and are satisfied with receiving the translated files within the specified timeframe. This traditional approach resembles outdated manufacturing practices, where companies would outsource the production of specific components without delving into the process intricacies. However, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has shed light on a vital reality: process data can be equally valuable as the tangible components produced. Blindly outsourcing disrupts the IoT ecosystem. Today, leading manufacturers make therefore sure to retain data ownership of the complete production process.
Linguistic Assets contain Process Data
Sophisticated organizations often collect translation memories (TM) or bilingual files (XLIFF), but this is only half of the story. Equally important is understanding how the translation was actually produced. Without this information, how can you determine if translation memories or machine translation (MT) has been used and evaluate your MT? How can you train a Quality Estimation (QE) model without quantifying post-edits. Furthermore, how can you fine-tune the process for specific target languages, if the differences are not identified? Ultimately, owning your process data is mandatory for successfully implementing new technologies like Generative AI.
Language Factories, the IoT of Translation
Language Factories enable content owners to maintain full control over the translation process while harvesting the rich data it is generating.
The IoT has proven to be a significant catalyst for increased productivity in manufacturing. Moreover, it serves as a primary driver of innovation, paving the way for entirely novel products and solutions. Similarly, Language Factories play a pivotal role in the realm of translation. By centralizing all automatic steps, including content aggregation, domain classification, content recycling, machine translation, quality estimation, quality assurance and autocorrection, Language Factories enable content owners to maintain full control over the translation process while harvesting the rich data it is generating.
The human-in-the-loop part should be the primary focus for outsourcing. Language Service Providers (LSPs) offer significant advantages in delivering a scalable pool of competent linguists. Their core added value lies in their ability to efficiently qualify, train, evaluate, and fairly compensate a global workforce of skilled linguists. In the past, LSPs faced substantial investments in Translation Management Systems (TMS), complex software that was as challenging to customize or replace as an ERP, often hindering the adoption of new technologies or business models. Now LSPs can adopt streamlined systems that support their core activities such as task allocation, monitoring, delivery, and administrative completion.
Smart Split of Tasks and Data
Language Factories seamlessly interface with LSPs through three straightforward API calls:
- post projects by submitting fully preprocessed XLIFF containing all the necessary information required by the linguists,
- poll information about the project status, and
- fetch the reviewed XLIFF along with essential metadata.
Throughout the process, content owners retain complete control over the process data and other linguistic assets, ensuring a smooth and secure collaboration.
The process data can be visualized through a user-friendly dashboard offered by Business Intelligence (BI), serving as the primary view into the Language Factory’s machine room. BI not only facilitates data visualization but also analyzing data to consistently optimize the process. This optimization leads to significant cost savings, quality enhancements, and faster turnaround times.
Beyond Translation: The Rise of Language Operations
Innovative companies are already pushing the boundaries beyond mere translation and adopting a cutting-edge a LangOps strategy. For these industry leaders, the Language Factory has already evolved into a Content Factory. This dynamic factory continually produces and enhances linguistic assets, serving as vital source of high quality data for enterprise’s textual AI initiatives.
Interested in learning more? Feel free to reach out to us at info@esteam.se. Let’s explore how owning your process data can revolutionize your localization strategy and drive your company’s AI projects forward.
