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Introducing the SDL Package

SDL has launched a new way of working for the localization supply chain.

SDL Package technology has been introduced as a unique feature of both SDL Trados 2007 and SDL Translation Management System (SDL TMS). It allows the sharing of localization project information and files across the complete localization supply chain – from corporations, to Language Service Providers (LSPs), to freelance translators.

The SDL Package is a self contained file that holds all the information and files needed to enable efficient localization of content. The fully integrated package, with powerful terminology management, Quality Assurance (CCM Methodology) and PerfectMatch TM is supported by the full range of SDL applications – from Desktop (SDL Trados), through Workgroup (SDL Trados Synergy) to the Enterprise (SDL TMS).

The SDL Package can be easily created and passed between members of the localization supply chain, making it easy for project managers to automatically split large projects by language, deadline or size (number of words), to share the load between different translators.

The SDL Package typically contains:

• Translation memories for remote offline working
• Central terminology link
• Delivery schedules
• Project parameters and settings, reducing the probability of incorrect settings
• Automated QA checks for reduced errors
  

The end of time consuming tasks

Until now, numerous manual tasks have been needed to complete a localization project, including:

• File preparation, analysis, pre-translation and folder creation
• ‘Zipping’ and consolidation of prepared files before they’re sent to the right translator.
• The project manager receives individual files back from different translators and these are then manually reconciled, reorganized, cleaned up and QA checked.

With SDL TRADOS 2007 and the SDL Package technology these processes are automated and simplified. So project managers can focus on high quality and consistency as well as on-time delivery.

Project preparation is fully automated through the Synergy interface. The software requests a the project due date and the files it contains. It even knows where the TMs and source material are, and remembers the complicated settings from a previous project. Analysis, pre-translation and PerfectMatch are all automated for multiple languages.

SDL Trados 2007 then creates a package that includes the prepared translation files, terminology links, reference material, and project settings. It can automatically split the package based on the number of translators, languages and due dates. The projects are then emailed out (one email – one package file) and tracked in one central environment.

The translators can start working quickly without worrying about looking for files or applying the right settings. They can then repackage the completed translation ready to be received back by the project manager.

• By using profiles and the Synergy client, most of the manual work is automated.
• SDL Trados Synergy and the SDL Package bring project control and visibility with information being sent back to the project manager via regular status updates.
• All the necessary information about projects, size and status are viewed in a single user interface and relevant files can be conveniently accessed via a single click of the mouse.
• All the files are received back through the Package maximizing integrity and facilitating the completion of the translation process
• Sophisticated batch QA checks ensure that no mistake is left in the final target files.

 Even more advantages

Because the latest version of SDL Translation Management System leverages the SDL Package, LSPs and Translators can use their desktop translation tools while working with large corporations.

Users initiate localization projects within SDL TMS. Automated workflow steps allow SDL TMS to pre-process the source files, applying Translation Memories and Terminology and then running costing formulas to establish translation costs.

When the project has been approved the translator is prompted to log on to SDL TMS and request the Package of information. This gives the translator all the information needed to efficiently carry out the translation before returning the Package to SDL TMS for incorporation back into the central translation repository.

Used across the complete localization supply chain, SDL Package technology is the latest development to bring increased efficiency, improved quality and consistency through the localization supply chain. Everyone involved is now able to focus on the translation of content rather than on laborious and time consuming project management activities.