Eight out of ten international businesses are suffering because of translation errors, causing lost revenue, delayed product launches or even fines for non-compliance.

40% of respondents to a survey of global businesses claimed that translation errors have caused delayed product launches. A shocking result, 7% reported receiving fines for non-compliance because they failed to translate material accurately. In response, Global Information Management provider SDL International, which carried out the survey, is warning businesses that they need to improve their translation and localization processes to avoid serious impact on the bottom line.

“In an age of global business, it’s unacceptable that translation issues are still causing such significant delays,” said Chris Boorman, Chief Marketing Officer at SDL International. “As product lifecycles get shorter and launches become increasingly frequent, speed to market is everything and delays will continue to result in huge revenue loss. Keeping material consistent in all markets is vital to success. A lethargic approach to language simply won’t work”

The survey also revealed that:

• Half of the firms surveyed have on average ten different departments involved in the process of localizing information
• Only 37% of these are planning to develop a strategy in the next six months to combat these issues

“International firms cannot compete globally in only one language,” continued Boorman. “The majority of organizations are still relying on outdated methods for their corporate communications which is costing money on a number of fronts – being first to market is pointless if you cannot communicate with your audience. Articulating your message in the local language with relevance and appropriate nuance is the only way to ensure success and must be at the heart of any global marketing strategy.”

“Cutting time-to-market and avoiding translation errors cannot be achieved until businesses realise the importance of getting localization right,” Boorman stated. “As everyone should know, it doesn’t matter how loud you shout – if you’re speaking the wrong language, you simply won’t be heard. “