7 tips for a smooth localization project - Part 4

Our earlier blogs have focused on working with your LSP to set SLAs, ensuring all parties share the same understanding about project details and processes. Next, we looked at forming a relationship with your project manager and developing high-quality content, both of which are critical to the success of your localization program. Our next blog will explore how to successfully launch a project, ensuring that everyone is on board and fully aligned on the project’s deliverables.

Project handoff

Project handoff is your opportunity to start things right. Once you’ve gathered all the materials you need for your translation project, it’s time to kick it off. Depending on the complexity of the project, handoff could be done via a simple email or could require a kick off meeting to align all collaborators.

In project management, predictability is a good thing. Make sure to establish a standard process that will apply to most projects, but be ready to be flexible for one-off projects. Consider what you can standardize:

Standardize your request template

Having a standard request template reduces the likelihood that information will be missed. Simple but thorough, your template should include everything you know about your project, that is, your project definition:

• The basics: Source and target languages, word counts, ideal deadlines
• Project and file types: What do you need to be translated? Is it a plain Word file with text only or a multimedia project that involves many different file types? 
• Domain: Does this project require specific expertise, such as legal, medical, marketing? 
• Style: What is the intended tone of the message? Formal, informal, instructional?
• Audience: Who are you targeting? Are there any potential cultural dangers?
• Other requirements: Is this a document that needs to be notarized or certified? Will the translated piece be printed? Do you need UTF encoding?

Now that your project is kicking off, how do you ensure the translation quality will meet your expectations? See our next blog on reference materials, or learn more about our Language Services.