Topic: Why you should choose an ISO 17100 agency for your user manual translation
Translating user manuals accurately is important as errors in documents can have significant ramifications. That's why it's crucial to collaborate with translators who possess both experience and the skill to accurately translate your material. As are ISO 17100 certified agencies that guarantee each translation experience review, by another professional to ensure an added level of accuracy and quality control.
This is why many companies prefer to collaborate with translation agencies that hold ISO 17100 certification.
What is ISO 17100?
ISO 17100:2015 is a translation-specific international standard, which specifies certain requirements and processes for translation companies to comply with, so they provide translations of the highest quality.
Specialist translators and revisers
ISO 17100 specifies that language professionals, such as translators and revisers, are suitably qualified and meet at least one of the following criteria:
● Recognized graduate qualification in translation from an institution of higher education
● Equivalent qualification (degree level) in any other subject (e.g., engineering), plus a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in translation
● At least 5 years of full-time professional experience in translation
Specialist translators typically possess a degree or prior experience in the technical industry before transitioning into translation. They often have expertise in various fields, such as electronics or engineering. However, it's important to note that these translators generally don't require "retraining" as they usually hold a bachelor's or master's degree specifically in translation.
In accordance to ISO 17100 workflow, your translations must be revised thoroughly by a second specialist translator. Thorough revision is vital to check terminology, such as technical terms, and above all accuracy—it’s particularly important when working on documents involving the safety of users.
Quality Assurance and Workflow
ISO 17100 certification requires translation service providers to adhere to a rigorous quality assurance process, ensuring that translations meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. One of the key elements of this standard is the thorough revision process, which mandates that all translations are reviewed by a second specialist translator. This critical step ensures that terminology, especially technical terms, is consistently accurate and appropriate for the target audience, particularly when dealing with complex subjects such as engineering, electronics, or user safety.
The revision process not only guarantees linguistic accuracy but also enhances the overall quality of the translated document. This step is crucial for technical translations, as it ensures that essential information, such as safety instructions or product specifications, is communicated clearly and precisely.
Furthermore, ISO 17100 emphasizes the importance of continuous workflow improvement, requiring agencies to maintain detailed records of each translation project. This level of documentation enables the identification of recurring issues, fosters ongoing improvement, and ensures that every project aligns with client expectations and regulatory standards.
Why choose Impala for your user manual translations?
Quality is our top priority. We are proud to be ISO 17100-certified, ensuring that our translation processes meet industry standards. Our team of vetted translators and revisers is highly qualified and specializes in technical translations, bringing both industry knowledge and linguistic precision. With independent certification of our processes, you can trust that your user manual translations are in safe hands.
Find out more about our user manual translation services at Impala Services and one of our team will help you with your translations.