Skyline Translation Services places the strongest possible emphasis on maintaining the high standards of our recruitment and selection procedures. For us, it is not good enough for a candidate to speak a foreign language or two, to be a native speaker and to have academic credentials. All our translators must have extensive knowledge of both their source and target languages. This knowledge must be supported by a very good understanding of the cultural and linguistic diversities that help to constitute a language.
Our Quality mission: To eliminate the risks of translation errors by investing in people with real skills.
Workflow and Service Level:
- Receipt of translation or quotation request from prospective client, or customer
This stage involves the examination of the request, the assessment of the technical feasibility of the project, also taking into account the deadline requested, and of course drawing-up the quote. At this stage we only contact the prospective client/our customer if a specific requirement is not clear, or if we need additional information, e.g. on the availability of glossaries. In general, we will be able to make a precise estimate without needing further information.
- Acceptance of our quote, acceptance of the translation assignment
This is when the real work can begin. We assign an in-house translator to your project. The translator will be native speaker with experience in your technical field and/or affinity with the subject matter. Additionally, any special technical or other resources that might be required are gathered, set-up, or possibly purchased.
- Delegation:
We receive the source file(s) and the Project Manager assigns the material to the appropriate translator or team . The first translator works on your file. We communicate with you to clarify issues such as terminologies.
- Compilation of multilingual terminology list
This terminological database is primarily destined for internal use, to ensure the consistency of technical terms within the translated document(s), as well as in future translation projects. At this stage we may ask the customer to validate some terms that will be used in the target document. Work on the terminological level is mostly carried out in parallel with the actual translation. This is the process that ensures compliance with our quality criterion of terminological consistency.
Many customers also ask us to leverage terminology from previously translated documents, online sources, printed manuals or brochures, etc. In so far as this terminology extraction or alignment work is justified given the value of the assignment, this is carried out at no extra charge.
- Spell checking
The translation is sent to a second translator or team for review. .Spell checking is an easy, but all-important step in any serious translation process. After spell checking, the translated document is now ready for the so-called “revision”. The translator revises his work, i.e. compares the source and target texts, checks the consistency of the technical terms used, checks the register of language, and addresses style issues. This is the process that ensures compliance with our quality criterion of accuracy.
- “Review” by a second translator and final spell checking
After the revision round, during which all specific translation and language issues are resolved, the text is passed on to another translator, who performs a “review”. This quality control step involves a monolingual review aimed at correcting errors, typo’s, or technical issues that the translator might have overlooked. The reviewer will also focus in particular on the legibility, and fluidity of the translation, so that it reads like a native text rather than like a translation. The review is normally carried out without the original document, and is followed by a final spell check after all corrections have been entered into the text. This process is mainly concerned with ensuring compliance with our quality criterion of legibility.
- Delivery:
The Project Manager verifies the final work before release and confirms with you that all expectations are met. Changes, if any, are implemented after you have reviewed the files.
- Archiving the source and target documents
The source and target texts are archived for future reference, together with the glossaries of terms (either technical or non-technical) compiled during the translation process. That way we are well (and always better) prepared for your next assignment.
- Document formats
In addition to the standard office suits, we can arrange for specialized translation and localization through our freelance translators who use software such as DéjàVu and Trados allowing us to handle most document and text formats.
We can process your documents in the following formats: MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint and PDF format.
- On-time Delivery
Our unique workflow methodology leverages geographic placement, the Internet and the professionalism of great minds to deliver high quality translation projects in the shortest amount of time. In addition to our in-house experts, a large number of our certified translators are strategically deployed across global time zones in “Virtual translation tag-teams.” This methodology ensures a 24/7 “around-the-clock” translation course of action.
- Clear description of duty:
Try to be as specific and detailed as possible on what is it you want to achieve. The more we understand your needs, the better we can serve you.