Case Studies
Challenge
You’re about to send out a complex project proposal only to discover that your translation firm unfortunately hired different freelancers that each used completely different tones and terminology. Now you have a disjointed text that has lost the meaning of the original. What do you do?
Solution
We had a financial company come to us that had subcontracted to a large agency who, in turn, had subcontracted to a wide variety of freelancers. A lack of experienced product management, poor planning, and a random selection of linguistic resources resulted in an inaccurate, meaningless document.
First we worked with the client to try to salvage what we could. Then we selected two senior translators with two different expertise, insurance and finance terminology, to collaborate on the terminology extraction. We integrated a CAT tool in order to accelerate the efficiency, and then had it reviewed by the lead translator and proofreader.
The process was executed with exactly what the client needed and none of what they didn’t. The result was a cost-effective and time-efficient solution that provided one tone that incorporated the most recognized industry terms. To top it off, we created an evolving terminology reference database for the client’s ongoing need.
Challenge
Your company has recently seen many phases of reorganization and is down to a lean translation team, but your tools and technologies haven’t been updated, and your costs remain high. The time and money lost is evident but how can you upgrade so many different types of programs efficiently?
Solution
When we were asked to provide an outsourcing solution for a national pharmaceutical manufacturer with a broad production range, we suggested a few methods that would help control costs, not just for translation services, but overall.
Our suggestions included a Translation Memory Management System organized around each product, thereby using the CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools more efficiently. We eliminated some of the labour-intensive manual tasks by using various applications that were already part of the system so no investment or training was needed. Also, we applied conditional text for multiple versions of a same document, rather than creating a document per version, which would have incurred more management, layout and printing costs.
The client had a real need for streamlining, and we were there to help implement a more productive process. We continue to be the consultants for the company’s translation services.
Challenge
The Head Office overseas has finished translating all global financial reports, but Canada has new regulatory accounting rules. Government penalties are high, you’re two weeks away from your deadline, and there’s no room for error. Who can you call?
Solution
In the Canadian investment industry, regulatory documents such as Management Report on Fund Performance (MRFPs) are seldom straight documents. Each is accompanied by financial statements, letters from CFOs and Auditors, economic commentaries, and so on, requiring expertise in investment, economics, accounting and more.
Our client needed translators who were subject matter experts and a team that could streamline the process quickly and efficiently using different technologies.
We developed and continually fine-tuned a process whereby we set up schedules and milestones, as well as regular contact and conference calls to collaborate with the client, the auditors and the printers, informing all parties of changes as they arrived and how they may require an overhaul to the content, often just hours before the deadline. We kept the machine working at all times, to avoid bottlenecking at the end.
It was the ultimate challenge and we surpassed expectations. The next time we were challenged by an MRFP project, we were already miles ahead. We knew exactly what questions to ask and where to anticipate potential delays and eventual problems.
Challenge
You’re set to launch your new multi-media marketing plan but all the collateral must be translated for the Quebec market, and you don’t speak a word of French. What do you do?
Solution
Many of our clients don’t speak French, or have much presence in the Quebec target market. TRSB can participate in the brainstorming process, working directly with Marketing, Legal and auditors to ensure that the products in question are appropriately labelled, and still credible for Quebec and compliant to Quebec legislation.
Adapting English ideas to a rather unique French culture requires a deep understanding of the language and culture. TRSB has 21 years of experience integrating brands into the Quebec market and hands-on experience on how to resonate with the French Canadian consumer. Put your marketing in the hands of a trusted, professional firm with the experience to leverage your campaign and enhance your communication objectives.
Challenge
You’ve won the contract to build a complex online interactive application for a major human resources and insurance client but the project is urgent and the kick-off and training take place next month. You need translators who know specialized terminology. You need experts in technology and programming. You need someone who can work with your developers and customized formats.
Solution
Our client needed a team of translators with mastery in employee benefits and pension management to come meet their developers and figure out how best to work with the customized technology. We had to face no context, extreme security issues, connectivity problems, and the linguistic shortcomings of software built before globalization and its multi-lingual realities.
Throughout the process, we were able to use our expertise and versatility to advise our client, as their partner. While the timeline was a critical element in the launching of the system, just as important was budget and quality, and TRSB was able to adapt its procedures to conform to the financial restraints, without reducing the quality of its service.
Challenge
Your company plans to enter the Canadian market now, and needs to tailor its communications, which means a large volume of documentation will need to be translated to French. There’s no one in-house to translate it, or even to coordinate subcontracting it. You need help, but who do you turn to?
Solution
Our clients are often confronted with an urgent need to outsource their translation services. Whether your company is new to the Canadian market or has downsized or even abolished its internal translation services, TRSB can provide you with a comprehensive needs assessment and then strategically implement a complete or partial solution.
First, we will evaluate your company’s structure; existing translation process, systems and translation tools, if any; and legacy materials that can be leveraged. Our senior team will set up a chain of communication, determine a lead on both client and TRSB's side, establishing a feedback system with regular conference calls, meetings and reporting.
TRSB can become an extension of your company within just a few months. This is the time it takes to set up a seamless solution for a full transition with an appropriate learning curve, but an initial, accelerated transition can be established within weeks still allowing for team building and legacy material transfer.