Industrial Technical Documentation – the Crucial Importance of Accuracy in Translation

Introduction: technical translation, a strategic priority for industry

In an international industrial climate where safety and regulatory compliance are paramount, technical translation errors can have dramatic consequences. A poor translation can trigger a chain of costly problems in terms of safety, compliance and brand image. Avoid these pitfalls by leaving your project to the experts!

Translation errors should be avoided in every sector, but the medical sector is even more sensitive as our health is at stake. Let’s look at the case of knee replacements in Germany: between 2006 and 2007, 47 patients fell victim to a translation error in the labeling of these medical devices (source in French).

What was the error in question?

• The English expression “non-modular cemented”, which means “cannot be modified and must be cemented”, was incorrectly translated into German as “prosthesis that does not require cement”. A single terminological blunder such as this could endanger hundreds of people and destabilize an entire organization.

In industry, as is the case in the medical sector, translation errors cause major operational inefficiencies. As a matter of fact, regulatory audits sometimes uncover critical errors in safety documentation translated by AI or by non-professional translators, resulting in fines of several million euros.

The fact is that technical translation is not a simple administrative task, it is an essential strategic component to ensure the quality of production processes and the end-user experience. This vital step enables manufacturers to achieve success in their projects from start to finish, which is why it is important to leave your technical projects in the hands of experienced and reliable professionals.

Version internationale’s expertise for industry

A partner that specializes in critical sectors

It is in this crucial linguistic area that Version internationale supports many companies operating in a wide range of technical sectors: IT, industrial, medical, scientific, legal, financial, etc. Because accuracy is not an option but a necessity for all these sectors and their stakeholders, a team of linguists who undergo continuous training, specialist freelance translators, and experienced project managers handle the most exacting requests.

A proven methodology to ensure a high level of reliability

An approach driven by methodology and precision is what makes the difference between a smooth partnership and a project that falls apart. At Version internationale:

• Beforehand, technical glossaries, often provided by clients and expanded upon during the process, are created for each project.

• Afterwards, technical specialists proofread and correct the work in a process known as quality assurance (QA).

Quality in technical translation is also governed by strict international standards. The ISO 17100 international quality standard lists the requirements expected during the different stages of the translation process:

• Research, resource selection, then translation and proofreading guarantee the impeccable quality of the end document.

How can we talk about translation without talking about Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools? These tools, which have become essential in modern technical translation, offer features that are now almost impossible to do without:

• Translation memories for consistency;
• Specialized terminology databases;
• Automated quality control;
• Collaborative workflows.

The human touch underpinning technical translation

When drafting this article, Jérémy, who has worked at Version internationale for several years as a Project Manager, agreed to share his thoughts on the rigor required when managing technical projects. Once again, several different steps are required so everything runs smoothly:

Before the project is launched: the client and the project manager ensure that nothing is missing from the specifications provided and that everyone working on the project has fully understood them.

“We find it important to know about the products and the sector our clients operate in, to select translators who are experts in the field.”  

Jérémy Saussey, Project Manager at Version internationale.

During the project: Version internationale calls on the right people, carries out regular controls and manages the workflow established with the client.

After the project is delivered: several follow-up discussions with clients are sometimes required, especially when the project covers new products without any pre-defined terminology.

When accuracy changes everything – real-life examples and testimonies

A successful takeoff thanks to strict attention to terminology

In technical translation, rigor is essential: particular attention needs to be paid to the quality of source documents, to the thorough preparation of documents beforehand and ensuring that the accurate terms are used.

Here is a real-life example from Jérémy:

“We worked on the translation of in-flight menus for Air France. The initial phase of fully decoding the language used was important to avoid any ambiguity and ensure passenger safety. For example, the term grenade in French, can be translated as “pomegranate” or “grenade” in English. In addition, we also paid particular attention to the translation of the names of nuts, which are often allergens. Meticulous work, which is essential to ensure clear and secure communication upon arrival! “

Success stories that prove the added value of VI

Clients are in the best position to talk about their experience, and when they’re happy, it puts the entire industry in a positive light. With this in mind, we were lucky enough to hear from a valued client of Version internationale. The Hardis group, a supplier of sustainable IT solutions, told us about their experience:

“Throughout our 20 years of working together, Version internationale has positioned itself as a partner to support our international expansion in a dozen different languages – with the localization of our WMS and its user documents.

We have dedicated contacts, who have excellent knowledge of our challenges and requirements. Working together, we have created localization processes and tools, adapted to our specificities and constraints. We have created a comprehensive terminology database with the help of local subject matter experts whom they recommended to us.

Trust is key: new tool, new process, new language, we know that Version internationale will offer us tailor-made and pragmatic solutions, without any unnecessary extras.”

Dominique Marty – Translation & Document Manager – Hardis Supply Chain

Conclusion: with Version internationale, accuracy is a strategic advantage

Version internationale’s expertise is embodied by professionals who can translate the complexity of your documents with accuracy, guaranteeing you operational simplicity at all levels. They can manage complex document formats with the help of different tools and in accordance with various standards.

This process has been designed for industry, for you, to save you time and ensure a smooth translation process. Translation carries a significant financial burden, accounting for nearly a quarter (23.75%) of technical documentation costs. Neglecting this step can have negative consequences, both financially and in terms of reputation.

Moreover, according to a 2013 tekom study, nearly two thirds of industrial companies have taken this on board and already translate their documentation into at least ten languages.