Many manufacturers assume that poor translation quality is a problem with the translation process itself. In reality, the source manual often carries structural flaws, inconsistent terminology, and unclear instructions that no translator—no matter how skilled—can fully correct.

These weaknesses in the original documentation not only raise localization costs but also delay launches, create brand inconsistencies, and frustrate end users.

This article explains how Hansem Global addresses these issues at their source, transforming manuals into long-term, reusable assets that consistently deliver clarity, quality, and cost efficiency.

When Documentation Fails, the Damage Is Immediate

In today’s fast-moving manufacturing environment, product manuals often become the hidden bottleneck—driving up costs, delaying launches, and weakening brand trust. We’ve seen it firsthand:

• Manuals so poorly written or formatted that even the best translators cannot accurately interpret the original meaning—resulting in longer turnaround times, higher costs, and no guarantee of translation quality.
• Unstructured, inconsistent document layouts make it impossible to produce derivative versions quickly; teams end up recreating content from scratch for each variant.
• Terminology and phrasing that vary from page to page, confusing end users and increasing support calls.
• Heading structures and content flows that make information hard to find—so in the field, manuals are often ignored altogether.
• No reliable document management system, leading to confusion over which file is the final approved version—and who has it.
• Source files created in uncommon or unsuitable formats (e.g., Illustrator, PowerPoint, or niche tools) that prevent efficient text extraction, localization, or updates—forcing projects to stall and teams to recycle outdated content.

These aren’t translation problems—they’re documentation problems. And they cost far more to fix later than to prevent at the start.

How Hansem Global Fixes Documentation at the Source

We re-engineer manuals so they become long-term, reusable assets—not one-off deliverables.

Our process has been proven for 20+ years with global manufacturers launching multi-variant, multi-language product lines.

1. Structured, Modular Source Manuals
We design and maintain source manuals that follow international standards (IEC 82079-1) and solid information architecture. Content is grouped by real-world usage, laid out in logical workflows, and written in plain language with consistent formatting. It makes manuals more straightforward to use, update, and translate—reducing new translation to as little as 5%.

2. Enforceable Terminology and Style Governance
Client-specific termbases and style guides are built and actively enforced through our authoring and QA tools. Every writer, translator, and reviewer applies the same language assets in real time—ensuring brand tone and accuracy across all markets.

3. Navigation Designed for the User
We create heading systems that act as navigation tools—clear hierarchy, intuitive labeling, and visual clarity—so users can find what they need instantly, whether in print, PDF, or online formats.

4. Fully Aligned Translation Memories
At every update cycle, we synchronize TMs with the final approved source, capturing even last-minute changes. It prevents retranslation of previously approved content and protects your investment in past translations.

5. Dedicated, Long-Term Language Teams
Each language is handled by a stable team of writers, translators, and reviewers who know your products, industry, and brand. This continuity eliminates the learning curve, reduces risk, and ensures consistent quality over multiple product cycles.

6. Centralized Document Management
We assign dedicated documentation and localization teams for each client, managing all files, feedback, and version history in a single, structured system. At any point, you can see which file is final, what changes were made, and why.

7. Standard Authoring Tools for Maximum Compatibility
We work exclusively in widely adopted tools like Adobe FrameMaker, InDesign, and Microsoft Word. It ensures smooth text extraction, efficient updates, and future-proof content reuse.

The Results: Measurable, Repeatable, Scalable

For decades, we have applied this structured, disciplined approach to every client project—from initial manual creation to ongoing updates and localization. Some of our partnerships span more than 35 years, with the same methodology consistently applied across thousands of deliverables. When this approach is maintained over time, the results are remarkable:

• 90%+ translation reuse across variants
• <5% new translation required for most updates
• Zero critical errors in 3,000+ multilingual manuals produced annually
• 80–90% cost savings compared to unstructured workflows
• Faster launches with predictable, consistent quality

Built for Reliability—and for You to Let Go

We deliver enterprise-grade quality with the agility of a mid-sized partner.

• ISO 9001, 17100, and 27001 certified
• A dedicated team is assigned exclusively to each client, operating within the client’s specific documentation and production environment.
• This team develops tailored workflows for your release cycle and product complexity, then standardizes processes over time to boost productivity and maintain consistent quality.
• Continuous improvement is embedded in every project, with refinements guided by ongoing client feedback and rigorous quality checks.

From planning and writing to translation and multilingual DTP, every stage is handled in-house—eliminating delays, preventing quality drift, and ensuring your manuals are always ready for the next product launch.

Conclusion

If your manuals slow you down, cost more than they should, or fail to serve your customers, the problem isn’t translation—it’s documentation. Hansem Global fixes it at the source, turning every manual into a high-performing asset that works harder, costs less, and gets to market faster.