Publishing instruction user manuals in 65 languages involves far more than just translation. It demands a meticulous process to ensure that the final product is consistent, error-free, and of the highest quality across all languages. So, what are the key elements that make this possible? The following strategies can be considered:

• Effective project management system
• Professional teams for translation, localization, and review
• Establishment and application of consistent style guidelines
• Efficient Translation Management System (TMS)
• Automation tools and software for translation and publishing processes
• Strong communication and collaboration frameworks
• Comprehensive training and education

One of the most critical phases in this process is the publishing stage, where the translated content must be formatted and finalized in 65 languages. Given the number of people involved in this stage, the likelihood of human error is high, and mistakes can lead to significant delays in product release. So, how does Hansem Global manage this complex task?

At Hansem Global, the Localization Department’s Desktop Publishing (DTP) experts meticulously edit and format manuals in approximately 65 languages. Remarkably, despite the involvement of multiple editors working on various languages, the final products appear as if they were crafted by a single individual. The secret to this flawless collaboration lies in standardized processes. But what exactly are standardized processes, and why are they so crucial? Let’s delve into the concept of standardized processes and understand how they enable one editor to handle multiple languages and ensure uniformity across the work of multiple editors.

Understanding the Concept and Importance of Standardized Processes

Standardized processes refer to systematic and consistent procedures and rules for performing specific tasks or operations. Adhering to these standardized processes is essential, especially when complying with ISO9001 quality standards. In the context of multilingual manual production, following these processes is critical for several reasons:

• Consistency in Quality: Standardized processes help maintain consistent quality throughout the localization process. With clear guidelines and procedures at each stage, team members can minimize errors, resulting in higher-quality translations and greater customer satisfaction in local markets.
• Efficiency: By adhering to standardized processes, it becomes easier to predict and manage the time and resources required for each stage of the process. This facilitates effective project planning and scheduling, helping to meet deadlines and minimize additional costs.
• Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Standardized processes foster better collaboration and communication within the organization. By sharing standardized workflows, team members develop a better understanding of their tasks, enhancing cooperation and overall productivity.

Why Standardized Processes Are Essential in IFU Localization

IFU localization is inherently complex, requiring compliance with regional regulations, as well as consideration of various linguistic and cultural differences. From learning different language scripts to managing font compatibility and text rendering, the task becomes increasingly intricate with the addition of each new language. Hansem Global’s experiences, such as dealing with Myanmar text processing, Bengali publishing issue, or font selection for international content, reveal the extensive know-how and systems required to manage multilingual editing effectively.

Standardizing Skills Across Team Members
In such a complex process, the skills of a 20-year veteran can differ significantly from those of someone with only three years of experience. Mistakes by less experienced team members can lead to delays and confusion, particularly when handling the vast checklist required for accurate manual localization across more than 50 languages.

A well-established standardized process provides valuable guidance for both seasoned and less experienced team members. By adhering to a standardized process, everyone can perform their tasks systematically and consistently, ensuring successful localization. Here are some key benefits:

• Quality Assurance: Standardized processes provide clear guidelines and rules that ensure consistent quality at every stage. This applies not only to translation but also to desktop publishing, reviewing, and testing, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the final product.
• Improved Efficiency: Standardized processes allow for better management of time and resources at each stage, facilitating effective project planning and reducing unnecessary delays or costs.
• Promoted Communication and Collaboration: By following standardized processes, team members can easily track project progress and responsibilities, strengthening collaboration and boosting productivity.

Components and Implementation of Standardized Processes

Hansem Global’s standardized processes typically include the following components, which align with ISO 9001 quality management standards:

• Process Maps: These are crucial tools for understanding and managing workflow. They visually represent each task, the responsible parties, and the time required, enabling effective management of the workflow.
• Checklists: These lists specify the tasks that need to be completed at each stage. They help ensure that no steps are missed and prevent errors, thereby maintaining the accuracy and completeness of the work.
• Documentation: Based on the checklists, documentation provides the necessary information and guidelines for performing tasks. It helps team members easily find the required information, improving consistency and efficiency in their work.
• Training: Training sessions convey standardized processes and documented information to the team, ensuring that everyone understands and correctly follows the standardized procedures.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring measures process performance, identifies issues, and implements improvements, thereby continuously enhancing the quality and efficiency of the work.

Sustainable Localization Management Through Standardized Processes

Hansem Global systematically builds and manages standardized processes to deliver successful multilingual document and IFU localization services. By adhering to these standards, team members reduce confusion and wasted time, minimizing errors or mistakes, and positively contributing to clients’ localization strategies.

The accumulated standardized process data at Hansem Global is continuously refined and used as a stable foundation for future projects. This guarantees consistent outcomes and offers clients effective and broad-reaching global content delivery.

Partnering with Hansem Global means building and maintaining a successful localization strategy. With our professional and systematic approach, we look forward to leading your multilingual localization project to success.