Here’s how ISO 17100 certification helps you choose a translation partner
Various quality criteria can be used to identify good translations and professional translation agencies. For example, companies looking for a translation partner can ask how long the respective company has been on the market, how large their pool of translators is, how many languages they offer, or what references they have. However, this kind of research, as well as a comparison of agencies, takes time and effort. On the other hand, if you want to see at a glance whether a translation agency is doing a good job, start by looking at its certifications. That is why we at ACT Translations are pleased to now be able to carry another of these quality seals, awarded by DEKRA, and thus further underlining our expertise.
ISO 17100:2015: Helping our customers make the right decisions
Because each translation company has its own unique processes, there is a lack of reliable bases for comparison and international standards. This is where DIN EN ISO 17100 makes a real difference. By specifying the requirements for professional translation services in detail and in a wide range of categories, it can be a good decision-making aid for our customers. DIN EN ISO 17100 has been the internationally valid standard for translation service providers since May 2015, which is why it often bears the suffix 17100:2015. In addition, ISO 17100 is a revision of the previously existing translator standard EN 15038:2006, which is still familiar to many companies. The following quality features are particularly important to us in this context, as they are also what make the difference for our customers:
Quality feature 1: Well-trained and experienced professional translators
As an international guideline for translation service providers, the standard requires compliance with the following aspects, among others: All participants in the respective translation process, i.e. translators, terminology specialists, or project managers, for example, must meet verifiable qualification requirements in terms of their training, experience, and subject area expertise. For translators and reviewers, these are specifically a recognized qualification from a higher educational institute with a degree in translation, a recognized qualification from a higher educational institute in another field of study plus at least two years of professional experience as a translator, or at least five years of full-time professional experience as a translator. In this way, the ISO 17100 seal shows companies quickly and precisely: Our translators not only have a great deal of experience, but also the necessary qualifications, meaning our customers can thus rely on excellent translation quality.
Quality feature 2: First-class translations and dependable security
Thanks to these quality assurance levels, continuous process optimization, and the qualifications of everyone involved, companies can be sure that they will receive first-class translations and localizations. In addition, ISO certification establishes a standardized definition of the basic terms of translation management. This means that the same rules apply to everyone: there are no areas that can be freely interpreted. Potential black sheep don’t stand a chance of receiving the certification. All project-related customer information is also subject to strict security requirements.
Quality feature 3: Multiple text checks
But this new certification includes even more: with it, we also guarantee customers an ongoing four-eyes principle. Our services – website localization, technical translation, video subtitling and much more – are rigorously scrutinized. Before delivery to the client, a proofreader who is very familiar with a wide range of industries – whether FinTech or e-commerce, MedTech or mechanical engineering – checks the work of the professional translator.
Quality feature 4: Continuous improvement of all processes
These aspects are particularly important to us, as evidenced by the fact that we have already been addressing them for over ten years through ISO 9001 certification of our quality management system (QMS). Through this certification, we demonstrate to our customers that our employees attend regular training courses and are therefore always up to date, but also have a high level of expertise and professional competence. We also take customer feedback very seriously and adjust our processes accordingly.
We are proud of our employees, not least because innovation and an enthusiasm for high-quality translations are part of our joint DNA. This passion for quality is also reflected in our work.
The ISO 17100 and 9001 certifications may read like a long column of numbers when you first read them. However, if you look at the specific content, you will see that it is a good indicator of translation quality and thus of our work. Four terms wonderfully summarize the benefits of this new certification for our customers: We guarantee quality in terms of translations and staff expertise, security in terms of data handling and error management, transparent and standardized procedures, and ongoing process optimization so that customers can rely on our services and teams now and in the future.
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