Localization and a Pixar Movie

A localization project is like the porduction of a mini Pixar movie.

Unlike traditional animated movie makers, Pixar entered the business by depending on the use of the latest technologies in computers graphics, animation, simulation and rendering.

They invested heavily in these technologies to address many of the issues that were too expensive or too time consuming to address with hand-drawn animation techniques. They perfected the use of computers in the process and even built specialized software and customized hardware to help them achieve their goals. They influenced the entire movie making industry with their creative processes and technology.

But as we all know, technology alone is not enough to produce successful movies. Pixar had to enlist the help of talented authors, actors and artists to create appealing scripts and bring the characters to life.

Similarly in localization, we rely on a mixture of both art and science. Translation Memory tools and Translation Management Systems (TMS) are the foundation of the science used to facilitate the process, workflow, communication and collaboration aspects of your projects.

But no matter how sophisticated the science may become, people still need to be involved with many of the tasks and project issues. Even now, translation continues to be an Art in this regard. So localization, like a Pixar movie, is both Art and science fused together by process, people and technology.

Almost a decade ago, at the Society of Technical Communication’s 46th Annual conference, a paper was presented about Managing Large Localization Projects with Virtual Teams around the globe.

The authors started their presentation with the statement: “The challenge in managing large localization projects into multiple languages is to develop excellent project management processes…” Well, processes are made up of sets of tasks that take place in a workflow. The more these tasks are automated and streamlined the faster and more efficient they will become.

Then, they went on to say: “…while communicating effectively with virtual teams around the world.” This is particularly true with localization projects since we are dealing with in-country specialists living all over the world having different languages, cultures and time-zones. We need to communicate and collaborate with them more effectively than we have done in the past to reduce mistakes and unnecessary delays in projects.

They then continued on to say: “It is also keeping focus on the customer’s requirements in terms of quality, time, and cost.” As you know, your clients demand from you on a regular basis that you do your work better, faster, and cheaper. And you in turn ask that of your localization team as well.

With TMS, we can help automate the process, improve communication and collaboration, and facilitate the required tasks for all stakeholders. This will ultimately lead to reduced costs, faster deliveries and improved overall quality.

Today, nearly a decade later, these statements still ring true. We have TMS developed with Web 2.0 technologies specifically to address and minimize these challenges. Even so; TMS in itself is not a silver bullet, Art is still required.

Localization is not a simple push button procedure. TMS should be customizable to facilitate your workflow and tasks. Don’t rely on it to dictate your process or restrict your workflow. Pixar built its technology and processes based on input from animators and directors, not the other way around.

TMS facilitates online communication, collaboration and access to information. Moreover, it can provide transparency to the process and remove the black-box persona. But, it does not replace decision making and due diligence. Pixar relied on the strength of their project managers to deliver quality movies consistently. In the same way, even though you may use TMS to assist your localization projects, they will nevertheless continue to depend on good project management to meet client requirements.

Finally, TMS should not shrink costs and schedules by sacrificing quality! It is not Machine Translation, and will never replace quality people, experience and excellence in service. Without excellent authors, actors and artists using and pushing its technology, Pixar could not have guaranteed hit after hit, year after year.

When it comes to producing localized products, like animated movies, it takes a strong team in both the art and science departments to seamlessly produce a masterpiece. Don’t short-circuit the process by relying on obsolete methods or technologies. Consider TMS and how it can help you succeed in your next project. Read the related blogs and articles or contact me to learn more.

Benefits of Translation Management Systems (TMS)

Translation management systems are designed to host and facilitate localization and translation projects for all stakeholders-- clients, translators, localizers, vendors and partners. They give users secure 24/7 access to project information and assets via a simple web browser and preferably require no software or administrative tasks from its users.

TMS offers transparency to all users so they can see translation and localization project activities and monitor progress. The process no longer needs to be a mysterious black box.

While some companies charge for the use of their TMS solutions, others, like GlobalVision, realize that most companies don’t have budgets to purchase TMS tools and offer them free of charge with their services.

Depending on your function in the organization, the following are the benefits that you can enjoy from TMS:

Executives

• Reduced project costs and faster time-to-market: This is particularly true with larger projects that have multiple requirements in terms of project modules to localize, languages and schedules. Often, the product itself changes throughout the localization process requiring changes to the localized files. With the transparency that TMS provides, project tasks are easier to track, manage and deliver, often resulting in lower overall cost.
• Visible project metrics (costs, quality and schedules): TMS tools are often based on SQL databases where all project data resides. This makes it easier to create reports, track changes and present metric data on a regular basis. Pertinent project statistics are no longer buried deep within the organization or vendor emails and files. It can be easily mined and reported on.
• Control over company assets and IP: Translation assets are as important to the company as its source code. Translation Memories, Terminology databases, Query Databases, Intermediate Files, Style Guides and Requirements are key elements to ensuring quality continuity between releases. They are major sources of cost reduction in follow on localization projects. Every company should have unequivocal and unrestricted access to them 24/7.

Localization Managers

• Full visibility into project tasks, schedules and deliverables: This gives managers the ability to make timely decisions based on changing source, changing schedules or changing priorities. The localization project is no longer a black-box process where files are thrown over the wall to the localization group and then left at the mercy of this group to complete tasks on time and according to changing requirements.
• Delegate access to company translation assets: With all translation assets available in one portal, managers can easily assign tasks, issue work orders and delegate authority to any user they need to involve in the project. This includes in-country language experts who are proof-reading or Quality Assuring the localized product.
• Streamlined project workflow from initiation to release: Gone are the days of ad-hoc task assignment and hectic email dispatch to delegate and communicate. Web 2.0 makes seamless collaboration a breeze!

Localizers

• Collaboration platform facilitating workflow and communication: Ad-hoc querying by email and forever waiting for redundant answers is all streamlined in a wiki/RSS environment.
• Easy access to details-- Requirements, TMs, TDs, QDs: Translators and Localizers can use TMS to gain immediate access to information in Terminology and Query Databases that facilitate the online sharing of knowledge and translation assets.
• Efficiency enabler boosting productivity and throughput: Localizers utilize TMS to accept assignments, process tasks and resolve project issues with the efficiency and speed of electrons.

GlobalVision is presenting Translation Management Systems benefits at the upcoming 55th annual STC Conference sessions, June 1st-4th in Philadelphia, and will be showcasing its TMS solution gvAccess at booth 226. Stop by and visit us for more info!