Quality Management Principles and Methodology for Technical and Medical Translation
From the day we receive the source files to the day we deliver the completed technical translation, RIC International's unsurpassed measure of quality control is evident throughout the process.
Our translators:
The most important determining factor of translation quality is the expertise of the translators. Translators have to understand the subject matter they are translating at least as well as the audience the documents target. In the case of technical, scientific, and medical translation the target audience often has M.D. or Ph.D. degrees in the sciences - and our translators do, too. In addition to their subject matter expertise, RIC translators have to have all the basic skills required of all professional translators - the ability to write clear, comprehensible prose, excellent language and translation skills, and native-level command of the language into which they are translating.
RIC International requires the following qualifications from all candidates for accreditation with us:
- Hold an advanced degree in the subject matter to be translated (MD, Ph.D, M.S.E.E., etc.).
- Have extensive work experience within the relevant field of science, engineering, medicine or law.
- Have at least 7 years of experience translating technical documents in the language pair and subject to be translated.
At RIC International, we hold fast to the principle:
If you do not understand it, you cannot translate it.
Follow these links to obtain more specific information about Technical Translator Qualification Requirements and the RIC International Program for Accreditation of Technical and Medical Translators.
Our technology:
Using the most advanced Translation Memory (TM) tools such as Trados™ and SDLX™, the same phrases are translated identically and the terminology is used consistently even if different translators work on different portions of the document. TM tools also decrease the translation time, resulting in faster turnaround and decreased cost to the client.
Our editing process:
To minimize the chances of an error or omission in language or information, RIC International requires that three pairs of expert eyes look at all content from beginning to end: translator, editor, and proofreader. Each is a professional full-time translator, a native speaker of the target language, and meets the translator qualifications specified above.
Our Project Management:
RIC International will assign a dedicated Project Manager as the single point of contact for each client. RIC International's Project Managers will always take the time to understand your technical requirements, writing style, and communication strategy. They will:
- Customize translation process work-flow based on your specific needs;
- Prepare and monitor quality assurance checklists;
- Communicate proactively with you at each milestone to resolve linguistic issues and technical problems;
- Maintain multi-lingual glossaries and translation memory specific to your projects; and
- Document individual project history
The Project Managers may ask for your input at different stages of the translation process, and offer RIC International's opinions where, in their judgment, they will be helpful.
How to Obtain More Information
More details about our Quality Management System for Technical Translation is available in this section. To learn more about our technical and medical translation services, or to request a proposal, please call us at 800.240.0246 . If you prefer, you can send us an e-mail at info@ricintl.com. But we would rather talk to you in person!
