Month: June 2019

An Insider’s Guide to the Role of a Translation Project Manager - Portada
19/06/2019

An Insider’s Guide to the Role of a Translation Project Manager

Posted on | by Carolina Arriagada | Leave a Comment on An Insider’s Guide to the Role of a Translation Project Manager

In the world of linguistics, days can be unpredictable and projects layered with varied complexities. A quality Project Manager (PM) calms the chaos with coordination, teamwork, planning, and control techniques. These critical thinkers play an essential role in a project’s overall success. PMs are essentially the gatekeepers to most translation and localization assignments.

A Day in the Life of a Translation Project Manager

There is no daily routine for a PM. Every workday presents a new set of requests, challenges, and hurdles. PMs are the crucial link between the linguistic team and the AM. If translators ever have ambiguity about a project, the PM escalates those questions to the AM. The AM then takes those inquiries to the client to receive further clarification.

It is the responsibility of the PM to smoothly navigate various teams through every phase of a project. This includes the TEP Process, a cornerstone to most of our company’s projects and workflows. Organization and attention to detail are key to ensuring every task is accomplished in a timely manner.

A Translation Project Manager’s Core Skills

PMs are faced with a variety of unique challenges to resolve throughout a project. One of their most valuable skills is the ability to anticipate and manage risk. At times, projects don’t go exactly as planned. An effective PM knows how to analyze the brief, identify areas of the project most vulnerable to errors, and develop a plan to avert risk.

An Insider’s Guide to the Role of a Translation Project Manager - Cintia-Iorgi

“We do our best to put ourselves in the translators’ shoes and predict any potential mistakes or misunderstandings they may have,” explained Cintia Iorgi, Operations Lead for Terra.

Another skill PMs must possess is the ability to effectively communicate. Using various channels, they must confidently convey clear instructions to a team of linguists across multiple time zones. If sending multiple files, PMs must provide comprehensive notes so the wrong content does not get translated. With fairness and goals in mind, PMs need to appropriately address the “needs” of clients and the “challenges” of translators. For example, if a translator needs further explanation about strategy that might affect the translation, the PM must find answers and quickly get him or her up to speed so no time is lost.

Lastly, it’s highly important for PMs to have technical skills specifically as it relates to linguist software. They often utilize Translation Management Software (TMS) and Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools to oversee the process. These technologies are constantly integrating and advancing so it’s vital for the PM to keep up with the evolution of the tools. When translators have issues with their CAT tools, the PM must step in to quickly find a resolution as deadlines draw closer.

The Relationship Builders

The core of a PM’s position is the ability to have a genuine connection with people. These relationships develop by the fluid communication and rapport the PM creates with both the client and the linguists.

“The relationships I’ve built is the best part of my role,” said Iorgi. “At Terra, we take pride in the supportive network and welcoming work culture that we’ve cultivated.”

RELATED CONTENT

Data Protection Do you Need a US-Based Translation Team - Portada
10/06/2019

Data Protection: Do you Need a US-Based Translation Team?

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Data Protection: Do you Need a US-Based Translation Team?

The internet has opened up a world of possibilities. These days, it’s not uncommon to work with colleagues from every corner of the globe. This global access allows companies to find the best talent, services, and contracts for their business. But there are times when domestic work is an absolute necessity. Some companies and organizations may require working with a US-based translation team in order to prioritize security, protect data, or adhere to strict regulations. Why is that exactly?

Why Work with a US-Based Translation Team?

A company or organization might need to work with a US-based translation team for many reasons. A few scenarios can include:

  • If they need a notarized translation within the US
  • If they have to work with translators who have undergone a background check
  • If any files and information must remain in US territory
  • If specific security measures must be in place

As a safety precaution, some clients that work with sensitive information may need their documents to stay physically within the United States. Meaning, the linguists working on the projects need to be US-based, as do the Project Managers. Even the servers where the files are stored, or are used for transfers, may need to remain in the United States.

Who Needs a US-Based Translation Team

The needs for a US-based translation team can vary, but some of the clients that may require such services include:

  • Government agencies: Local, state, and federal agencies have varying regulations they need to adhere to. The United States government has statutes that all translation services will be performed within the boundaries of the United States. The inability to perform services in the United States can be grounds for disqualifying a contract.
  • The military: As a branch of the United States government, they are also required to meet strict standards regarding translation services.
  • Healthcare providers: Those in the healthcare space, may also need translators and Project Managers to undergo a HIPPA training. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) aims to protect the confidentiality of the protected health information (PHI) that is translated. The US Department of Health has called out their expectations regarding security on their website.
  • Financial institutions: There is a large amount of sensitive data handled by financial institutions regarding business, employees, and customers that is protected by industry and government regulations. If a financial institution works with healthcare companies, HIPAA guidelines may apply.
  • Companies: Any companies involved in the research, development, sale or maintenance of goods regulated by the US government, such as pharmaceuticals, may be required to use US-based translation services.
  • Exporters of defense and military-related technologies: Under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) there are mandatory compliance rules that must be followed regarding translation services for the Defense Department and all of its suppliers.

What We Can Offer

Terra has a robust team of international team members, including US-based translators and Project Managers. As business associates of covered entities, we understand the importance of being HIPAA compliant and our team has undergone HIPAA training with certification.

It is worth noting that HIPAA Rules do not include specific requirements regarding the protection of electronic protected health information (ePHI) processed or stored by a cloud service provider (CSP) or business associates outside of the United States. However, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) warns that risks related to the ePHI may vary based on location. For example, risks can increase considerably when outsourcing storage or other services for ePHI overseas due to the enforceability of privacy and security protections over the data.

Alongside offering US-based translation services, our project management process meets and exceeds the most demanding requirements, including workflow, timelines, roles, responsibilities, and deliverables.

LATEST POSTS

04/06/2019

Why the Translation of Medical Devices is Crucial

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Why the Translation of Medical Devices is Crucial

Every patient deserves the best care possible. Having a language barrier does not warrant an exception. That’s why it is so vital the translation of medical devices documentation is performed by qualified translation professionals. The process of medical translation deserves the utmost care and professionalism at all times. There are many reasons the proper translation of medical devices is so crucial, the following reasons are a few of them.

Global Reach

With the global over-65 population expected to rise up to 1 billion by 2020, medical devices that improve the quality of life should show steady growth in demand. As will the need for proper medical translation services that ensure user manuals, marketing materials, and medical communications are accessible around the world.

According to OEC, the United States of America is the top exporter of medical devices and mainly exports to the European Union (EU). This means that medical device companies should consider working with qualified translators to make sure their products’ documentation is understandable for the end user. There are 24 official languages spoken in the EU and most countries in the EU require translations into a minimum of one of their official languages. Sometimes more languages are required. Belgium is a prime example. They require French, German, and Dutch translations.

Why Compliance Matters

Compliance is a key element in the localization of medical devices. Manufacturers need to follow the regulations of the countries where they want to market their devices. To market medical devices and their accessories in foreign markets, companies need to remain compliant with international and local regulations in each country.

So how do you balance language requirements if you are exporting medical devices to multiple countries? Generally, there is a strict regulatory approval process for medical devices. You need to review each country’s regulations as they can differ. However, the one overlapping requirement is to provide medical device documentation translation. Any content that goes hand in hand with a medical device must be submitted in the required languages. This content can include:

  • Packaging, labels, mailing materials
  • Usage instructions
  • User interface and software
  • Marketing materials
  • Technical information
  • Patient Literature

This is where things get tricky. 22 out of 28 of the EU member states require companies to label their medical devices in an official language. Even if the device is intended for only professional usage. That means you may have to translate a device’s supporting documents into all the languages commonly spoken in that region. If you’re looking to distribute your device in the EU, there are six EU member states that accept labeling medical devices in English. However, the device has to be for professional use only. Also, there are some regulatory authorities that might allow limitations to the translation of medical device requirements. One could be that you only have to translate the device identification label, operating, and safety information. Exceptions like these are why it’s imperative you have a clear understanding of each country’s requirements.

Safety First

Why are the language rules regarding medical devices so stringent? When the lives and well-being of patients are at stake, there is no room for error. Simply, being bilingual is not a sufficient skill set to safely handle the translation of medical devices. The patients, doctors, and general public, all deserve high-quality and accurate translations of the content associated with medical devices.

RELATED CONTENT