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What Factors Determine the Costs of Localization
08/10/2024

What Factors Determine the Costs of Localization?

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on What Factors Determine the Costs of Localization?

From video games to eLearning content to marketing campaigns—localization can step in and make it possible to thrive in a new target market. No one localization project has the same exact scope, needs, or budget, and how much a localization project will cost can depend on quite a few factors. 
Keep reading to get a better idea of which factors can influence the cost of a localization project.  

Factors that Influence Cost 

It can help to keep the following factors in mind when planning the budget for a localization project.  

  • Localization professional. If you’re looking for localization services online, you’re likely to find many different professionals willing to help, but you will also find their rates can vary widely. This is because each person has unique academic backgrounds and expertise and therefore the cost of their services will probably vary depending on their training and what their specialty is. If you consider hiring an in-house team or partnering with a Language Service Provider, the cost can also change. You may also decide to rely on machine translation which can be less expensive than hiring a human, but doesn’t usually deliver as high of quality end product. 
    Whether you decide to utilize machine translation, freelancers, an in-house team, or a language service provider, make sure you’re comparing the same type of service. 
  • Content type. Certain types of content are more expensive to translate and localize. For example, medical content is likely to cost much more than lifestyle content. That being said, content that requires a creative touch can be more expensive as it also requires a high level of research and it can be more challenging to localize creative content in a way that will appeal to the new target audience. Some types of content are naturally more expensive to translate than others. 
  • Localization asset creation. Taking the time to create localization assets such as a style guide and glossary/term base can be an initial financial investment up front, but can improve the quality of a project and can help you save costs down the line if it becomes necessary to fix localization issues such as terminology inconsistencies. 
  • Target market and number of languages involved. If a business wants to enter a new country that only speaks one core language, it will be a lot less expensive for them to localize their content and products than it would if they enter a new market where it’s common for multiple languages or dialects to be spoken. If the latter occurs, you will have to hire multiple localization experts who can address the different language needs.  
  • Project timeframe. How long a localization specialist has to work on the project can impact the cost. When a client needs something very urgently, a rush fee or higher rate is usually applied.   
  • Size of localization team. Depending on the type of content, it may be necessary to hire a translator, editor, and proofreader, as well as a DTP specialist to work on your project. If you work with an LSP, they will manage this team so that you don’t have to worry about recruiting or assigning the work. However, a project management fee will likely apply. Having multiple professionals involved can help improve the quality throughout the project, but can also result in higher overall costs.  

The Takeaway  

While spending more money on a localization project can lead to higher quality results, there are ways you can optimize your spending to ensure you’re receiving a quality end product that aligns with your budget. Speak to your in-house localization team or the outside experts you want to hire about what you can do to save money on your upcoming project without sacrificing quality.

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The Craft of Translation A Legacy to Protect
30/09/2024

The Craft of Translation: A Legacy to Protect   

Posted on | by Terra Translations | Leave a Comment on The Craft of Translation: A Legacy to Protect   

A Timely Theme 

This year, the International Federation of Translators (FIT) has selected “Translation, an art worth protecting” as the theme for its celebration of International Translation Day. This theme recognizes that, while translation is sometimes viewed as a straightforward process of conversion, at its heart, it is far more than a mere act of swapping words from one language into another; it’s an intricate art worth protecting. As the development of AI and the expansion of the digital sphere continue to reshape the world as we know it, the FIT calls on all of us to protect this unique art. 

The Craftsmanship of Translation 

Just as a crafty wizard combines ingredients to create a powerful potion, a skillful translator weaves words together to form a new text that captures the essence of the original and is infused with what made it so special. 

Consider the challenge of translating poetry or literature, for example. The translator will want to preserve the rhythm, tone and emotion of the original work, all while making it accessible and meaningful in another language. This requires the ability to not only do linguistic gymnastics but also walk the tightrope between two cultures and know how to invite the reader into this other world. Clearly, with so many elements to juggle, the translator is doing much more than an apples-to-apples equation.   

The Importance of Protecting Translation 

In much the way that spending time in nature helps us develop an understanding and appreciation for it, spending a moment reflecting on translation can bring the vital role it plays in our world into sharper view. 

 Here are some of the many reasons translation is an art worth protecting: 

  • Cultural Preservation: Translation safeguards the richness of unique cultures around the world. It keeps the magic of storytelling alive and facilitates cultural exchange and mutual understanding. 
  • Global Communication: In today’s interconnected world, translation allows for the global exchange of ideas, and it plays a key role in uniting nations and fostering peace, understanding and development. 
  • Access to Information: Translation ensures that information is accessible to people of all linguistic backgrounds, thereby leveling the playing field and promoting inclusion. 
  • Historical Record: Many ancient texts have survived only through translation. Protecting this vital craft ensures that future generations can access these records and the wisdom and experiences of the past. 
  • Creativity and Expression: Translators are artists who create works that stand alone while honoring the original. By protecting translation, we can ensure that new interpretations of existing texts can reach and delight readers and expand their horizons. 

Let the Celebration Begin 

On this special day, we encourage you to take note of all the ways translation contributes to your understanding and enjoyment of our world. Have you read a translated novel? Discovered a new favorite show thanks to subtitles? Heard first-hand accounts in international news segments? Whatever it is, know that a dedicated translator is behind it, practicing their craft to connect us as members of a global community.     

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Why You Need a Localization Partner and Not Just a Localization Provider
17/09/2024

Why You Need a Localization Partner and Not Just a Localization Provider

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Why You Need a Localization Partner and Not Just a Localization Provider

If you have a localization project in your pipeline, it’s important you understand that finding a localization partner—not just a localization provider—is key to your project success.  

A localization provider (also known as a localization vendor) is a supplier of professional services. Their primary business goal is to encourage more companies to purchase their services. This type of relationship is not collaborative — a vendor will sell you what you want, even if you do not need it or will try to sell you “up” by encouraging you to invest in technology or services that will not provide a return on your investment.  

A partnership on the other hand, is a relationship that is built over time with solid investment from both parties. As partners, both companies share a vision that requires proactive engagement and the implementation of long-term strategies that are beneficial to both parties.

Ready to find your localization partner? Keep reading for more insight into how to find a localization partner and why partnership matters so much. 

How to Find the Right Localization Partner  

Finding the right localization team for your business may not be an easy task. There are multiple aspects you need to consider to make sure they are the perfect match for you and can form a valuable partnership. If you are thinking about adding localization to your growth strategy, then you better look for someone that is going to stay with you for the long run and grow along with you.

Looking for a localization vendor based on just the budget allocated for a specific project may be risky, as you’ll have to start over when the next localization project arises. Instead, having a partner who will work with you to analyze the target markets and create a solid globalization strategy will ensure that your localization efforts bring the desired results.  

Consistency Leads to Partnership 

Working with the same project management team and linguistic team every time you have a localization need will prevent you from having to explain your processes and preferences over and over again. Not to mention, working with the same partner will impact the overall quality of the localization and it will ensure consistency throughout.

If you have a localization partner, you will work with someone who is committed to your success. A true partner will watch out for your best interests. They will also advise you on how best to proceed in certain markets, how you can save money with the right technology and processes, and ultimately how to succeed internationally. A good localization partner puts the interest of their client ahead of their own interests and is someone who will strive to innovate with you while creating solutions to pain points and problems.

A solid localization partner will be someone who you can plan with long-term, allowing you to focus clearly on long-term goals—even if it means giving up a fast and easy sale up front. Localization partners act as colleagues, steering you toward technologies and services that are not only best for your current financial and business goals, but will provide support for a stronger future.

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4 Tips to Improve The Efficiency of Your Localization Workflow
03/09/2024

4 Tips to Improve The Efficiency of Your Localization Workflow

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on 4 Tips to Improve The Efficiency of Your Localization Workflow

Localization is an essential part of business growth and global reach. Regardless of the size of your company, proper localization ensures that your message gets across to potential customers around the world in a clear and effective manner. However, with so many different stages involved—from deciding which content to translate to rolling out localized versions—it can be difficult to manage the process efficiently without overflowing resources or missing crucial steps. 

Keep reading for four tips on how you can streamline and optimize your translation workflow for maximum impact.  

Consider Automating Key Processes 

If you were to analyze your current localization workflow, you’d probably find that a lot of time is usually spent in manual processing. You should consider automating processes wherever it makes sense. Translation management tools are a great example of technology that can really come in handy. They ensure that your localization team stays effective, organized and connected. It’s easy to upload content and make all your modifications instantly, so you won’t experience any disruption in the workflow. Additionally, you can publish any content that is ready immediately, as well as manage more than one team at a go. Through this software, you will have easy access to various vital data anytime and from any device. All this information and more are conveniently stored in one place for quick reference. 

Set Up a Process for Queries & Feedback  

This may not seem obvious at first, but you need to have a process in place to handle queries and feedback efficiently. If there isn’t a clear process to handle the queries the translators may have for you during the project, or the feedback that you may have and needs to be implemented, the whole localization process can be delayed. We recommend creating centralized query sheets and a process for feedback implementation.   

Continue to Monitor and Improve   

Localization workflows are a constantly changing entity, especially in the modern world of business growth and advancement. As many aspects can come into play such as the scope of work, language pairs needed, formats, and volume, it is crucial to monitor how efficient the current workflow is performing to ensure success. This involves confirming that the quality is maintained and that new tools available for use are being properly investigated for how well they might mesh with or simplify existing components of the workflow. Thus, an up-to-date knowledge of both current and emerging software is necessary in order to maintain a streamlined workflow which offers maximum efficiency. 

Team up with an Experienced Localization Partner  

We can’t stress this enough, having the right partner matters. An experienced localization partner is able to design a workflow from scratch so that it meets your specific requirements and needs. They are also able to quickly adapt a workflow to accommodate changing needs.  
A great localization partner will be proactive in suggesting workflow tweaks that reduce time or money, or that at the very least improve the general experience people on the team are having with this workflow.

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Navigating a Multilingual Localization Project: Key Considerations and Tips
26/08/2024

Navigating a Multilingual Localization Project: Key Considerations and Tips

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Navigating a Multilingual Localization Project: Key Considerations and Tips

Embarking on a multilingual localization project can be an exciting but complex endeavor for companies expanding their reach into new markets. The process involves numerous considerations, from finding skilled linguists to managing multiple languages and cultures. In this blog post, we explore essential factors to keep in mind when undertaking a multilingual localization project, offering insights to help you achieve high-quality results and streamline the process. 

Understanding Language Costs and Expertise  

When translating content into multiple languages, it’s important to be aware that translation rates can vary depending on factors such as language pair availability and subject matter expertise. Hiring professional translators who specialize in the required fields ensures accurate and culturally appropriate translations. To optimize your project’s investment, consider comparing translation rates and exploring cost-saving strategies.  

Finding the Right Talent 

One of the most significant challenges in tackling a multilingual localization project is finding the right talent. The complexity lies in identifying linguists who possess the necessary language skills, cultural knowledge, and localization expertise. Evaluating the qualifications of these linguists becomes particularly challenging when you lack proficiency in the target languages, making it difficult to gauge the quality and accuracy of the localized content. Proper research, collaboration with language experts, and leveraging reputable language service providers can help address these challenges and ensure the selection of qualified linguists for successful multilingual localization. 

Effective Project Management 

Managing a multilingual localization project requires meticulous coordination due to multiple stakeholders, deadlines, and potential time zone differences. Establishing a plan to optimize overlapping working hours and strategies to address issues when linguistic teams are offline is crucial for project success. Language service providers employ experienced project managers who handle every aspect of the project, reducing unnecessary stress. They leverage Translation Management Systems (TMS), task lists, spreadsheets, and other tools to ensure seamless project tracking.  

Efficient Handling of Queries 

During the translation process, linguists may have questions to help ensure accuracy and context. Implementing an online query sheet centralizes all inquiries, avoiding repetitive emails and providing linguists with easy access to information. This streamlined approach saves time and promotes efficient communication for the translation team. 

Maintaining Quality and Consistency 

Something to bear in mind as well is how to manage quality and consistency when you’re working with multiple languages and vendors. While we won’t get into detail about this here because it may be too early in the process to worry about that, if this is a concern for you right now, we suggest you take a look at this blog post for helpful insight. 

The Takeaway 

It may seem daunting, but armed with the knowledge of these key considerations, you can approach a multilingual localization project with confidence. Understanding factors such as language costs, working with expert linguists, effective project management, and streamlined communication can significantly enhance the outcome. To make the process smoother, consider partnering with a localization expert who can assess your project’s specific needs and provide invaluable guidance. With the right support, your multilingual localization project can successfully reach diverse audiences and unlock new growth opportunities.

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What Metrics Can Help Measure Localization ROI
13/08/2024

What Metrics Can Help Measure Localization ROI? 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on What Metrics Can Help Measure Localization ROI? 

To help expand their business throughout our modern, global world, countless companies turn to translation and localization to help them successfully enter new markets. While some stakeholders may doubt whether these efforts are worth the cost and time commitment, not localizing content, products, and services to a new target market can be detrimental to the success of a launch. 

One way to assure stakeholders that localization is worth the investment is to present them with cold hard numbers that measure the return on investment (ROI) the company is getting after localization occurs. It can be quite challenging to fully prove ROI for localization, but there are some Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be valuable to examine.  

Let’s take a closer look at the KPIs that can help companies better understand their ROI, as well as which metrics aren’t as valuable as they seem at first glance. 

Ignore Metrics Specific to Localization 

First things first, when trying to establish the ROI on a localization project, it’s important to forget the popular localization metrics of the past. These metrics aren’t as helpful as they seem at first glance and while they may help you evaluate the quality of a localization project, they won’t be able to tell the full story your stakeholders are looking for. 

  • Number of localized words per language 
  • Number of localization errors per language 
  • Average turnaround time 
  • On-time delivery rate 

While the localization team should be looking closely at these metrics to measure efficiency, other stakeholders won’t be able to take much away after reviewing them.  

Common KPIs for Tracking Localization ROI 

The key to finding KPIs that will provide the insight you need is to specifically choose ones that are unique to your industry, company, and product or service. The following KPIs are simply suggestions to get you started. You’ll need to choose the ones that make the most sense for your business, and that align with your goals.  

Some of the most common KPIs for tracking localization ROI include, 

  • Sudden or consistent website traffic increases from a region with a recently localized language 
  • Increased website session length 
  • Decreased bounce rate 
  • Conversion rates on localized landing pages 
  • An increase in market share in a region with a recently localized language 
  • Sudden spikes in lead generation  
  • Usage rates of your product in different markets 
  • Larger number of support tickets per language 

It is a good idea to track the customer experience in the different markets you localized your content and products for. It can also be helpful to conduct a survey to learn more about customer satisfaction and to look for areas where you can improve your localization efforts.  

Patience is Key 

Another important element of localization success to keep in mind is time. Seeing an ROI doesn’t happen overnight. Which is why it can be a good idea to use analytic tools to compare and contrast your KPIs from the period before localizing and the period after. That way, you can see the impact of your efforts over time.  

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How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner
16/07/2024

How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner

In the realm of healthcare and linguistic services selecting a HIPAA-compliant partner is paramount. Doing so helps maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and security of sensitive patient information, safeguarding against data breaches and legal ramifications. A trusted HIPAA-compliant partner not only upholds regulatory standards but also fosters a foundation of trust and reliability crucial for maintaining the highest standards of patient care and confidentiality in the healthcare industry. 

What to consider when choosing your HIPAA-compliant translation partner 

We know how challenging it can be to find a HIPAA-compliant partner. To make this decision easier, we compiled a list of things to consider. 

Expertise and experience 

When selecting a HIPAA translation service provider for your ePHI projects, it’s important to choose a vendor with a reliable reputation in translation and a thorough understanding of the medical field. Since documents containing ePHI can have different intended targets (patients, medical staff, etc.), having the ability to navigate language subtleties is crucial. If you aren’t acquainted with their job, it’s always a good idea to ask about previous related projects or even case studies. You can also check if they are ISO-certified, as this certification illustrates a commitment to quality. 

Training and education 

It’s crucial to evaluate whether they have customized policies, procedures, and training programs tailored to ensure HIPAA compliance. Assess if they regularly conduct training sessions for employees at all levels, covering essential aspects such as data security, patient privacy, and the proper handling of ePHI. A comprehensive approach will demonstrate their commitment to maintaining compliance standards and safeguarding sensitive healthcare data. 

A committed team 

Having qualified people in charge of the translation project is important, but having a team that truly understands what the stakes are and has compliance top of mind when making decisions can make all the difference. A culture of compliance is not easy to cultivate, but a company that promotes it greatly reduces the risks of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. 

Security measures 

It’s a good practice to inquire about the strength of an organization’s cybersecurity measures, which should include encryption, access controls, and detection systems to protect ePHI against hacking. These measures can give you an idea of their proactive approach toward mitigating risks and improving defenses against cybersecurity threats. 

Technology 

The right technology is essential to help mitigate the potential risks associated with ePHI, storing platforms, and translation tools that are vital during the process. Your translation partner should be proactive in adopting new and better technologies. 

Legal and regulatory knowledge 

Double check that your potential partner has a solid team in place that stays up to date with the latest healthcare law and HIPAA regulations. Their Privacy and Security Officers play a huge role in ensuring that your organization receives accurate and current guidance, which reduces the risk of incompliance in every aspect of your workflow. 

The takeaway 

You need a meticulous evaluation process when selecting a HIPAA-compliant language services provider. Organizations should prioritize partners that demonstrate a robust commitment to safeguarding their hardware and software, consistently conducting thorough risk assessments. By aligning with such partners, you can rest easy knowing they will tackle the project with the precision and discretion demanded in this industry and that the integrity of healthcare data is assured. 

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4 Tips to Save Money in Localization
02/07/2024

4 Tips to Save Money in Localization 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on 4 Tips to Save Money in Localization 

Before booking localization services, companies usually allocate a budget for localization services. This budget is something they have to keep an eye on when they’re selecting the localization vendor, as well as once they start sending projects. It’s only logical to want to make the most of that budget, so keep reading for insight into four helpful tips for saving money during a localization project.  

Finalize the Source Content 

First things first, it’s a good idea to double-check that the content you are about to begin localizing is in fact the final version of the content. That way, you won’t have to go back later to make changes when the source material is updated.  

If you send your localization team new content after they begin working, this will lead to spending more money and will extend the localization timeline.  

Prepare a Localization Kit  

It’s true that creating a localization kit is an extra step to take before you start a localization project, but the work you put in upfront can save you money down the road. When you create a thorough localization kit, you give your localization team everything they need to succeed from the start. This helps prevent roadblocks that can cost more money to fix.  

Avoid Manual Processes  

Technology can help you save both time and money. For example, you can use technology to avoid manually exporting and converting files.  

Traditionally, localization involved extracting the content that required translation. It can take hours and possibly even days to collect the required content for a localization project. Once collected, you would transfer that content to a central document—such as a spreadsheet or Word document—and then send it to the translators to work on. 

Once fully translated, you would send this central document to the developers to upload back into the product. This process can be very time-consuming and error-prone. When you use a localization platform, you can do your work in a consolidated place that encourages collaboration and that reduces human errors.  

Employ Experienced Professionals 

All localization projects have varying budgets and it’s important to be mindful of the budget in place. That being said, while it may be tempting to choose the least expensive localization partner, you need to make sure that partner can deliver the quality you’re looking for. When you choose the wrong partner, you risk running into issues such as having to delay your campaign or product launch. You may also spend more time fixing mistakes or may incur fines due to incorrect translations. Not to mention, you risk harming the public perception of your brand. Point being—it’s important to always employ experienced translation professionals.  

The Takeaway 

There are quite a few steps you can take to save money during the localization process all while ensuring you’re working towards a quality end product. It’s important to note that if you are in the midst of a localization project right now, it’s not too late to incorporate some of these tips.  

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How to Build an Internal Localization Team
18/06/2024

How to Build an Internal Localization Team

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on How to Build an Internal Localization Team

Large businesses with international presence usually already have a big and well-established localization team. However, other companies that are just venturing into new markets and do not have a localization team can benefit greatly from building at least a small one. While they will most probably need to hire a localization partner for their localization needs, having a small internal localization team can help them centralize and coordinate the different needs from other departments within the organization and work closely with the localization partner so that their goals are met. 

 
Here’s how you can build an internal localization team that is set up for success from day one.  

Fill the Right Roles 

First things first, you need the right players on your team. 
 

  • Localization Project Manager (LPM)/Program Manager. The most important role on your internal localization team is that of the LPM/Program Manager. While the other roles you’ll need to fill play an important role in a project’s success, the LPM/Program Manager keeps the entire project on track and helps improve communications between internal stakeholders and language providers.  
  • Language lead/lead linguist. The language lead or lead linguist will be the point of contact for all linguistic matters. Some language service providers (LSPs) have their own language lead, but if you have one in your own team, you make sure this person is aligned with your expectations and the needs of your organization, as well as with your organization’s linguistic preferences. When working with different vendors/translators, it’s key to have a person that settles any linguistic matter and can guide the linguists to achieve consistency.  
  • In house reviewer. These individual reviews delivered files and makes sure the expected quality is met and may provide feedback when there are things to fix or if specific instructions were not followed. The LSP may also have a person in charge of reviewing or proofreading the files before delivery, but it’s always good to have someone internally who can double check. 

Look for the Right Qualities 

Your internal localization team needs the following three skills to thrive: 

  • Planning and organization. The many different departments in a company (marketing, HR, legal, finance, etc.) may all need localization services at one point or another. Each department will have projects with unique characteristics, requirements, and deadlines. This is where the planning and organization skills come into play for the LPM, as they need to coordinate all of this with the language service provider. Planning also allows for risk management, which can mean anything from foreseeing potential issues or expectations upfront all the way through plenty of cushion time built into deadlines, so that unexpected occurrences don’t disrupt progress or strain deadlines. In all cases, proper planning often results in less stress and happier clients with top-notch final products. Staying organized is a must to make sure projects run smoothly. Keeping track of all the different aspects that go into a successful localization, such as linguistics, culture, technical details and administration details can be daunting, but it’s important to stay focused.  
  • Technologically savvy. Localization projects are often cutting-edge and continuously evolving, meaning the project managers behind them should be flexible and willing to adapt. Understanding tools such as machine translation engines, term base extraction systems, or software localization platforms is an essential part of localization management in order to lead a successful workflow from start to finish. With the use of modern technologies, the technical skills of project managers can help smooth out processes that may have previously been time consuming for localization teams. Keeping up with emerging tools and coordinating their implementation in the project helps managers ensure a successful project every time. 
  • People management and communication skills. Localization project managers are responsible for leading a team and managing their work with different departments within the client’s organization. It is important to be able to communicate well with other localization specialists and their teams, which can include linguists, software engineers, testers, and desktop publishers, as well as being able to communicate well with the company’s internal stakeholders. Logistics on these projects can become complicated as collaborators may be located in different countries, time zones, and cultures. This can add an extra layer of complexity to the management of team members. For a localization project manager to succeed in this role, it is necessary to have strong people management and communication skills.  

The Takeaway 

Building an internal localization team is one way to ensure that your products and content are accurately translated and culturally relevant. Creating a process and foundation for your team will help them succeed and allow you to focus on other aspects of taking your business global. 

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Nurturing a Culture of Compliance Terra's Journey and Approach
11/06/2024

Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach 

A culture of compliance encompasses a set of values, behaviors, and attitudes guiding individuals within an organization to adhere to policies, procedures, and regulations. This framework facilitates better decision-making at all levels, ensuring alignment with the business’s rules. 

At Terra, our commitment to fostering a culture of compliance goes beyond mere adherence to standards. We emphasize cultivating a sense of belonging and shared purpose among team members. Our dedication to continuous improvement stems from the firm belief that there is always room for enhancement, presenting opportunities for growth and innovation. 

This commitment to compliance is evident in our ISO-certified services maintained since 2019 and our strict adherence to HIPAA regulations. Read on to learn more about how we nurture compliance culture at Terra.  

ISO Certifications 

We strive to select certifications that truly enhance our operations and client services. The ISO 9001 and 17100 standards drive our quality-oriented translation services. 

To maintain these certifications through the years, we develop structured training programs and strategic initiatives to provide each team member with the latest tools and encourage them to embrace new technologies. Throughout this process, we constantly review our procedures. Thanks to these efforts, our team members understand their pivotal role in our quality management system and diligently apply best practices in their daily tasks. 

HIPAA Compliance 

As a language service provider, we have a strong commitment to language access. However, we understand that in the healthcare space specifically, a lot of sensitive and confidential information is shared in the translation projects our client entrusts us. As such, we need to handle these files with the utmost care. The compliance culture we first cultivated among our team with ISO allowed us to pursue HIPAA compliance with confidence. Every individual handling ePHI projects understands the importance of safeguarding this information, shares these values, and does everything in their power to uphold them. 

Compliance is a Team Effort 

If a compliance issue arises, the focus becomes identifying the root cause of the problem—not the person responsible for it. During non-conformity analyses, individuals from diverse company teams work together to examine deviations, gain a deeper comprehension of the origin of the problem, and collectively devise solutions. 

While compliance is mainly an internal process, external validation is essential to maintain our clients’ trust. Terra hires experienced external auditors to conduct comprehensive reviews. These internal audits are invaluable learning experiences, where team members see firsthand the impact their compliance efforts have on the team results. This independent evaluation leaves no room for improvisation. At the same time, it enables us to identify areas for improvement in our processes. 

The Takeaway 

Fostering a culture of compliance isn’t easy, but organizations that prioritize it set themselves up for long-term success. At Terra, we navigate the path to continuous improvement with a compass of transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

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