In companies of SME scale the translation request usually comes through a single door: a support application, an export opportunity or a client abroad. In these jobs the budget is limited, the schedule is tight and there is no in-house resource; that is why determining the right scope at the outset is the most valuable contribution.
Definition of scale
Scale is defined by number of employees and financial size. The definition is used in support applications. The criterion is documented.
Declaration of scale
In applications a declaration concerning scale is requested. The declaration is supported by documents. The list is prepared.
Support application files
Support programmes publish their own list of documents. The list is read from the specification. The scope comes from there.
Priority of the specification
Which document is to be translated is written in the specification. No assumption is made. The source is primary.
Project application texts
The project description and the budget tables are prepared. The text must be persuasive but accurate. A balance is struck.
Budget tables
Numerical fields are carried over exactly. The separator format is made subject to a rule. A check is made.
Export documents
Sales abroad produce foreign trade documents. The documents verify one another. The check is made at file level.
Product catalogue
Promotional materials call for a different competence. Style comes to the fore. The team is chosen accordingly.
Technical product documents
The user manual and the technical data sheets are a separate set. The terms are specific to the field. A list is set up.
Certificates and test reports
Product documents are translated for clients abroad. Numerical fields are sensitive. A layer is added.
The reality of a limited budget
Resources are limited and unnecessary scope is felt directly. The scope is determined with care. The recommendation is made honestly.
Recommending a narrower scope
Documents that are not needed are taken off the list. This recommendation protects the client's budget. The approach is permanent.
Deciding the certification level
Not every document requires a certified translation. The expectation is asked. An unnecessary step is avoided.
No in-house resource
The company may have no personnel who know translation. The process is managed from outside. Guidance produces value.
Setting up the term list
The list set up in the first job is used in later jobs. The investment is small. The gain is cumulative.
Recurring documents
The catalogue and technical documents are retranslated as they are updated. The memory makes this repetition cheaper. The difference is measured.
Time pressure
Application and trade fair calendars are fixed. The plan is built backwards. An early start is made.
The growth stage
As the company grows the document volume increases and order has to be established. The transition is planned. The infrastructure is prepared.
The right scope is decisive
At this scale the greatest contribution is not fast translation but saying at the outset which document really needs to be translated and at what level it needs to be certified; the wrong scope wastes a significant part of a limited budget. The question is asked at the start of the job. The recommendation is given openly.
Limits of liability
What is described here is for information purposes and does not replace a legal or financial opinion. Assessment in matters of support legislation belongs to the authorised persons. The limit is stated.