Methodology
Different phases of a typical language audit
Analysis and planning
The scope of a language audit is determined in line with management expectations, and will first assess the following questions: what are the current language requirements and content types, which business units will be involved, what is the translation vendor strategy? During the course of this engagement, a senior business expert will be assigned and will be responsible for the successful completion of the audit and implementation phase.
Information gathering
Online surveys and on-site interviews with the main stakeholders lead to an assessment of all aspects of the translation process: volumes, spending, internal and external resources involved, translation quality, tools and assets. Management objectives and pain points identified by the staff are brought to the surface.
Data processing and analysis
The actual task of ‘translation’ is just a small part of the overall process. For each of the steps in the necessary supporting functions, like ‘project management’, ‘engineering’, ‘validation’ and ‘DTP’, the Cross Language business experts will measure the level of integration, automation, visibility, scalability, redundancy and quality control. Adopting our proprietary methodology will result in a performance score for each business unit and translation vendor in terms of control and efficiency.
Reporting
The final report contains a consolidation of all findings, a SWOT analysis, benchmarking information, volume and cost projections and recommendations. Final deliverables include a detailed roadmap for implementing these recommendations, including a timeline, benefits and the required resources. The project concludes with a preliminary business case assessment and a management presentation.
Cross Language Key Performance Indicators
- Solution driven: we can implement the solutions we recommend and provide guidance in the early stages of implementation in order to streamline and quickly reach user acceptance.
- Independence: we have no proprietary technologies, and will select the best solution for your specific requirements focusing on your context.
- Experience: we have extensive hands-on experience with the main translation technologies and are able to zoom in on product features and link them to your specific context.
- Return on investment: the language audit serves as an instrument to predict potential savings from the recommended solutions. It becomes a reference point for post-implementation ROI calculations.
Cross Language has completed audits for many companies in IT, Telecom, life sciences, manufacturing and language services industries for both global multi-site operations and single locations. Customers also ask Cross Language to select technologies, give strategic advice and solve general translation business issues.