word of advice
22.03.2021
Alingua
Today’s post brings our series on ISO certifications to an end. It enables you to look at various standards from a different perspective and learn about their real influence on the enterprise’s operation. In case of entities offering translation services, the ISO 17100 standard is undoubtedly of utmost importance, as it provides an objective confirmation of diligent translation. ISO 17100:2015 content – interpretation and important aspects The version published in 2015 contains a complex, extensive set of guidelines covering every aspect of a translation agency’s operation. Contents of ISO 17100 include stringent requirements regarding processes, resources and qualifications of coworkers, ensuring consistent, high quality of performed translations. It should also be highlighted that the standard concerns written translations. Even though audits are usually performed at translation agencies, the certification may also be granted to independent, stable translation teams and translation departments at large firms and institutions. ISO 17100:2015 is the first standard providing such detailed requirements for translation agencies. The prerequisite to obtain the certification is thorough knowledge regarding human resources and administrative processes taking place during service completion. Foreign business partners treat the certification as a sign of credibility and professionalism. Such a company stands out from the competition. Moreover, it is an extensive source of industry nomenclature, precisely defining over 40 terms, many of which were subject to long-lasting disputes. How does official text that can be found in the content of the ISO 17100 standard relate to daily operation of a translation agency? ISO 17100 requirements vs daily work in the translation industry The wide range of aspects covered by the updated standard includes not only the sole act of translating, but also the accompanying actions – such as customer service, skillful use of CAT tools or translation memories, task automation and project management. It is the prerequisites regarding human resources and professional qualification, however, that are the core of the ISO 17100 standard. According to the text, translations performed by a certified entity…