Computer-Assisted Translation of XML Files

The client

Our client is an award-winning, Scandinavian manufacturer of platform and personal lifts with locations in Europe and Asia. To this day, more than 25,000 buildings have been equipped with these lifts.

The project

Four different system manuals in XML format were to be translated from English into French, German, Polish, Swedish and Norwegian and delivered as XML files for further processing. The project consisted of 13,500 words per language with a processing time of 6 to 7 working days.

The challenge

In XML files, the content is embedded in so-called “tags”. The tags themselves, as well as parts of the content which were marked by special “attributes” were not supposed to be translated. The client gave us detailed instructions regarding the individual attributes, which were to be complied with for all documents and languages. The use of company-specific terminology was self-evident.

The implementation

• Step 1: We reduced the complexity of the project by using a CAT tool (computer-assisted translation). Our IT specialist programmed the tool via the “tag settings”, thus content with “not to be translated” attributes was automatically blocked for translation.
• Step 2: We imported the XML files and the existing client terminology into the tool and compiled translation packages in which all instructions of the client were pre-set. Verification of the translation was then done directly in the CAT tool.
• Step 3: We exported the finished translations per language as XML files and delivered the project in due time.

The result

By using a CAT tool, we ensured a secure and efficient project process. Thus, there was no need to manually comply with the specific instructions of our client for each document. This resulted in a higher translation quality since our translators were able to fully concentrate on their skills.