[Case Study] Overcoming the hurdles of machine translation implementation

Previously, as a hurdle to introducing machine translation,
we introduced our customers' voices regarding "engine operation" and "glossary creation".

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[Case Study] Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Machine Translation - Solving Issues with Engine Implementation and Terminology Creation -

This time, I would like to talk about another hurdle, "consensus building among stakeholders."

● Difficult to obtain agreement from stakeholders?

So far, on this blog, we have mainly introduced points and know-how for maximizing the effectiveness of machine translation.

However, in reality, it is often difficult to reach an agreement on implementing machine translation.
There are many cases where there is difficulty in coordinating between superiors and translators.

Among our clients who we are consulting,
there are many cases where there are concerns and resistance from in-house translators and related departments,
and it is difficult to introduce machine translation.

- Is the quality really okay with machine translation?
- There's no way to streamline with machine translation
- Will the work of translators decrease?

No matter how advanced the machine translation engine may be,
to a professional translator who is familiar with the company's documents,
there are still many areas that are insufficient in detail.
Many people question whether it is acceptable to submit work with this "imperfect quality".
As someone involved in the project,
you may also have doubts about whether the introduction of machine translation will truly improve efficiency.

So, let's introduce one of the means to reach an agreement with project stakeholders.

●The important thing is the voice of the actual reader.

To achieve consensus on the introduction of machine translation, it is effective to "clearly define and share quality standards" with stakeholders.

Let's introduce some case studies from actual projects.
In the manual production department of a certain company,
they were considering implementing machine translation for product manuals.

However, there were doubts from internal stakeholders about the quality and cost-effectiveness of machine translation.
The person in charge had a hard time reaching an agreement among the stakeholders.
There were concerns about whether the quality of machine translation was truly sufficient for use as a manual, even with human corrections.
It seems that there were many worries about the additional workload for corrections.

Therefore, in order to promote consensus among stakeholders, we have asked you to have an image of translation quality and to demonstrate cost-effectiveness with specific numbers. We have assisted with the verification process.

As a verification, we prepared three post-edit samples, A, B, and C, for each correction level, and evaluated which level could be used without any problems in practical use.
The key point here is that the translation quality was confirmed by the local sales representatives, who are closest to the users.

As a result, it was determined that with modifications of level B or higher, the quality would be suitable for practical use.

And based on the quality evaluation results,
we calculated the expected time for translation modification for each level of translation,
and also presented the cost-effectiveness of introducing machine translation.
In this way, by clearly defining the quality standards for machine translation
and visualizing them through sample translations,
we were able to obtain agreement from stakeholders for the introduction of machine translation.

Ultimately, machine translation is introduced with comprehensive consideration of quality standards and cost-effectiveness,
using the highest level of quality standards.

In fact, we received feedback from our clients that they were able to confirm the voices of our sales staff who actually contacted them on site, and were able to quantify the cost-effectiveness. This helped convince translators and project members, and made the introduction of machine translation go smoothly.

Setting quality standards is an important point when introducing machine translation, regardless of whether there is internal agreement or not. It may be useful to clarify and define translation quality standards within the company while also using it as a tool to reach consensus on the introduction of machine translation.

In particular, by referring to the voices of the readers, as in this case, it will be possible to give more credibility to the quality standards that are originally required.
It will also reduce the need for human resources to be devoted to documents of sufficient quality even with machine translation alone.
On the other hand, it can also prevent situations where machine translation is introduced carelessly for documents that actually require high-quality human translation.

When setting and reaching agreements on quality standards within the company,
it may be helpful to utilize consulting services such as ours
and incorporate objective opinions from third parties,
which can help facilitate a smooth process.
We also provide support for internal stakeholders to reach agreements
and ensure that everyone is satisfied with the introduction of machine translation.
Please feel free to contact us.

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Blog Writing Team

Yuriko Sawada

・As a Localization Specialist,
I am involved in translation projects from Japanese to English and multiple languages.
・I am responsible for introducing machine translation, evaluating and verifying the quality of multiple engines,
and exchanging information with engine vendors.
・I am involved in standardizing English text quality and creating style guides for companies,
and also conduct research and verification of source texts that are easy to machine translate.