Starting a project
Can we discuss a project before all source material is final?
A file list, representative sample and description of expected changes can support an initial assessment. Identify approved material, content still subject to change and the person responsible for issuing the final version. Whether work can begin in batches depends on content dependencies, review arrangements and the impact of updates.
How should we respond when reviewers disagree?
First establish which internal reviewer has decision authority, then issue a consolidated conclusion. Alternative views can remain available for discussion, but distinguish proposals from approved instructions. For disputed subject facts, provide the supporting reference before the wording is finalised.
Can you work only on parts of an existing translation?
Provide the source, corresponding translation and reason for revision, stating whether the aim is error correction, terminology alignment or clearer writing. Define the coverage of a partial review. Passages outside it should not be treated as fully reviewed, and connected context may also need checking.
Can the translation supply information missing from the source?
Verify the missing information and its source first. Translation normally represents the material actually supplied. Customer-approved additions may be distinguished in notes or a separate explanation, with their basis recorded, so readers do not mistake later information for an original entry.
Files and deliverables
Can OCR text be used directly as the source?
Keep the scanned images and check the recognised text, especially names, numbers, tables and seals. OCR text can make editing easier, but the images remain necessary for verification. Mark missing characters, misplaced columns and unrecognised passages for confirmation.
Should differences in names or addresses across documents be made consistent first?
Retain each source and list the differences and any known reasons, with established spellings or amendment records for verification. Do not edit source images or hide entries merely to make them match. Treatment of former names, current names and address differences should follow the recorded facts and confirmed purpose.
What should I do if I receive several versions and cannot tell which to use?
Check the delivery list for file status and source mapping rather than relying only on email dates or the word 'final' in filenames. Ask the project contact to confirm the filename you intend to use. Mark superseded copies in internal records to prevent them from circulating again.
If one term changes, is a single replacement enough?
Check whether the decision affects other passages, figures, attachments or languages, including grammar and cross-references. Provide the basis and scope of the new term, identify connected occurrences and then update consistently. Identical-looking words in different contexts should not be replaced indiscriminately.
Quality and confidentiality
Can procurement documents describe SENIOR TRANS credentials as LinkTrans credentials?
First verify the certificate holder and scope, then confirm the exact names to use in contracts, quotations and procurement records. When describing the SENIOR TRANS framework, retain the entity relationship rather than replacing the certificate holder with a brand name. Specify the verification purpose and documents needed when requesting credential information.
What should we specify if we already have a subject reviewer?
Define the reviewer's subject responsibility, terminology references and method for consolidating comments. Identify content that requires their approval before finalisation. Comments should include source locations and reasons, distinguishing factual corrections, terminology preferences and stylistic changes so they can be applied consistently.
Can confidentiality documents be agreed before complete files are sent?
Raise the requirement and share proposed terms, identifying the parties, material categories, access scope, tool restrictions and retention arrangements. Transfer the required material after the terms and receipt method are agreed. Confirm the practicality of any special handling instructions before relying on them.
What should I do if I send unnecessary or incorrect material?
Promptly use the established project channel to identify filenames, sending time, recipients and the material to withdraw or replace, and specify the new valid version. Subsequent action should account for actual distribution and existing agreements, with the outcome recorded. An ordinary email action does not establish deletion from every location.
