As the world rapidly adopts A.I. into almost every sphere of industry, the A.I has emerged as a transformative force in the way we approach translation. With businesses expanding their operations globally and communication (and legal) barriers becoming increasingly complex, the demand for accurate and efficient translation solutions is at an all-time high.
While A.I. tends to be perceived as a technological disruptor, it has the potential to be your translation team’s most powerful ally. In pursuit of improved accuracy, seamless integration, and unparalleled language service excellence, we delve into the best practices and strategies for adapting your translation team for A.I. adoption.
Assessment and Planning
A vital starting point for any business looking to integrate A.I. into its translation team is to assess your team’s current capabilities. By understanding the finer details of operations, it becomes easier to identify areas where A.I. could complement and benefit the team. It is key to include the translation team in these discussions and, together, to define clear objectives and key performance indicators to be able to measure the positive impact of the A.I. solution that is ultimately adopted.
Select the Right A.I. Translation Solution
Once there is a clear understanding of the areas for possible improvement through the adoption of A.I., comprehensive research into the A.I. tools or platforms that may be implemented is critical. There are thousands of tools and platforms available - and this number seems to grow every day. Ensure to consider compatibility with existing workflows, availability of language pairs, and A.I. training and customization options, before making your choice of A.I. solution. Your translation team will more readily adopt a tool that actually aligns to their specific needs, rather than one that has all the bells and whistles, just for the sake of having them.
Team Training and Skills Development
A huge factor in preparing your translation team for the incorporation of A.I. into their daily activities is the training they receive. Workshops, online courses, and certifications that enhance their skills in using A.I. technology will not only ease the transition, but ensure the true benefits of A.I. are realised.
One such certification is the free Alexa Translations course, entitled The Foundations of Machine Learning in A.I. Translations, which covers everything from the history of A.I. to specific methods to optimize your A.I. translation solution. The course is available starting in October 2023, and will be made available on-demand for those unable to join the live sessions. You can register here.
It is also imperative that your A.I. translation partner offers adequate training and support for you and your team. Look for partners who include free ongoing training, unlimited support and a dedicated project manager. This will ensure your team receives the help they need to succeed, now and in the future.
Quality Assurance and Success Measurement
One reason to adopt A.I. for your translation team is to streamline your translation process - this requires a robust quality assurance process and success measurement. As repetitive and large-scale tasks are handled by A.I., the translation team’s responsibility shifts to include post-editing collaboration and success tracking. It is important to discuss the strategies and methods for both of these with the team to ensure translation quality is maintained and a clear vision for success is understood, and achieved.
Change Management and Open Communication
There are bound to be concerns amongst your translation team members when it comes to the risks and possible problems with A.I. adoption. To this end, effective change management is a must within the team. Highlight the importance of, and the need for, open communication while addressing concerns. Encouraging team members to ask questions and speak openly is a great way to foster a culture of adaptability and trust within the team, especially when evaluating tools like A.I..
WIth the adoption of any transformative technology, there exists the possibility for bumps on the road to integration. However, by following these practices and strategies, you and your translation team will be able to unlock a new realm of translation accuracy and efficiency, ultimately positioning your team for success in a rapidly changing global landscape.
It is key to remember that the future of translation is a fusion of human expertise and A.I.-powered speed and precision. By keeping in mind that technology is a tool, and your team’s skills, training and dedication are the driving force for success, you’ll be able to harness the full benefits of their synergy.
As a starting point, register for our FREE 4-week Foundations of A.I. in Machine Translation certification course, intended to empower your team to leverage A.I. for seamless, accurate, efficient, and professional translations.
