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Ensuring Quality in Translation: the Importance of ISO Certifications
Madrid, 19/01/2024
In today's business environment, large international companies are looking not only for efficient translation services, but also for guarantees of quality, safety, and professionalism.
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To meet these expectations, translation companies should consider obtaining ISO certifications, both specific and generic, that reflect their commitment to excellence in their processes and services. In this article we are going to analyse the most relevant ISOs within the translation industry in order to understand their adding value to the service provided.

ISO 17100:2015 Certification

ISO 17100:2015 certification was specifically created for Language Service Providers (LSPs) and sets out detailed requirements to ensure a standard of excellence at every stage of the process.

This ISO becomes essential for LSPs in cases where the quality of the translation is critical to their operations. This may include legal documents, commercial contracts, product manuals or marketing material.

In sectors such as legal, pharmaceutical, or industrial, where accuracy and consistency are paramount, ISO 17100 provides specific assurance that translation service providers meet the most stringent requirements.

LSPs certified under the ISO 17100 standard guarantee the exceptional competence of their staff, which means highly qualified Project Managers, translators and proofreaders, among other possible professionals needed throughout the work process.

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It also establishes a rigorous framework for quality controls throughout the translation process to ensure terminological consistency, accuracy, and fluency in the final result.

This certification not only validates the LSP’s technical capability, but also ensures efficient management of projects, deadlines and resources. For the client, this translates into the confidence of receiving high quality translation services that meet recognised international standards and enhances the multinational company's global communication and reputation.




ISO 18587:2017 Certification

In the context of a technology-driven world, where multinational companies are increasingly adopting machine translation to streamline processes, ISO 18587 certification emerges as an essential quality mark.

This certification, designed to guarantee the proofreading by a human professional linguist of output generated by machine translation systems (what we call in the industry "post-editing"), validates the ability of LSPs to refine and enrich machine output and ensures the consistency and accuracy of the final content.

ISO 18587 becomes crucial in scenarios where machine translation (MT) works as a strategic tool. Multinational companies that rely on the efficient translation of large volumes of information, such as technical reports or internal documentation, find in this certification the guarantee that the post-editing not only meets but exceeds expectations and is able to ensure accurate and clear final content.

Achieving ISO 18587 certification implies a tangible commitment to continuous improvement. Certified LSPs demonstrate not only the ability to proofread and refine MTs, but also a constant dedication to evaluating and updating their processes in line with the latest technological trends. This translates into offering services that optimise efficiency and ensure the delivery of high quality and consistent end results.




ISO 9001:2015 Certification

The quest for quality in translation extends beyond the language services themselves and encompasses all operational aspects of a company. In this context, ISO 9001 certification stands out as a comprehensive commitment to excellence.

By establishing requirements for an effective Quality Management System (QMS), this certification encourages LSPs to follow rigorous processes in all phases of their operation.

For multinational companies that rely on ISO 9001-certified translation services, every stage, from initial project management to final delivery, is immersed in processes that seek continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Transparency in management, efficiency in procedures and attention to detail become fundamental pillars that define the quality experience offered by these companies.

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Certification

While ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification is not considered essential in the translation industry, its presence in a translation company adds an additional level of security assurance, crucial in an environment where multinational companies handle sensitive data. This certification sets standards for an Information Security Management System (ISMS) to ensure that the LSP implements effective measures to preserve the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information.

The implementation of secure access policies, encryption of sensitive data during transmission and storage, proactive vigilance against cyber threats and continuous training of staff in information security are concrete examples of measures taken in implementing this quality standard.

This certification is not only a statement of commitment to security but also a clear indicator that robust practices are in place and maintained to protect sensitive data and documents against security threats in an increasingly digital and connected world.




ISO 13485:2018 certification

Depending on the area of specialisation and the direction taken by a specific LSP, there are very specific quality standards. This is the case with ISO 13485, a quality standard focused on the bio-health industry.

This standard becomes a critical component in ensuring the accuracy and quality of the services offered in the different branches of the bio-health sector. The certification establishes the requirements of a Quality Management System (QMS) specific to medical devices and related products and ensures that the company meets rigorous standards in this highly regulated sector.

LSPs that achieve ISO 13485 certification demonstrate a commitment to quality and accuracy in the translation of critical documents for the healthcare industry. By following the protocols established by this standard, they ensure that technical terminology and regulatory information, crucial to regulatory compliance and patient safety, is understood and accurately conveyed.

In this context, ISO 13485 certification not only guarantees linguistic quality, but also ensures that the LSP implements specific processes to preserve the integrity and consistency of medical device-related content. Accuracy in the translation of manuals, labels and technical documentation becomes critical, backed by adherence to recognised international industry standards.





ISO 14001:2015 Certification

When it comes to specialised translations, ISO 14001 certification stands out as an essential hallmark for companies committed to sustainable environmental practices. This standard sets out requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS) to ensure that the company implements effective measures to minimise its environmental impact and promote sustainability.

For specialised LSPs, particularly those focused on sectors such as renewable energy, ecology or green technologies, ISO 14001 certification is essential, as it ensures that the translation of documents related to environmental practices, sustainability reports and green policies is carried out with an approach that supports and reflects the principles of environmental responsibility.

Being ISO 14001 certified gives multinational companies the confidence that their translation provider is not only an expert in environmental terminology, but also operates with an environmentally conscious perspective. Reducing the carbon footprint associated with translation services becomes an added value that allows multinational companies to meet their sustainability goals and, at the same time, gain access to accurate and environmentally specialised translation.