Granitnaturalny.pl is a dynamically developing online store specializing in the sale of a wide range of natural stone products, such as granite and marble. The company’s goal was to expand its operations into the German market, and a key element of this strategy was the comprehensive translation of its online store into German.
Translation through Post-Editing: Optimizing Costs and Work Time While Maintaining High Quality
Before delving into the details of the project, it is worth noting the option they chose for translating the website, namely translation through post-editing with proofreading by a native speaker. This is an effective choice that combines the speed of machine translation with the accuracy and naturalness provided by human intervention. This process involves using a translation engine for the initial translation of the text and then submitting it to verification by an experienced post-editor.
This primarily means reducing the costs and turnaround time, in comparison to a traditional translation. Machine translation with post-editing is particularly beneficial for large amounts of text, and may include product descriptions for online stores or technical documentation.
It allows the rapid availability of content in multiple languages, which means faster entry into new markets and increases competitiveness. In addition, post-editing ensures terminological consistency throughout the project, while the work of a proofreader, who is a native speaker, guarantees that the final text is linguistically correct, is understandable to the target audience, and maintains the appropriate style and tone.
Challenges During the Project
In addition to translating nearly 3,000 products, this project presented us at Skrivanek with a number of unique challenges:
1. Industry Specificity: The translations required not only fluency in German but also specialized knowledge of stonemasonry and construction, as well as adherence to selected keywords.
2. Time frame: The project had a tight schedule, requiring efficient coordination of the team activities.
3. Graphic Editing: Many of the icons and tables with dimensions were in a format that prevented direct translation.
4. Manual Data Processing: Here there was a need for a graphic designer to manually prepare performance tables and upload them to the administration panel of each product description.
(Example of icons requiring preparation by a graphic designer).
(Example of a table requiring preparation by a graphic designer).
5. CSV Data Import: Some issues with importing the list of products translated into German from a CSV file meant that many product names to be changed in the Polish version as well, requiring manual intervention.
Solution
We undertook this complex task by engaging a suitable team: a translator/post-editor and a native speaker proofreader, both of whom specialize in the industry, as well as a DTP team and various integration specialists. The key elements of our approach included:
- In-depth Analysis: Our team thoroughly analysed the content of the store to understand the specifics of the products and identify technical challenges.
- Glossary Creation: A terminological glossary was developed based on the client’s keywords, ensuring consistency and precision in the translations. The client was also consulted concerning terms used in the translation process to jointly select the best industry vocabulary.
- Translation and Proofreading: An experienced translator/post-editor worked on the text in batches, while a native German native speaker proofread it to ensure its naturalness and linguistic correctness.
- DTP Support: Our DTP department prepared translated icons and tables with dimensions, which were then manually uploaded to the administration panel.
- Technical Support and Data Correction: Our technical team supported the import of CSV data, correcting errors and ensuring consistency in all the information. They also frequently consulted Shoper support, which aided solving the problems encountered on an ongoing basis.
- Close Cooperation with the Client: A key element of success was the close and transparent communication with the client. The understanding, openness to suggestions, and active support from Granitnaturalny.pl enabled us to effectively overcome the difficulties encountered. Without this partnership, the implementation of the project would have been difficult.
Results
Thanks to the joint efforts and collaborative partnership, Granitnaturalny.pl successfully entered the German market. The store gained new customers, increased sales, and built the image of a professional supplier of natural stone, even outside the country.
(The website translated into German).
Summary
The translation of the Granitnaturalny.pl online store into German was a demanding and labour-intensive project, but thanks to our flexibility, professionalism, and support from the client, it was a success. This shows that successful expansion into foreign markets requires not only high-quality translations but also close cooperation and mutual understanding between the translation agency and the client.
We are grateful to Granitnaturalny.pl for their trust and partnership approach.
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