Gemino localises one of the medical industry’s most successful archiving tools

From the German to the Italian software version in just two weeks: a clear example of how outsourcing software localisation can really pay off. With Gemino’s support, the Italian version of a popular software tool used by doctors was completed earlier than anticipated – without sacrificing quality. The result: the software hit the market sooner than expected and is already generating revenue.

The situation

Our client is one of the world’s leading e-health companies. With over 3,000 employees in 20 countries, the company is active in developing and optimising software solutions for the medical industry. One of our client’s most successful products is a software tool used for archiving information about patients in medical offices and clinics. The software stores all data in a permanent and legally compliant way – making it absolutely essential to use expert precision in translating the software for other markets and languages. Our client commissioned Gemino GmbH to produce the Italian version of the software and the corresponding Italian and English user manuals – which we successfully accomplished.

The assignment

The software had originally been developed in Germany for the German market. Our client then chose to commission Gemino for the English and Italian translation of the user manual and for the Italian translation of the software. The following aspects led the client to outsource the project to Gemino:

• The client’s in-house employees could remain focused on their core tasks rather than on translation.
• The schedule and procedure for the translation would not be disrupted by the employees’ other pressing tasks.
• The completed translations could be reused for future projects, which would save time and costs.

Following an initial analysis and a discussion of the product, the specifications and the technical details, we then finalised the project’s key requirements together:

• Guaranteed translation quality: Only specialist translators with training in the respective field would be used.
• Flexible processes: With an outsourced translation, responding quickly to corrections and requests is just as important as working in close consultation with specialists on the client’s end in matters of terminology and writing style.
• Adherence to the schedule
• Cost transparency: Gemino first prepares a detailed quote and a recommended course of action.

Speedy delivery and flexible processes were not the only deciding factors; our client also had the liberty to vary the scope and the cost of the project, based on the particular needs. Gemino can handle the localisation of both software and user manuals (the full project scope, including testing), or it can localise the software or the user manual alone. Gemino is also able step in and assist when the client experiences shortages in its own internal localisation, or take over the project completely at any time. Furthermore, Gemino is able to use the client’s internal localisation software, Sisulizer, without a problem.

This kind of flexibility made it easy for the client to switch from its previous in-house translation solutions to an external service provider.

The implementation

Gemino was commissioned to translate the user manual from German into English and Italian, and to translate the software into Italian. For the localisation of the software, the client benefited from Gemino’s comprehensive expertise in handling a wide range of translation and localisation tools. Gemino was able to use the client’s preferred localisation tool, Sisulizer, without restrictions and without needing a training period. After just 12 days, the localised Italian software was ready for testing in Italy, as scheduled.

For the translation of the user manual into English, Gemino first translated a single chapter, then discussed feedback from the client and took it into account during the translation of the entire document. The Gemino project manager served as the interface between the client and the Gemino translators. Since the English version of the user manual would also be distributed in non-English-speaking countries, it was translated into clear, easy-to-understand English without idiomatic expressions. The latest translation memory technology was used during the translation process. With the help of translation memory systems, translations are stored in databases and can be reused at any time. This saves both time and costs, while also raising the level of consistency and quality of the language used. It allowed the translation of the user manual to be completed quickly, and the costs which were saved by using the translation memory were passed along to the client.

Conclusion

Gemino’s quick and flexible realisation of the localisation projects accelerated the products’ time-to-market – time that can be used for selling the software tool in the respective countries.