You may have heard about CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools before. However, have you ever thought about why they are required and who benefits from them? Those who don’t have much knowledge about such tools must understand that they benefit professional translators, language service providers (LSPs), and individuals addressing worldwide audiences.
Their job is to help human translators transfer the intent of text between multiple languages quickly and efficiently. CAT tools are required to streamline processes involving tons of data requiring translation. They can help large organizations increase their productivity and efficiency. These tools will also help translators enhance and maintain consistency across various content translations regardless of language.
Using CAT tools for translators also reduces errors because of the built-in quality check mechanism. Above all, these tools are the perfect way to ensure cost-effectiveness because of the reduction of repetitive work and streamlined project management with advanced tracking mechanisms. However, choosing the right CAT tool could be a real headache.
If you don’t know the tips to opt for the right option by conducting a CAT tools comparison, things can turn into a mess. Hence, this article is here to help you choose the right CAT tool for your translation projects that fits your requirements by outlining various tips. Read on to benefit from it.
Tips for Choosing the Right CAT Tool
CAT tools for translators are like machine-based assistants, making their lives easier. However, it only becomes possible when you choose the right option. While opting for a CAT tool for your translation projects, you must consider several factors. Doing so will help you get your hands on a tool that fits your requirements and delivers what you need without compromising quality.
Here are some tips that will help you conduct a CAT tools comparison based on your needs and align the chosen option perfectly with the translation projects.
Be Mindful of Project Scope and Volume of Content
When looking for the right tool capable of offering bespoke computer-assisted translation services, always consider the scope of the project you are working on. In addition to project scope, you must keep the content volume you need to translate in mind. Keeping these factors in mind will help you opt for the right tool. Suppose the translation project you are working on is small. There is no need to go behind robust, high-end options that don’t fit your budget.
Such tools may also require technical expertise to ensure proper integration. A better way to handle small translation projects is by opting for a CAT tool that offers a friendly interface and falls in an affordable price bracket. When you look for such a tool, you may end up finding a free one that is tailor-made to fit your needs. Conversely, if you want to work on a large and comparatively far complex translation project involving various languages, choosing a robust tool with all advanced features at your disposal would be the right choice.
Consider Language Pairs Before Making the Final Call
One of the key points to consider when choosing a CAT tool to work on a translation project is language pairs. Paying attention to the language pairs while opting for a particular tool will help you determine whether it supports the various language combinations you need to ensure accurate translations of repetitive content. Doing so will also help you become aware of the ability of the CAT tool to offer dedicated packs or specific features required to work with challenging language pairs.
CAT tools use language pairs to store and retrieve previously translated text segments. These pairs are essential parts of the TM (translation memory). These pairs play a key role in pacing and streamlining the process when repetitive content comes for translation. Hence, language pairs can streamline the process by allowing human translators to work fast and reducing the time and effort required to work on recurring translations.
Focus on Features and Functionalities of CAT Tools
When you are doing research and performing a comparison of CAT tools to choose the right option, you pay close attention to their features and functionalities. Don’t get deceived or distracted by a big name. Rely on your observation and experience before making a final call. Understanding the features and functionalities of various CAT tools for translators will make the process easier. So here are a few features and functionalities you must keep in mind while looking for the right CAT tool.
- Size and Organization of Translation Memory hold a key role in the working of a CAT tool. It could be highly helpful in reusing previously translated segments to enhance productivity and consistency.
- Terminology Management is also pivotal in ensuring consistency. Several terminologies are used similarly across various languages. The terminology management offered by a CAT tool enables human translators to create and organize glossaries to ensure consistent usage of terminology across various translations.
- Machine Translation Integrations should be considered while choosing a CAT tool to determine its ability to integrate with existing MT engines, especially when you are looking to use them for initial drafts of translations.
- Quality Assurance Mechanism should be a must in the CAT tool you plan to use for your translation projects. Doing so will not make you look for an advanced grammar tool to look for flaws like spelling and grammar mistakes. Additionally, it will help you perform consistency checks to ensure the quality of translations performed with the collaboration of machine translation and human professionals.
Seek Optimum User Experience
Optimum user experience takes center stage when it comes to a tool doing justice to its job. Suppose the tool fails to offer a friendly user interface and ease of use. In that case, human translators may fail to leverage it perfectly, and a complicated interface may compromise the quality of translations. Given this, it is your job to opt for a CAT tool capable of offering an intuitive interface that fits your preferred workflow and ensures optimum user experience.
In addition to user experience, it is essential to ensure that professionals assigned the job of translating content know how to make the most of the given tool. So, choose one that comes to the forefront in terms of the learning curve. It should offer an easily understandable dashboard and simple navigation so users can easily make the most of the CAT editor. You should also consider the support base and training resources before making the final call to put your hands on the best tool.
Pay Attention to Pricing and Licensing
It is worth mentioning that cost doesn’t measure the quality of output given by a tool. You still need to consider the pricing and licensing of the tool you want to select. You must determine whether the cost structure available for the usage of a CAT tool fits your budget and fulfills your needs. The cost structures offered by various tools may vary depending on the pricing model. While some tools are available on per-user or per-segment pricing models, you may need to subscribe to use others.
You should also take care of licensing before making the final call. What if the licensing options fail to fit the various needs of your translation project? All the money you have spent to get your hands on a particular tool will go in vain. Hence, it is more than essential to go with the tool that offers flexibility in its licensing options so that you can use it to fulfill your project needs without any hesitation or restriction. Avail the free trials to assess the software’s ability to fit your needs and then pay for it.
Compatibility and Integration Should Be Given a Thought
The selection of CAT tools for translators should not be limited to the consideration of project scope, language pairs, features, user experience, pricing, and licensing. You must also give it a thought to its compatibility and integration as well. The tool you choose to work on translation projects should integrate seamlessly with the project management system, CMS, or various tools involved in ensuring quality work.
In addition to integration with various tools and systems, you should also pay attention to its compatibility. Think of the file format you will use to work on translations and ensure that the CAT tool you choose is compatible with it. It is better to go with one that works well with various types and formats of documents and handles them appropriately. The compatibility will play a key role in streamlining your project.
Think of a Future-Proof Solution
Innovation and development in any tool help it stay ahead of the curve and emerge as a future-proof solution capable of fulfilling needs that may emerge as a challenge while working on a project. You should also give a thought to development and innovation while selecting one of the reliable CAT tools for translators. Doing so will allow you to explore new opportunities, possibilities, and solutions. Given this, it is important to think of creative customization for seamless MT output modifications.
You should also consider post-editing scenarios and explore new possibilities. The tool should be able to respond according to your preferences and adapt dynamically. It should also contribute proactively to help you benefit from the knowledge of various users. It should also offer a function that enables users to discover and apply the latest trends in machine translation. Simply put, you should opt for a future-proof solution.
The Wrap
Finding the right CAT tool that proves to be a bespoke solution for your project and fits your translation needs perfectly could be tricky. However, when you get the option to do so, always put your needs before anything else. You should choose a future-proof tool offering an easier learning curve and an intuitive interface.
Additionally, go with affordable pricing and flexible licensing. Before making the final call, consider a few other factors, like compatibility, integration, features, and functionalities. This practice will help you get your hands on the best tool for your translation projects. We wish you luck with your upcoming translations!
