How to make the most of translation tools

This is a sponsored article brought to you by OneAccord.

Emerging technology has introduced several key tools that are changing the way we work and live. The foundation of all this is the development of generative AI, which consumers are now harnessing. The technology has formed the basis for other innovative solutions, one of which is real-time translation. While devices that translate between languages have been on the market even before ChatGPT, Google Translate, and other AI platforms gained prominence, such tools have become even more sophisticated in terms of features and output.

It’s only important for organizations across different industries to learn how to harness the technology well enough to tap into its best benefits. As the market for AI-powered translation tools continues to grow, so does the need for innovative approaches to utilizing them. Whether you run a multi-million dollar brand or manage a non-profit, there are several ways to make the most of the technology in supporting all your goals.

1. Assess Your Organization’s Translation Needs

Not every translation tool caters to the unique problems and issues your organization is facing. You might find one that enables you to summarize Japanese texts in English, but it may not fit your company’s budget and may lack the practical features that allow for ease-of-use. Analyzing your organization’s needs will help you narrow down your choices from a growing pile of tools on the market, allowing you to find an app or device that best aligns with your organization’s goals. 

For instance, if you’re a lead pastor at a local Evangelical church, opt for a church translation tool designed to generate Biblical transcriptions in the right context, especially if your congregation is focused on reaching out to individuals across different countries and cultures. In any case, taking your organization’s needs into account will make it easier for you to pick the best platform and avoid getting one that’s too expensive and hardly caters to your goals.

2. Compare and Contrast Different Tools

With the plethora of AI translation platforms made available on the market, it matters to take your time in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each one. Keep in mind that there’s no universal solution. You may encounter different brands offering the same selling points in addition to having features and a pricing structure that match your organization’s needs, but it matters to do a deep dive and see which one deserves your buy-in. 

Aside from comparing features and prices, take a look at the company that developed these tools and see if they have a positive reputation or at least come off as legitimate. Make the most of free trial plans and allow your initial experience to inform your final decision. 

3. Set Up a Quality Assurance Process

No matter how accurate the translation tool you purchased may be, it won’t guarantee the results you want. As much as AI is capable of processing data in real-time, its limitations depend on the amount of information it was trained on. 

Setting up a review team is not only required, but it is also a safety net for when the translation tool generates phrases or terms that are culturally unacceptable or legally ambiguous. Aim to have human translators working side by side with AI engineers if you’re planning to use such tools for drafting agreements or sending out localized newsletters to customers in other countries. 

4. Safeguard Company and Customer Information

Some translation services may include statements in fine print that allow them to access input data to train future updates. While this is expected from AI companies, it could be an issue you wouldn’t want to set aside, especially if your organization is involved in critical sectors such as national security or law enforcement.

Before onboarding, take the time to meet with the developer and ask about the cybersecurity and data privacy features they have in place. You should also be aware of how company and customer data fed into the platform will be used for future projects. 

Endnote

Translation tools are an essential investment if you want your organization to build an international presence. You just have to apply the best practices above so you can get the best benefits from the features they offer.