Milestone Localization

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the assistant R&D manager and senior consultant at Central Test. We’re an organization that provides talent management solutions along with talent assessment tools to companies within the domain of learning and organizational development. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Milestone Localization?

When we create talent assessment or any psychometric tools — be it a personality test or interest assessment — our end clients use them for their recruitment process, talent management, and learning and development programs. We create such tools in English, French, and Spanish. 

However, because we have clients across the globe, we require these assessment tools to be in various other languages, such as Arabian, German, Brazilian-Portuguese, or even Chinese. Since our people are well-versed in only three languages, we need Milestone’s assistance to adapt our source documents and content to other languages. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We use Milestone for all of our translation and proofreading needs in terms of psychometric assessments and talent assessment solutions we publish. Essentially, they help us with the cultural adaptations needed in such assessments. 

Our team usually sends out a Word document or an Excel file containing all content and texts that Milestone needs to process. They translate and proofread the content using their internal linguists. Some of the documents have 10,000 words, while others have only around 100 words. 

Once everything is translated and proofread, they deliver it via an Excel file, which is easier to implement online and on our platform. Sometimes, we also use Google Drive, where we upload every content they need to work on; we also go back and forth via email since that’s also convenient. 

The Milestone team also employs people who have a good background in psychology since our assessments are related to that field. When they work on our content, they should be able to use appropriate psychology-related terminology. That way, they can translate the files accurately, and we can avoid miscommunication when the content reaches the end clients. 

What is the team composition?

We work with around three people from their project management team. Two people work on keeping in touch with us while another person oversees the entire engagement. 

How did you come to work with Milestone Localization?

We found Milestone through another organization. Our team worked with one of their teammates when he was working for another translation organization. When he moved to Milestone, we shifted the engagement to them because that person provided us with a great service. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around €20,000 (approximately $23,000 USD). Our engagement has been intermitted, so the investment is different for each year. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Milestone in May 2020, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

In terms of translation quality, Milestone's work is quite good. Sometimes, though, we have to ask them to make changes and improve the translated content. Overall, the content accuracy and its format are good, but they can still be improved. Nonetheless, I’m quite satisfied with Milestone’s work. 

How did Milestone Localization perform from a project management standpoint?

Milestone’s project management is great. The team is agile and they’re always present to support us. They also always deliver ahead of the deadlines. We communicate via email. Sometimes, they also call us to provide updates. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their resources are highly personable. They always check in on us and keep us posted on how things are going from their side. In other words, Milestone takes the initiative to keep us updated in terms of our projects’ progress. On top of that, the team is always open to feedback. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They can spend more time considering the suggestions we give them in terms of accurately translating our content. This includes how the text should be formatted or in what context a text or phrase should be used. Overall, the team should spend more time reflecting on the previous comments and suggestions we give to improve their performance in future projects. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be upfront about your expectations before engaging with Milestone. Make sure that you’re clear about what you expect from the team in terms of deliverables. If you focus on those things, Milestone will take over the project and do what you need them to do.