A quality translation is not only the transfer of words from one language to another, but also the strict observance of standards in the organization of work. Find out what is behind the ISO 9001:2015 certificate and how professional quality control (proofreading and proofreading) is carried out.
What is the ISO 9001:2015 standard?
ISO 9001:2015is an internationally recognized standard for Quality Management System (QMS). When a translation agency has this certificate, it means that all its business processes - from the first contact with the client, through the selection of translators, control of the translation, all the way to archiving and delivery of documents - are strictly defined and regularly controlled by independent certification bodies.
In practice, this brings the following benefits for you as a customer:
- Consistency:Every project goes through identical, optimal verification phases regardless of deadlines.
- Reliability:The agency has a systematic way of selecting and evaluating translators, so your text is always translated by the most competent person.
- Information security:Procedures guarantee strictly confidential handling of your documents.
- Continuous improvement:All customer feedback is analyzed and used to further improve the service.
Three-Step Verification Process (TEP Process)
The best translation standards prescribe the so-calledTEP process(Translation - Editing - Proofreading) which consists of three separate levels of work:
| Work phase | Who executes it | Goal and task |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Translation | The first specialized translator | Translation of the text into the target language with the correct use of terminology. |
| 2. Proofreading (Editing) | Second independent translator (Lektor) | Comparison of the translation with the original, checking for terminological accuracy, grammar and style. |
| 3. Proofreading | Proofreader or project manager | Final reading before delivery, checking text breaks, numbering and removing typographical errors. |
Proofreading vs. Proofreading: What's the difference?
In everyday speech these terms are often confused, but in professional terminology they mean completely different operations:
Proofreading (Editing)represents an essential check of the text. The proofreader compares the translated text with the original sentence by sentence. His job is to ensure that no piece of information is omitted or mistransmitted. The proofreader also corrects stylistic irregularities, adapts sentences to the spirit of the target language and makes sure that the professional terminology used corresponds to the field and the client's requirements.
Proofreadingis the final step that is carried out on the already proofread text. The proofreader does not have to compare the translation with the original. Its goal is to read a "clean" translation and spot minor errors that could have been missed in the previous stages - these are so-called typographical errors (typos), punctuation, paragraph formatting, page breaks, page numbers and checking whether all tables have been correctly transferred.
Why is a second pair of eyes needed?
No matter how experienced the translator is, after many hours of work on the same text, the so-called "author's blindness" occurs - the brain automatically reads the words as they were imagined, and not as they were actually written. That is why independent proofreading (second eyes) is the gold standard of quality in the agencyAlpha translation.
ISO 9001:2015 certification agency Alfa Prevod
AgencyAlfa prevod d.o.o.proudly ownsISO 9001:2015 certificate. It is official proof that our commitment to quality is not only declarative, but integrated into daily operations and confirmed by external European auditors. Our quality management system guarantees that you receive a translation of the highest accuracy within the agreed time, with maximum protection of the confidentiality of your corporate information.
Frequently asked questions about standards
Proofreading is recommended for all materials that are intended for public release – such as websites, marketing campaigns, printed brochures, books or high-value contracts. For internal correspondence or work materials, a basic translation that goes through the translator's internal self-check is often quite sufficient and more economically viable.
In accordance with ISO standards and GDPR regulations, the Alfa translation agency applies strict security measures: all files are transferred via encrypted channels, only translators assigned to the project have access to documents, and all collaborators sign NDA confidentiality agreements.