The Role of Translation in Manufacturing Industry

The Role of Translation in the Manufacturing Industry

Language barriers have a profound impact on many industries including manufacturing. Since every manufacturer wants to be on top in the race to global expansion, translation has become more and more important for the industry. KPMG concludes that global manufacturers are having more aggressive strategies to enter new markets and sectors. Manufacturers are pursuing growth outside their home market, which requires utilizing professional translation services to fill the language gap between nations. Here are the roles of translation in the manufacturing industry:

Help prevent risks relating to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance

A survey in 2016 found out that 92% of manufacturers expect to enter new markets for more potential growth. However, what is holding them back is the fact that global English proficiency in manufacturing is only 54%, according to Harvard Business Review report. Hardly any non-English speaking countries are qualified as “advanced” in workforce English proficiency.

Even though culture and communication are among the factors that have the biggest impact on the global workforce, 99% of enterprise content is not translated today. That can lead to serious consequences related to safety, quality, and regulatory:

Safety issues

If workers do not understand the signs, labels, warnings, and safety procedures, they might face critical health issues and danger.

Quality

If workers do not understand and follow the quality standards, the outcome would be unpredictable.

Regulatory compliance

If workers do not understand the laws and regulations, they might break the laws, which would lead to serious problems.

Utilizing translation services is the best way for manufacturers to communicate with the global workforce. Translation experts can help manufacturers to deliver their content effectively on a global scale. By partnering with a translation service provider, manufacturers can successfully address the language gap, no matter where they intend to expand the business.

Help convey the meanings of technical terms accurately

What makes manufacturing different from other industries is the use of technical terms related to scientific and technological areas. Due to their complexity, these terms cannot be comprehensible without translation. Technical communication between people who do not speak the same native language is also difficult, thus it requires thorough understanding as well as highly accurate language adaption.

Industrial manufacturing documents such as patents, user manuals, product specifications, and operating instructions contain many technical terms. Therefore, manufacturers need technical translation to communicate with both their employees and consumers. Only when the consumers understand how to use a product, will they decide to make a purchase.

Help establish an international presence

When expanding globally, manufacturers need to build their brand across multiple regions with different spoken languages. To ensure that all the information about the manufacturer can reach local customers, the marketing materials require accurate translation. With proper translated documents and branding materials, they can build a strong relationship with their target customers and also their foreign suppliers.

Translation has become an integral part of globalization and internationalization. It helps manufacturers communicate effectively with both their workers and customers across borders. When the language gap is addressed, manufacturers can avoid potential risks and also gain momentum on the race to global expansion.