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Translation Project Management Systems and Software
Project Management software in the Translation industry ranges from simple, and some times not so simple, Excel spreadsheets to fully integrated web-enabled, client-server, multi-user ... well you get the idea. The challenges surrounding implementation, or more usually improving an existing system, are: 1) System specification - are you sure you know what you the system to do? Have you separated out your 'must haves' from your 'nice to haves'. Have you involved as many stake holders as possible in the creation of the specification? 2) Buy vs. Build: So often when the specification has been decided you need to start thinking about a) Reviewing the software already available on the market b) Could you develop something in-house, ranging from automating some existing internal processes, may be with macros to creating a full software suite. Interestingly most of the translation industry project management software available today came out of the internal development of a translation company, for example Agile Web Solutions' Worx, and Lido Lang's XTRF. 2) The Ideal vs. the Real: Unfortunately even if perfect software been invented it would probably be outside of your budget. Once you've made, or perhaps delayed, the 'buy vs. build' decision you will still find that an ideal system that does everything the way you want is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. Most, if not all, of the industry's systems will allow you some degree of customisation either as a paid service or providing a platform by which you can make your own alternations. We favour a mix of both because often once a system has been installed you might need to make minor modifications which are more easily implemented in-house than involving a third party - think renaming reports or adding an extra field. However during the initial implementation it would probably be a whole lot quicker and less costly (if you count hidden cost of your staff's time) to allow the supplier or reseller to implement more major customisation, for example creating the report in the first place or creating a customised screen. We would recommend a staged implementation and if possible a parallel running of the old system, if one exists, rather than a switch-off switch-on, which if it goes less than smoothly could seriously dent your credibility with any affected clients. Taking defined steps will hopefully move you closer to your 'ideal' system whilst still delivering your 'real' system. How can Amicus TransTec help you with your translation project management system?Amicus TransTec can supply a range of software for translation project management systems, such as the software shown below. In some instances we can arrange demonstrations of the software. We can also supply pre and post implementation consulting and training with or without software purchase from us. • Microsoft Project 2003, 2007, and 2007 Professional |
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