The Benefits of Translation Memory for Low-Cost Markets and Life Sciences Companies (China Market)

For life sciences companies expanding into new markets and conducting global clinical trials, accurate translation is essential for effectively communicating with patients. Companies are continuously seeking ways to reduce the costs and turnaround times associated with translating extensive clinical documentation without compromising quality.

In this context, Translation Memory (TM) technology becomes a crucial tool to help solve these challenges while maintaining translation consistency. This article will discuss the application and benefits of Translation Memory in the China market and the life sciences sector.

What is Translation Memory (TM)?

Translation Memory is a database that stores previously translated content to assist translators in maintaining consistency in future translations. It stores reusable translation units, such as terms or phrases, making these units easily accessible for use in future translation projects. Translation Memory speeds up the translation process while ensuring consistent and accurate translation.

TM also helps companies reduce long-term translation costs, as previously translated content can be reused in future translations, significantly cutting down the need for repetitive translations.

Using Translation Memory in Life Sciences

Translation Memory brings significant benefits to industries like life sciences. Each stage of a product's lifecycle in life sciences is accompanied by various documentation packages. In many cases, the content within these documents is highly repetitive (such as brochures, protocols, and other materials).

For life sciences companies operating in China, this often involves localization into multiple languages. Even when using TM, the initial translation costs may still pose a challenge for low-cost markets. This is due to the fact that local representative offices may be accustomed to working with local language service providers (LSPs), resulting in higher initial translation costs.

Long-Term Benefits of Translation Memory

While there may be challenges associated with using TM, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial hurdles.

Global LSPs often stand out from local competitors due to their pricing advantages, but with TM, local companies can still access high-quality standards, data security, technological innovations, and professional services.

Translation Memory in Low-Cost Markets

Thanks to Translation Memory, translation becomes more affordable for companies in low-cost markets. Businesses looking to expand into new markets in China can optimize their translation workflows by partnering with a global LSP, with only a slight increase in price. This saves time and allows companies to leverage other LSPs that offer more advanced services and capabilities.

Over time, companies in low-cost markets will realize the benefits of working with sustainable global LSPs. The reliability, safety, and quality of service far outweigh the benefits of any initial savings.

Three Main Concerns for TM

Across all industries, particularly highly technical sectors like life sciences, there are three main concerns for global businesses seeking translation services:

1. Quality
2. Timeline
3. Pricing

All three factors are important, but their relative importance depends on the company's specific needs and priorities. For Chinese businesses, pricing is often the most critical factor, followed by timeline and then quality.

Pricing is a key consideration when presenting TM. It's essential to highlight the benefit of translation volume versus cost efficiency over time, especially when a high volume of translation is required.

Turnaround time is a significant concern for life sciences organizations, not only because of project deadlines but also due to regulatory timelines. A more robust TM solution can lead to faster turnaround times.

Regardless of industry, global companies need the highest quality translations to effectively communicate with their target audience. Quality is especially critical in life sciences because the content directly impacts patients’ lives. Clinical documents such as dosage instructions, clinical trial data collection questionnaires, drug labels, adverse event reports, and more require absolute accuracy to gain regulatory approval and ensure patient safety. Inaccurate translations can cause delays, increased costs, or worse, lead to errors in data collection and product communications.

Setting Expectations with Your Translation Vendor

In addition to the three major considerations mentioned, there are a few other things to keep in mind when selecting an LSP partner. For one, ensure the vendor has internal resources or technology, such as Translation Memory. Building a long-term relationship with such a vendor will allow you to meet your goals more effectively.

It's also crucial to understand the translation workflow and how it will be integrated into your processes. For example, in China, many companies employ in-country reviewers for local languages, which can create a bottleneck when additional time is required for internal review after receiving the translation. This is an important consideration for Chinese companies when choosing their vendor and deciding whether to use TM.

Lastly, if your company handles large volumes of document submissions that require a quick turnaround (e.g., Common Technical Documents, CTDs), TM can help manage the high volume of content and ensure quicker response times. TM will provide lower costs, faster turnaround times, and more consistency. When selecting an LSP, ensure they have experience managing projects with many documents, ensuring fast and accurate translation.

Conclusion

Translation Memory (TM) offers significant advantages for low-cost markets and life sciences companies. It not only helps reduce long-term translation costs but also improves translation consistency and workflow efficiency. Although there may be some initial challenges when implementing TM, working with global LSPs with the right technology and expertise ensures high-quality, reliable, and secure translation services, ultimately benefiting companies as they expand into new markets.

If you’re interested in learning more about Translation Memory or our translation services, please contact us. We’ll provide tailored solutions based on your specific needs and requirements.

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