OUR QUALITY

In our industry, quality means accuracy of meaning, and begins by having the right translators combined with the right technology. Combined with a certified process, BURG ensures outstanding language services.

A fully trained native speaker of the target language with near-native knowledge of the source language is critical. Any deviation from this requirement exposes the translation to major errors caused by lack of training (translating words, rather than meaning, improper use of translation tools, inadequate research skills, lack of reference material). For highly technical material, advanced academic credentials in a relevant specialization ensure specialized vocabulary is interpreted and translated correctly. Just as writers are incapable of objectively separating themselves from their work, translators are equally incapable. For this reason, editors – having roughly equal skill as translators – provide objectivity and fresh perspective. Finally, for obvious reasons, experienced translator and editor pairs are preferred far more than those who are new to the job.

Beyond allowing one to manage the source files, technology allows for the files to be handled quickly and inexpensively. Specifically, technology such as rapid text extraction tools and translation memory allow for significant time savings and enhanced translation quality. Rapid text extraction tools allow source text to be extracted and replaced with target language text without impacting anything else in the files (such as font and paragraph characteristics, and object location), saving considerable time.
Translation memory ensures language consistency within and between files by automatically translating identical sentences and terms wherever located to reduce translation time and enhance translation quality.

Alone, translators, editors and technology contribute only fractions of the quality demanded by the industry. The ensemble of the components, coordinated by a trained and experienced project manager, is what makes up the translation process. As translators, editors and project managers are humans, this process is highly prone to human error. Therefore, the ideal translation process needs to be designed specifically to mitigate risk. If designed properly, implementing the ISO 9001:2008 process ensures consistency and continual improvement. Going further, the EN 15038:2006 refines the ISO standard to apply specifically to the translation processes. However, even with an ISO/EN process in place, translation errors may still surface. Only after years of constant monitoring and correcting will an ISO/EN process produce highly pure quality translation deliverables with less than .005% error. BURG is certified in both ISO 9001:2008 and EN 15038:2006. This ensures not only the quality of our processes, but also the quality of our translations. Our Quality Management System (QMS). Guided by the QMS, quality procedures are maintained by our quality systems manager and audited annually by both a 3rd party auditor and an internal BURG quality auditor. Additionally, we maintain an established, documented process to screen and select linguists, and are continually evaluating language resources to preserve consistency and quality of translations.

Workflow integration also varies between translation service providers for two main reasons: client focus and technology. If translations are done within the pharmaceutical company, it is unlikely to be cost effective unless the army of translators, editors and projects managers – worldwide – is constantly kept busy. The only alternative is a close relationship with a translation company that is committed to complete workflow integration – acting as an internal translation department. This close commitment ensures rapid market authorization and contributes to the larger strategic advantage of the pharmaceutical company. Allowing for this close relationship is technology, which could be as simple as email to more complex shared project management systems.

OUR TRANSLATORS

At the core of quality is accuracy. We start by hiring the best. Our recruitment standards are more rigorous than the EN 15038:2006. Below are our requirements:

Native speaker of the target language with near-native knowledge of the source language

Minimum of one college degree

At least 5 years’ experience as a full-time dedicated translator or editor

High proficiency and proven expertise and experience in specialized fields of translation

Success at our proprietary industry-specific translation-skills, technology and customer service tests

To us, our translators are more than just translators; they are close colleagues with whom we have been working daily for years – in some cases, for decades.

OUR TECHNOLOGY

In our industry, technology dictates our ability to perform four functions to various file types: receive, analyze, manage and translate. Between our integrated workflow system and various translation-memory programs, we have the ability to handle over 15 million words per year; extracted from basic text files or complex localization kits, allowing us to better meet your needs.

Use of industry standard CAT tools like translation memory and terminology management reduces lead times and costs associated with translations.

An efficient online portal allows clients to upload project requests and documents; clients also have the option to access project estimates and completed projects by searching past requests. Consulting services to help your internal translation team use technology more effectively to maximize vendor relationships and existing language assets.

OUR PROCESS

To consistently meet the high accuracy standards of your industry, our process is a specially designed risk management approach that minimizes the probability of a translation error in your deliverables. We capitalize on the synergy created by the sequential use of four key components: our translator, independent editor, translation memory and a trained reviewer. With each component, and our ISO 9001:2008 and EN15038:2006 corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) procedures, the probably of unnoticed errors diminishes with each project. Not all ISO processes are the same. With over five years of certification, our quality-control system is a proven process, incorporating more than 100 pages of documentation.

Workflow integration also varies between translation service providers for two main reasons: client focus and technology. If translations are done within the client’s company, it is unlikely to be cost effective unless the army of translators, editors and projects managers – worldwide – is constantly kept busy. The only alternative is a close relationship with a translation company that is committed to complete workflow integration – acting as an internal translation department. This close commitment ensures rapid go-to market deliverables and contributes to the larger strategic advantage of the client’s company. Allowing for this close relationship is technology, which could be as simple as email to more complex shared project management systems.

OUR QUALITY OF SERVICE

With BURG you have a dedicated contact who personally reviews your final deliverables to ensure high quality and satisfaction. We take great care in nurturing our relationships. The quality of our service is also measured by our ISO process. The seasoned staff at BURG knows what approach and methodology are best for complex projects, and because BURG employs the latest technology in the industry, we are able to meet your needs efficiently and cost-effectively.

In the end, the synergies of our translators, our team, and our technology allow us to focus on you and your needs. Our aim is to offer complete workflow integration, allowing us to offer maximum quality in the shortest time possible.

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ONE POINT OF CONTACT

With BURG you have a dedicated contact that personally manages the entire team, including any integrated services, and reviews your final deliverables to ensure high quality and satisfaction. We take great care in nurturing our relationships. The quality of our service is also measured by our ISO process. The seasoned staff at BURG knows what approach and methodology are best for complex projects, and because BURG employs the latest technology in the industry, we are able to meet your needs efficiently and cost-effectively.

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SPECIALIST TRANSLATORS

At the core of quality is accuracy. We start by hiring the best. Our recruitment standards are more rigorous than the EN 15038:2006. Below are our requirements:

Native speaker of the target language with near-native knowledge of the source language

Minimum of one college degree

At least 5 years’ experience as a full-time dedicated translator or editor

High proficiency and proven expertise and experience in specialized fields of translation

Success at our proprietary industry-specific translation-skills, technology and customer service tests

To us, our translators are more than just translators; they are close colleagues with whom we have been working daily for years – in some cases, for decades.

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EXPERIENCED TEAM

We are a medium-sized company. Most members of our team carry specialized skills with different types of expertise, allowing us to handle a broad range of projects to meet your needs. The average experience of a team member is over 11 years.

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STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

In our industry, technology dictates our ability to perform four functions to various file types: receive, analyze, manage and translate. Between our integrated workflow system and various translation memory programs, we have the ability to efficiently handle thousands of projects per year, and deliver them on time and ready for presentation.

PROVEN PROCESS

To consistently meet the high accuracy standards of your industry, our process is a specially designed risk management approach that minimizes the probability of a translation error reaching the final version of your deliverable. We capitalize on the synergy created by the sequential use of four key components: our translator, independent editor, translation memory and trained reviewer. With each component, and our ISO 9001:2008 and EN15038:2006 corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) procedures, the probability of unnoticed errors diminishes with each project. Not all ISO processes are the same. With over five years of certification, our quality-control system has over 100 pages in documentation and is a proven process.

INDUSTRY SPECIALIZATION

Gain a strategic competitive advantage through integrated vendor management workflows. Decades supporting your industry give us insight into your particular needs. For this reason we offer the integrated services you need at a single point of contact:

Life Sciences:

FDA-defined Health Literacy

Linguistic Validation

Legal:

Document Review

Academic Equivalency Evaluation

Certified Translations

Marketing & Advertising:

Audio/Video Translations

Localized SEM

Manufacturing:

MSDS/SDS Conversion

Publishing:

Multilingual Publishing

Insurance & Finance:

Certified Translations

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THE KNOWLEDGE CENTER

The Knowledge Center (KC) is a free resource for you to learn everything from how to write for translations and choose the right translation partner to how to manage a large website translation project. Here, we demonstrate our expertise and experience in dealing with your kinds of projects and files. Benefit from free knowledge about our industry and how to make the best decisions regarding translations.

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PROVEN SUCCESS

Industry leaders work with BURG because they feel safe putting their translation needs in our care. Since many of our clients have been with BURG for decades, they have benefited from millions of dollars in still-accumulating cost savings.

Recently we exhibited as the exclusive translations agency for the Seventh International Congress on Peer Review and Biomedical Publication, a gathering of the most prestigious biomedical publication companies and publication researchers in the world.

Your success is our success and we look forward to contributing to your firm’s future success.

REPUTATION

As the largest and oldest translation agency in Chicago, we have a long-standing reputation of being a reliable translation partner for some of the most well-established firms in the area. We are known for our focus on consistently delivering quality on-time, at a good value and with incredible client focus. Feel free to see what some of our clients have said about us.

HIGH SPEED

We have embedded speed into our service by requiring a maximum of 1-hour response time for your requests. Moreover, to help you manage your own timelines, we offer 24-hour project status, so you will always be kept up to date on project progress.

GLOBAL REACH

With over 75 years of business experience, we have had time to cultivate an elite corps of professional translators and editors around the world. In 2014, we translated documents ranging from scientific journal articles to websites into over 80 different languages using our global team located in over 60 different countries.

European Language Industry Association

American Translators Association

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Globalization and Localization Association

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EN 15038:2006

TUVRheinland-certified

Better Business Bureau

BBB-accredited-business

ISO 9001:2008

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