Risks of Using Google Translate

When working with international markets, you will more than likely run into situations where you will need to translate contracts, marketing materials, manuals etc. into the local language. There is a vast difference between doing a straight translation vs. localization. In other words, be cautious of doing what is called a “Literal” translation.

One of the most traumatic mishaps of this was when a Dutch airline pilot collided into another plane during take-off killing 583 passengers. The Dutch pilot stated in the cockpit he was “now at takeoff”, meaning he was already taking off – not ready for takeoff. This unfortunate mishap could have been avoided if the proper translation was given.

Another example is when HSBC wanted to try to save face by spending $10 million on a new branding campaign to fix a catchphrase “Assume Nothing” which was interpreted as “Do Nothing”.

Even with advances in machine translations, I wouldn’t want to leave it up to my computer to translate safety instructions when operating dangerous equipment or converting a list of food formularies into another language.

If you are trying to expand your product/service offerings to other countries, they will see right through a simple translation vs. a localization too. If you’re going to invest in the time and effort to get your product to these locations, it’s well worth the effort of ensuring your message is tailored to their culture and piques their interest in the same way it does in this country.

If you want to learn more about what it takes to convert your business materials into another language, please reach out us

Thinking Forward to Your Digital Transformation

As the upcoming Automate Show approaches it was clear to me that a digital transformation is coming whether we like it or not. Everything from robotics, AI and blockchain bells and whistles were proudly on display. Based upon a report put out by MHI and Deloitte, there are four stages of “Digital Adoption” but there will not be one single key driver for this, as it will be spread out amongst several types of digital tools. To get the full report you can click this link. Have you started your digital adoption strategy yet? The first place to start would be to conduct some form of an audit of your current system to see where the gaps are. Simply have increased transparency to your supply chain would be a great start. Is there something you can easily automate that would have a great impact on the business? What about IIOT? One example is how

Caterpillar teamed up with Uptake to help them better monitor their equipment so they could be more proactive vs. reactive around the repairs and maintenance of their fleets. And don’t think this is going to be expensive. The costs of some of these AI tools are relatively inexpensive considering the ROI they can provide. One last factor to take into consideration is how to prepare and train your workforce for this transformation. You may need to look off-shore for this. At Nelles we can help properly prepare your training materials, manuals, etc. to ensure you are using the talent that has the skills to evolve with your digital transformation as well.

What is your Digital Transformation Strategy?

Last week I spent two days walking the PROMAT Show floor and it was clear to me that a digital transformation is coming whether we like it or not. Everything from robotics, AI and blockchain bells and whistles were proudly on display.

Based upon a report put out by MHI and Deloitte, there are four stages of “Digital Adoption” but there will not be one single key driver for this, as it will be spread out amongst several types of digital tools.

To get the full report you can click this link.

Have you started your digital adoption strategy yet? The first place to start would be to conduct some form of an audit of your current system to see where the gaps are. Simply have increased transparency to your supply chain would be a great start. Is there something you can easily automate that would have a great impact on the business?

What about IIOT? One example is how Caterpillar teamed up with Uptake to help them better monitor their equipment so they could be more proactive vs. reactive around the repairs and maintenance of their fleets.

And don’t think this is going to be expensive. The costs of some of these AI tools are relatively inexpensive considering the ROI they can provide.

One last factor to take into consideration is how to prepare and train your workforce for this transformation. You may need to look off-shore for this. At Nelles we can help properly prepare your training materials, manuals, etc. to ensure you are using talent that has the skills to evolve with your digital transformation as well.