‘Language Service Provider’ or ‘LSP’ is a term that has been more widely adopted in the last couple of years. It is used to describe companies or individuals that provide varied language services to their clients.
Although ‘translation agency’ is a more popular term, it can describe an agency that merely provides translation services, not including other language services that can be commonly requested by their clients, such as interpretation, localization, transcreation and language consultancy services.
Thus, a Language Service Provider can be a company, agency or even an individual that provides translation, interpretation, localization, transcreation and language consultancy services. In short, an LSP sells language solutions.
How do I choose the LSP that will best serve my needs and my company’s needs?
One of the factors to consider is the expertise of an LSP in the area of your document. An LSP with expertise in legal translations will be more efficient and accurate in the translation of your contracts and powers of attorney. An LSP with expertise in technical translations will handle the technical terms adequately.
It is also important to consider the technology used by this LSP, mainly regarding the safety of your data. In an increasingly digital world, it is essential to protect the confidentiality of your data.
Flexibility is another characteristic that can make the difference for your business. Do you have demands outside business hours? Do you need personalized service from someone that knows the specificities of your company? The project management team of an LSP connects clients and translators. The project managers are the ones that transmit relevant client information to the translator and any questions or comments from the translator for client review. The project manager is involved in the entire translation process, from quote to project delivery, thus, they are an important tool of an LSP.
Translation memories and glossaries are the tools used by translators to ensure greater productivity, standardization and quality in your translations.
Who should hire an LSP?
If you have a large demand for translations with short deadlines, different specialization areas and various languages, an LSP must have a large team of internal and external translators to be able to best meet your needs.
In addition to a team of translators working in different fields, an LSP must also offer a wide range of language services, which even includes secondary services such as notarization, registration before the CDT, DTP and express courier services.
Now that you know what a Language Service Provider is and how to choose the best LSP to provide language solutions for your business, send us an email and get a quote.
Learn more about the competitive edge of Aliança Traduções as a Language Service Provider.
