Effective translation project management is more important than you might think.

If your translation projects aren’t properly managed, you’re likely facing costly errors, delays, and frustration. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Why Project Management Matters in Japanese Translation

When you don’t have a clear project management system in place, things can quickly spiral out of control. A real-life example I encountered with my company, the Tokyo-based Translation Company Japan, is a perfect illustration of how failing to manage a translation project properly can cost you big time.

We were asked to handle the English-Japanese translation and localization of a marketing brochure for a global brand. From the start, it was clear that the project was not being managed well:

• Revisions kept coming in, leading to the need for re-translation.
• The brochure included text from other language versions that didn’t align.
• Some of the content contained inaccurate information that even the client wasn’t aware of.
• Different regional managers kept giving us conflicting instructions.
• Our role shifted from simply providing translation services to acting as consultants, because the person in charge of the project didn’t know how to manage a global translation project.

Clearly, sound project management could have saved this project — and its budget.

How Effective Project Management Helps Your Translation Projects

Implementing a structured project management system can prevent chaos saving your company time and money. Here’s how:

1. Proper Planning Sets You Up for Success

Japanese translation and localization are complex tasks, especially when they involve multiple languages and regions. Without proper planning, you’re setting yourself up for mistakes and delays. Planning ahead ensures that everyone involved understands the scope, timeline, and deliverables, reducing the chances of costly errors.

2. You Need the Right People for the Job

A solid project management system helps ensure that the right personnel are assigned to the right tasks. Whether it’s translators, editors, or project managers, qualified people are crucial to keeping a project on track. Without them, you risk falling behind and exceeding your budget.

3. Communication Is Key

Miscommunication between stakeholders is a common problem in translation projects. By using a project management system to track communications, you can reduce misunderstandings and avoid delays. This makes sure everyone is on the same page, helping prevent costly revisions down the line.

4. Quality Control Prevents Errors

One of the biggest issues in this example was the lack of quality control. By implementing a project management system with built-in quality control measures, you can ensure that your team is working with the final, approved copy of the materials. This will help reduce the need for constant revisions, saving both time and money.

5. Cut Down on Hidden Costs

A project that starts as a two-week task but ends up taking six months is bound to incur extra costs. But what many don’t realize are the hidden costs:

Your team members are tied up with one project, leaving other priorities on hold.

This creates a ripple effect that can delay other critical projects and add to overall costs.

Don’t Let Translation Errors Cost You

The cost of not implementing project management is far greater than investing in even a basic solution. Translation errors, delays, and miscommunications can seriously impact your bottom line, but with the right tools and systems in place, you can avoid these costly mistakes and ensure your projects run smoothly.

By investing in proper translation project management, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and ultimately save your company money. So, don’t wait — start managing your translation projects more effectively today.

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About the Author
Ivan Vandermerwe is the CEO of SAECULII YK, owner of the Tokyo based Japanese Translation Company Visit SAECULII for the latest professional articles and news on Japanese Translation Services

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