Full-service translation services. The LSP advantage

With the recent advent of improved generative AI tools like ChatGPT, organizations outside the language services sphere have begun to adopt translation services as another revenue driver. Contract Research Organizations (CROs), for example, are beginning to offer clinical and regulatory translation services as an additional form of support to their pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device clients.

 

At first glance, it stands to reason that such clients might consider bundling their translation services as part of their service packages. Streamlining services always sounds attractive: in theory, it reduces friction, cuts costs, and saves the effort of coordinating with multiple parties.

 

Of course, that’s just in theory. 

 

In reality, most non-LSP organizations don’t yet have the resources, experience, or processes needed to manage translation swiftly, successfully, and cost-effectively. Working with a language service provider like RWS, often in conjunction with CROs, still has distinct advantages.

Even with the most advanced technology and the best intentions, there is no substitute for dedicated experience in the language services industry. Translation in any field is complicated—and even more so in the life sciences sector. At RWS, our years of experience and subject matter expertise have enabled us to navigate the nuances of various documents and requirements and have prepared us to proactively tackle any challenges.

 

Additionally: conducting full-scale translation projects for life sciences clients requires a massive investment into info security, network-building, skills development, and certification processes—all of which takes years to build.

Amid shortages of experienced linguists and competition from impressive but still nascent translation technology, building a network of highly skilled, reliable language specialist takes years. This is a perennial challenge even for LSPs—and newcomers likely cannot compete.

 

RWS, for example, has decades of experience, connections, and relationships within the language specialist community. What’s more, we’ve developed a comprehensive process that makes it easy for language specialists to work with us—and thus easy for clients to receive the dedicated attention they require.

Non-LSP organizations may be inspired by the notion that leveraging machine translation makes offering translation services easier and less resource-intensive. The reality is more complicated.

 

As an industry leader in the development of translation technology, RWS has utilized machine translation (MT) technology for years. Over the years, we have created our own Translation Management Systems, which we can easily tweak and updated as needed for specific clients.

 

Other organizations newly offering translation services will be at the will of third-party providers, which will largely offer one-size-fits-all solutions that don’t quite stack up for the complexities of the life sciences industry.

Pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device clients—and non-LSP organizations—may not realize the true volume of materials that need to be translated for any given project. These organizations require clinical and regulatory translations of technical documentation, yes—but often they subsequently require translations of corporate communications, marketing materials, multimedia, e-learning programs, and more. Clients who work with CROs on the regulatory side may find themselves needing to outsource these projects to a full-service agency, ultimately negating the benefit of bundling in the first place.

 

Translations of ancillary materials are complex and nuanced—and working with a full-scale translation services provider can ultimately save time, money, and headaches for clients.

There is, of course, an opportunity for continued partnership with CROs and other vendors that work adjacent to us in the clinical space. We have worked with CROs for years and appreciate the many beneficial synergies they bring to our work.

 

It’s not time, though, for CROs and other organizations to take translation in-house, because they simply cannot offer the full suite of services that LSPs can.

 

We advise decision-makers: as tempting as it sounds, try not to put all your eggs in one basket. Bundling does not incorporate safeguards. Instead, work with a preferred LSP that can address the full scale of your translation needs.

 

Ready to learn more about the RWS Advantage? Reach out to our team today.