Source content

In the lifecycle of global communication, everything begins with source content. Whether it is a technical specification, a marketing slogan or a legal disclaimer, the source content sets the standard. If the source is clear, structured and accurate, the downstream processes – such as translation, formatting and multi-channel publishing – run smoothly. If the source is ambiguous or poorly structured, those errors multiply across every language and channel.

In a structured content environment, source content is not stored as a completed document (like a PDF). Instead, it is managed as granular components within a Component Content Management System (CCMS). This allows the source to be "locked" and governed. For example, a pharmaceutical company might have a source component describing a drug's dosage. This component is written once, approved by regulatory experts and stored. It is then referenced dynamically in the patient leaflet, the website and the clinician's guide. Source content is also the critical input for localization. High-quality source content – written with translatability in mind – drastically reduces the cost and time of translation. By applying consistent terminology to the source, organizations ensure that machine translation (MT) engines and human linguists can work efficiently.