The use of CAT tools

The advantages for you:

  • Absolute consistency of the (specialist) terminology
  • Up to 70% cost savings
  • Time saving
  • State-of-the-art translation software is used. We work with the Trados SDLX CAT software packages and are very familiar with the most recent versions of the widely-used translation memory packages.

CAT Tools are computer programs which rationalise translation work. The abbreviation, CAT, stands for “Computer-Aided Translation”.  The terms “Translation Memory” or “TM” are sometimes used in conjunction with CAT.

The translation process is significantly simplified with the aid of the following three main functions:

  1. CAT divides the text into individual segments (sentences or parts of sentences) and works with those segments, making translation easier and faster. In the case of some tools, such as Trados, each segment is displayed in a separate field and the translation is written into the field underneath it.

    The translation of each segment is saved together with the source text. The source text and its translation are always referred to and displayed as Translation Units. You can look at the segment at any time and check the translation. Special functions facilitate navigation within the text and help to find the segments to be translated or examined in the course of a quality check.
  2. The primary function of the CAT tool is to store the translation units (TU) in the database i.e. the translation memory (TM). This is because only then can the TU be used for another text or in the same text. The “fuzzy search” function makes it possible to track segments which do not completely match. It saves time and effort during translation and helps the translator to maintain a consistent terminology.
     
  3. The databases are saved according to clients. In the case of recurrent manuals, e.g. for follow-on products only those text elements which are actually new are translated and charged for. Existing terminologies continue to be used.

Many helpful CAT functions contribute towards simplifying the translation process. We make use of these advantages and thus increase our productivity, ensure consistent quality and reduce both the time taken and the costs. These advantages benefit you.