Post-editing is the key to transforming machine-translated text (MT/NMT) into high-quality output, elevating it to professional quality standards through the targeted intervention of expert linguists specializing in language quality control.
To meet the demands for accuracy and reliability, our research and development division, Way2AI, has developed an advanced post-editing service designed to deliver reliable, precise and fully tailored translations that align with the specific needs of each client and industry sector.
What post-editing is and how it improves machine translations
Post-editing is the process of specialized linguistic revision applied to text generated by machine translation systems (MT or NMT), with the goal of correcting errors and improving overall content quality. This process is done by qualified linguists (post-editors) who interpret machine-generated output and refine it to meet professional standards in terms of both terminology and style.
There are two main levels of post-editing, each suited to different use cases within the professional translation field:
- Light post-editing focuses on grammatical correctness and overall comprehension, without extensive changes to style or communicative fluency. Ideal for technical documents or internal communications where clarity takes priority over elegance or style.
- Full post-editing guarantees a final result comparable to a human translation, involving in-depth revision of vocabulary, communicative register, terminological consistency and style. Best suited for content intended for publication, marketing materials, legal, financial, medical texts, or any communication that demands the highest level of linguistic professionalism.
Choosing the right level of post-editing is essential to achieving the desired balance between quality and cost. That’s why our R&D team analyzes each project with the utmost attention, assessing technical and communication factors to recommend the most effective solution tailored to each client’s specific needs.
ISO 18587 certification: an international standard for post-editing
Selecting an effective post-editing service means relying on processes that are standardized, controlled, and verifiable according to internationally recognized standards. In this context, Way2Global stands out as one of the few Language Service Providers certified according to ISO 18587, the international standard specifically governing post-editing of machine-translated texts.
This certification clearly defines the requirements for post-editing professionals, operational workflows, and quality evaluation criteria. Each step of the process is structured to ensure maximum reliability, from linguist selection and content revision to the final delivery of optimized text.
Way2Global integrates ISO 18587 with two other key standards: ISO 9001, for quality management across all company functions, and ISO 17100, which regulates professional translation processes. This integrated certification system reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional language services and top-tier post-editing.
Adhering to ISO 18587 is a strategic choice that involves continuous team training, technological upgrades, and systematic quality control. For our clients, it means being able to rely on a professional post-editing service that is controlled and perfectly aligned with their communication and business needs.
Way2AI post-editing methodology compliant with ISO 18587
Our comprehensive post-editing methodology strictly adheres to the requirements of ISO 18587, combining expert linguistic skills with certified quality control protocols. Each project is managed according to rigorous international standards to deliver results equivalent to professional human translation.
- Reading and evaluation of the MT output constitutes the first phase according to ISO 18587. Our linguists read the machine-translated output and assess whether a reformulation in the target language is necessary, identifying the critical areas that require priority intervention.
- Full post-editing with bilingual control is performed using the source text as a reference to understand and, if necessary, correct the target content. This revision includes a bilingual review, comparing the target and source texts to ensure the translation meets its intended purpose.
- Specialist monolingual control can be performed by experts in the field (Subject-Matter Experts). They verify terminological adequacy, stylistic consistency and domain-specific compliance, focusing exclusively on the target text, without systematic bilingual comparison with the source text.
- Final verification is done by our project managers, who confirm compliance with specifications agreed before the release of the post-editing output for delivery to the customer, ensuring full compliance with the requirements of ISO 18587.
Would you like to try our professional post-editing service?
If you’re seeking efficient language solutions without compromising on professional quality, post-editing is the ideal approach for optimizing content generated by machine translation systems. Our Way2AI team is here to support you with expertise, precision, and an approach tailored to your industry.
Tell us about your projects: we will recommend the most effective post-editing solution to meet your needs
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about post-editing
Human translation is created entirely from scratch by a professional linguist. Post-editing, in contrast, starts with content generated by a machine translation system and is reviewed and corrected by a professional to improve quality, accuracy, and readability—based on either a light or full post-editing level.
The choice depends primarily on the content’s intended purpose and the target audience. Our team will evaluate your content, communication goals, and audience to recommend the most appropriate level of post-editing for your project.
Absolutely. Our post-editors are experienced linguists with specialized sectoral expertise. They are selected based on a profile that differs from that of traditional translators. They operate in full compliance with the procedures and quality controls defined by ISO 18587 certification.
Yes. We evaluate the initial output generated by any machine translation system and design the most appropriate post-editing process, always guaranteeing a professional, consistent result tailored to your specific needs.
Yes. We can manage the entire workflow—from translation performed through dedicated tools to professional post-editing. Alternatively, we can perform post-editing on content that has already been machine-translated by the client.
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