Category: Quality

The-First-Line-of-Quality-Reviewers-and-Proofreaders-in-Modern-Localization-Portada
24/03/2026

The First Line of Quality: Reviewers and Proofreaders in Modern Localization

Posted on | by Kemel Cobresle | Leave a Comment on The First Line of Quality: Reviewers and Proofreaders in Modern Localization

Quality assurance in localization is often associated with final checks, delivery gates, or last-minute validations. In reality, some of the most impactful quality decisions are made much earlier in the process. Many of those decisions are influenced by reviewers and proofreaders who play a crucial role in shaping how content reads, feels, and communicates before it moves further down the pipeline.

Their work creates a linguistic baseline that influences every element of localization that follows. By addressing clarity, tone, and consistency up front, these experts help prevent errors from spreading across files, languages, or iterations. In fast-moving localization environments, this early layer of quality assurance becomes a stabilizing force.

Building Quality Before It Scales 

The work of reviewers and proofreaders involves more than catching typos. It also includes verifying consistent terminology; ensuring the tone of the project resonates with the audience; and guaranteeing that localized content reads naturally. The decisions that reviewers and proofreaders make bear extra weight because they’re often carried forward as projects grow.

When content is reused, expanded, or adapted into multiple formats, early linguistic choices can either support consistency or introduce dissonance. That’s why catching misaligned terminology or awkward phrasing early on reduces the need for corrections later, when changes are more disruptive and costly.

In this sense, these linguists act as quality anchors. They help ensure that whatever content moves forward is solid enough to withstand and support growth, updates, and multilingual expansion without constant rework.

Working with Technology, Not Against It 

Technology has changed how reviewing and proofreading are carried out. Many linguists, for example, engage automated tools to flag repeated errors, inconsistencies, or formatting issues quickly and reliably. Automated support like this improves visibility and reduces the time linguists would otherwise spend on mechanical checks.

What technology cannot do, however, is effectively evaluate meaning, intent, or audience expectations. Reviewers still rely on experience and context to determine whether a sentence sounds appropriate, whether a set of instructions are clear, or whether a piece’s tone fits its purpose.

By engaging meaningfully with automation, reviewers can focus their attention where it adds the most value. The result is a workflow that is both more efficient and more thoughtful.

Collaboration as a Quality Multiplier 

Reviewers and proofreaders are part of a broader ecosystem of quality assurance. The efficacy of their work depends on clear communication with translators, project managers, and quality leads. When their feedback is timely, specific, and consistent, teams can learn from previous iterations and align more quickly.

Over time, collaboration like this reduces recurring issues and strengthens shared standards. It’s how review and proofreading become not only corrective steps, but also a proactive process towards long-term quality improvement across projects and teams. 

Conclusion 

Reviewers and proofreaders form the first structured layer of quality assurance in modern localization workflows. Their work helps to ensure content is clear, consistent, and ready to scale before it reaches later stages of production.

In a technology-enabled environment where speed and volume are only increasing, early human oversight remains essential. By combining professional judgment with tool-supported insights, reviewers and proofreaders help build quality thoughtfully and deliberately as they set the stage for reliable and trusted localized content.

The-Teams-and-Systems-Behind-Modern-Localization-QA-Portada
10/02/2026

The Teams and Systems Behind Modern LQA

Posted on | by Litzaqueline Briceño | Leave a Comment on The Teams and Systems Behind Modern LQA

The quality assurance (QA) component of the localization process is often perceived as a final checkpoint: the moment when near-complete content is reviewed right before delivery. In reality, however, for LQA to be truly effective, collaborative review protocols need to be implemented early on and sustained throughout the lifecycle of a project. Actual quality emerges from the combined contributions of people, workflows, and systems, which all must evolve alongside changing technology and increasing content demands to produce a top-quality result.

As automation and AI-assisted tools become part of everyday localization pipelines, quality assurance, too, is being delivered in ever-expanding ways. That’s not because QA technology can replace human expertise, but rather, because it can help to reshape how quality is managed, monitored, and maintained at scale. In this context, QA functions as a service that connects disciplines, and not just a last-minute, isolated task that’s performed at a project’s conclusion.

Quality as a Continuous Service 

Modern localization projects rarely follow a predictable, linear path. Challenges can include content updates arriving late; languages being added midstream, and delivery schedules tightening. In this environment, the quality of the localization can’t be determined by isolated checks or a sole manual effort.

Instead, QA can be carried out successfully by operating as a continuous service that accompanies content across stages and iterations. Automated checks help surface problematic patterns, enforce baseline consistency, and reduce repetitive tasks. Human expertise, meanwhile, focuses on interpretation, clarity, and contextual accuracy. Together, they form a framework that supports both speed and reliability.

This paired approach allows teams to respond to changes in a project’s scope or timeline while maintaining coherence across languages and platforms.

Quality Management as a Shared Responsibility 

Quality assurance is sustained through the collaboration of multiple roles that each contributes to a different perspective.

  • Reviewers and proofreaders often act as the first structured point of QA contact, as they ensure that content reads naturally, communicates clearly, and aligns with its intended audience. Their work helps stabilize much of a project’s content quality early on, before issues travel downstream. 
  • Multilingual Quality Assurance Managers (QAMs) take a broader view. People in these roles oversee how quality standards are applied across languages, track recurring patterns, and translate feedback into process improvements. QAMs bridge linguistic expertise, operational needs, and tool-supported insights.

Together, these roles form a quality management layer that balances detail-oriented reviews with strategic oversight. Automation, meanwhile, supports this work by providing visibility and structure, but decisions remain grounded in professional human judgment and experience.

Alignment Across Roles and Workflows 

Quality thrives on coordination. Reviewers, proofreaders, QAMs, and project managers, as well as technical and operational teams, all contribute to the caliber of a project’s outcome. Along the way, clear workflows, shared standards, and consistent communication allow quality to remain stable even as projects may increase in scope and complexity.

Technology plays a supporting role in these scenarios. Centralized platforms, reporting tools, and automated checks reduce friction and help teams stay aligned while they collaborate to resolve ambiguities, adapt guidelines, and respond to real-world constraints.

When alignment is strong, quality reviewing becomes predictable and sustainable rather than reactive. 

Technology as an Enabler of Scalable Quality 

Automation has become a helpful part of modern QA workflows. Tasks such as terminology validation, formatting checks, and consistency scans can now be performed faster and more reliably through automated systems, and these tools also introduce stronger structure and traceability features, especially when applied to large-scale projects.

The value of automation lies in what it enables. By handling repetitive or mechanical checks, automation frees teams to focus on QA at a distinctly human level, including the evaluation of content for its meaning, tone, and user experience. In other words, automation supports prioritization and transparency without removing human accountability.

When employed thoughtfully, technology strengthens quality assurance by making it more manageable and resilient in fast-moving environments.

Why Quality Matters More in a Tech-Driven Era 

As localization workflows accelerate, quality assurance acts as a stabilizing force. It ensures that efficiency does not compromise clarity, client and user trust, or usability. In a world where localized content reaches global audiences instantly, delivering consistency and reliability carries long-term value.

Quality assurance is less about perfection than confidence: that content is communicating what it should, in the way it should, across languages and contexts.

Conclusion 

Modern localization QA is a collective effort shaped by people, processes, and technology. Reviewers, proofreaders, and QAMs contribute different layers of oversight, while automated tools support scale and consistency. Together, they form a quality assurance ecosystem that adapts to change while maintaining its direction.

When viewed through this lens, quality assurance becomes a strategic service throughout the life of a project, rather than a final safeguard. It’s a service that supports growth, reinforces trust, and ensures that localization delivers meaningful results in an increasingly technology-enabled world.

Ensuring Quality in MTPE The Role of ISO 18587 - Portada
13/05/2025

Ensuring Quality in MTPE: The Role of ISO 18587

Posted on | by Kemel Cobresle | Leave a Comment on Ensuring Quality in MTPE: The Role of ISO 18587

As global content demands continue to grow, Machine Translation (MT) has become a complementary tool in the language industry. Its speed and cost efficiency make it an attractive solution for companies looking to scale their multilingual communication. However, while MT technology has come a long way, it isn’t without its limitations—especially when it comes to nuance, cultural sensitivity, and industry-specific language.  

This is where human expertise enters the equation through Post-Editing (PE), creating a powerful synergy known as Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE). Let’s dive into why ISO 18587 plays such an important role in MTPE. 

The Role of ISO Standards in MTPE 

Post-editing enhances MT output by addressing the gaps that machines alone can’t close. By refining grammar, improving style, and ensuring the message resonates with local audiences, PE ensures that translations are not only technically correct but also culturally and contextually accurate. The result is content that sounds natural, is consistent in terminology, and meets professional standards—something that’s increasingly essential in today’s competitive global marketplace. 

To ensure consistency and quality in MTPE, industry standards play a vital role. One key benchmark is ISO 18587, a standard specifically developed for the post-editing of machine-translated content. Rather than focusing on strict compliance, ISO 18587 provides a framework for what high-quality post-editing should look like. It defines the competencies required of post-editors, outlines best practices for workflows, and sets clear expectations for quality and accuracy. For companies, adopting processes aligned with this standard helps streamline multilingual content creation while maintaining high standards of clarity and reliability. 

Why Post-Editing is Essential for Quality 

Why is post-editing necessary, even with increasingly sophisticated MT engines? Despite advances in AI, raw MT output often struggles with: 

  • Linguistic accuracy: Errors in grammar, syntax, and sentence structure. 
  • Cultural and contextual relevance: Lack of adaptation to local customs, tone, or idiomatic expressions. 
  • Style and readability: Robotic or awkward phrasing that diminishes the content’s impact. 

Post-editors address these shortcomings, bringing human judgment and linguistic nuance into the process. Their role is not just corrective—it’s transformative, shaping MT output into polished, publication-ready content. 

Best Practices for High-Quality Post-Editing 

Achieving high-quality MTPE also means applying best practices across projects. This includes: 

  • Full post-editing vs. light post-editing: Choosing the appropriate depth of editing based on content use. 
  • Linguistic and cultural adaptation: Refining messages to align with audience expectations and local context. 
  • Quality assurance (QA) measures: Incorporating review cycles, style guides, and reference materials to ensure professional standards are met. 

The Takeaway 

In short, MT is a powerful asset, but its full potential is realized only when paired with expert human post-editing. For companies looking to produce accurate, localized, and brand-consistent content, investing in professional MTPE is essential. As an ISO 18587-certified company, at Terra, we understand the value of combining technology with linguistic expertise. Partnering with a language service provider that follows ISO-based processes guarantees high-quality outcomes for diverse global audiences. 

What Factors Determine the Costs of Localization
08/10/2024

What Factors Determine the Costs of Localization?

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on What Factors Determine the Costs of Localization?

From video games to eLearning content to marketing campaigns—localization can step in and make it possible to thrive in a new target market. No one localization project has the same exact scope, needs, or budget, and how much a localization project will cost can depend on quite a few factors. 
Keep reading to get a better idea of which factors can influence the cost of a localization project.  

Factors that Influence Cost 

It can help to keep the following factors in mind when planning the budget for a localization project.  

  • Localization professional. If you’re looking for localization services online, you’re likely to find many different professionals willing to help, but you will also find their rates can vary widely. This is because each person has unique academic backgrounds and expertise and therefore the cost of their services will probably vary depending on their training and what their specialty is. If you consider hiring an in-house team or partnering with a Language Service Provider, the cost can also change. You may also decide to rely on machine translation which can be less expensive than hiring a human, but doesn’t usually deliver as high of quality end product. 
    Whether you decide to utilize machine translation, freelancers, an in-house team, or a language service provider, make sure you’re comparing the same type of service. 
  • Content type. Certain types of content are more expensive to translate and localize. For example, medical content is likely to cost much more than lifestyle content. That being said, content that requires a creative touch can be more expensive as it also requires a high level of research and it can be more challenging to localize creative content in a way that will appeal to the new target audience. Some types of content are naturally more expensive to translate than others. 
  • Localization asset creation. Taking the time to create localization assets such as a style guide and glossary/term base can be an initial financial investment up front, but can improve the quality of a project and can help you save costs down the line if it becomes necessary to fix localization issues such as terminology inconsistencies. 
  • Target market and number of languages involved. If a business wants to enter a new country that only speaks one core language, it will be a lot less expensive for them to localize their content and products than it would if they enter a new market where it’s common for multiple languages or dialects to be spoken. If the latter occurs, you will have to hire multiple localization experts who can address the different language needs.  
  • Project timeframe. How long a localization specialist has to work on the project can impact the cost. When a client needs something very urgently, a rush fee or higher rate is usually applied.   
  • Size of localization team. Depending on the type of content, it may be necessary to hire a translator, editor, and proofreader, as well as a DTP specialist to work on your project. If you work with an LSP, they will manage this team so that you don’t have to worry about recruiting or assigning the work. However, a project management fee will likely apply. Having multiple professionals involved can help improve the quality throughout the project, but can also result in higher overall costs.  

The Takeaway  

While spending more money on a localization project can lead to higher quality results, there are ways you can optimize your spending to ensure you’re receiving a quality end product that aligns with your budget. Speak to your in-house localization team or the outside experts you want to hire about what you can do to save money on your upcoming project without sacrificing quality.

How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner
16/07/2024

How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner

In the realm of healthcare and linguistic services selecting a HIPAA-compliant partner is paramount. Doing so helps maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and security of sensitive patient information, safeguarding against data breaches and legal ramifications. A trusted HIPAA-compliant partner not only upholds regulatory standards but also fosters a foundation of trust and reliability crucial for maintaining the highest standards of patient care and confidentiality in the healthcare industry. 

What to consider when choosing your HIPAA-compliant translation partner 

We know how challenging it can be to find a HIPAA-compliant partner. To make this decision easier, we compiled a list of things to consider. 

Expertise and experience 

When selecting a HIPAA translation service provider for your ePHI projects, it’s important to choose a vendor with a reliable reputation in translation and a thorough understanding of the medical field. Since documents containing ePHI can have different intended targets (patients, medical staff, etc.), having the ability to navigate language subtleties is crucial. If you aren’t acquainted with their job, it’s always a good idea to ask about previous related projects or even case studies. You can also check if they are ISO-certified, as this certification illustrates a commitment to quality. 

Training and education 

It’s crucial to evaluate whether they have customized policies, procedures, and training programs tailored to ensure HIPAA compliance. Assess if they regularly conduct training sessions for employees at all levels, covering essential aspects such as data security, patient privacy, and the proper handling of ePHI. A comprehensive approach will demonstrate their commitment to maintaining compliance standards and safeguarding sensitive healthcare data. 

A committed team 

Having qualified people in charge of the translation project is important, but having a team that truly understands what the stakes are and has compliance top of mind when making decisions can make all the difference. A culture of compliance is not easy to cultivate, but a company that promotes it greatly reduces the risks of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. 

Security measures 

It’s a good practice to inquire about the strength of an organization’s cybersecurity measures, which should include encryption, access controls, and detection systems to protect ePHI against hacking. These measures can give you an idea of their proactive approach toward mitigating risks and improving defenses against cybersecurity threats. 

Technology 

The right technology is essential to help mitigate the potential risks associated with ePHI, storing platforms, and translation tools that are vital during the process. Your translation partner should be proactive in adopting new and better technologies. 

Legal and regulatory knowledge 

Double check that your potential partner has a solid team in place that stays up to date with the latest healthcare law and HIPAA regulations. Their Privacy and Security Officers play a huge role in ensuring that your organization receives accurate and current guidance, which reduces the risk of incompliance in every aspect of your workflow. 

The takeaway 

You need a meticulous evaluation process when selecting a HIPAA-compliant language services provider. Organizations should prioritize partners that demonstrate a robust commitment to safeguarding their hardware and software, consistently conducting thorough risk assessments. By aligning with such partners, you can rest easy knowing they will tackle the project with the precision and discretion demanded in this industry and that the integrity of healthcare data is assured. 

Nurturing a Culture of Compliance Terra's Journey and Approach
11/06/2024

Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach 

A culture of compliance encompasses a set of values, behaviors, and attitudes guiding individuals within an organization to adhere to policies, procedures, and regulations. This framework facilitates better decision-making at all levels, ensuring alignment with the business’s rules. 

At Terra, our commitment to fostering a culture of compliance goes beyond mere adherence to standards. We emphasize cultivating a sense of belonging and shared purpose among team members. Our dedication to continuous improvement stems from the firm belief that there is always room for enhancement, presenting opportunities for growth and innovation. 

This commitment to compliance is evident in our ISO-certified services maintained since 2019 and our strict adherence to HIPAA regulations. Read on to learn more about how we nurture compliance culture at Terra.  

ISO Certifications 

We strive to select certifications that truly enhance our operations and client services. The ISO 9001 and 17100 standards drive our quality-oriented translation services. 

To maintain these certifications through the years, we develop structured training programs and strategic initiatives to provide each team member with the latest tools and encourage them to embrace new technologies. Throughout this process, we constantly review our procedures. Thanks to these efforts, our team members understand their pivotal role in our quality management system and diligently apply best practices in their daily tasks. 

HIPAA Compliance 

As a language service provider, we have a strong commitment to language access. However, we understand that in the healthcare space specifically, a lot of sensitive and confidential information is shared in the translation projects our client entrusts us. As such, we need to handle these files with the utmost care. The compliance culture we first cultivated among our team with ISO allowed us to pursue HIPAA compliance with confidence. Every individual handling ePHI projects understands the importance of safeguarding this information, shares these values, and does everything in their power to uphold them. 

Compliance is a Team Effort 

If a compliance issue arises, the focus becomes identifying the root cause of the problem—not the person responsible for it. During non-conformity analyses, individuals from diverse company teams work together to examine deviations, gain a deeper comprehension of the origin of the problem, and collectively devise solutions. 

While compliance is mainly an internal process, external validation is essential to maintain our clients’ trust. Terra hires experienced external auditors to conduct comprehensive reviews. These internal audits are invaluable learning experiences, where team members see firsthand the impact their compliance efforts have on the team results. This independent evaluation leaves no room for improvisation. At the same time, it enables us to identify areas for improvement in our processes. 

The Takeaway 

Fostering a culture of compliance isn’t easy, but organizations that prioritize it set themselves up for long-term success. At Terra, we navigate the path to continuous improvement with a compass of transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Role of LQA in Ensuring Successful Video Game Localization
23/04/2024

The Role of LQA in Ensuring Successful Video Game Localization

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on The Role of LQA in Ensuring Successful Video Game Localization

Behind every exciting gaming experience, there is a team of developers working tirelessly to create a masterpiece that not only entertains but also immerses you into a different world altogether. One of the most critical factors in ensuring the success of a video game is its quality.

Quality encompasses all components of a game, from its graphics and sound to its localization. This is where comes into play as a crucial aspect of the development process that ensures that the localization is accurate, appropriate, and flawless in the intended target market.

Keep reading for a closer look at what LQA is, why it matters, and what the different types of LQA are.

What is LQA?

In a highly competitive gaming industry, LQA has become an essential component in ensuring the success of a game’s localization. By working with experienced LQA experts, video game developers can deliver high-quality localized versions of their games, which not only resonates with players but also increases the likeliness of success in the global marketplace.

LQA testing is designed to catch any localization errors that can detract from the overall gaming experience. These errors can range from mistranslations due to lack of context to cultural inaccuracies, and even improper font usage. With thorough LQA testing, these issues can be detected and fixed before release.

To guarantee quality, during the LQA process, experienced linguists who are fluent in the target language and culture, and most probably are avid gamers themselves, play the game and thoroughly review every aspect of it. This step allows them to pick up on any linguistic nuances that could potentially take away from the gaming experience. If any errors are found, they are flagged and fixed to make sure that players can enjoy the game without any language or culture-related issues.

What are the different types of LQA?

LQA encompasses three different types of quality assurance (QA): linguistic, visual, and functional.

  • Linguistic QA focuses on any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues in the content. It also ensures that culturalization problems, inconsistent translations, and untranslated names or terms are flagged for correction.
  • Visual QA deals with font issues, user interface problems, and any graphics or images that are incorrectly placed or formatted. They also check for content that has been left untranslated or any issues with missing characters or line-breaks.
  • Functional QA is the most complex type and involves testing on different hardware and gaming devices such as Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and PC. During functional QA, specialists test for compatibility, performance, AI behavior, and accuracy of audio text and subtitles.

Why LQA?

LQA is a crucial step in game development that ensures all localized versions of your game are just as good as the original version. By investing time and resources into LQA, you’re showing your gamers that you care about their experience and value their feedback. Not only does this lead to happy players who are more likely to recommend your game, but it also prevents potential bad publicity that can arise from poorly localized games. With the rise of online communities and social media, it’s more important than ever to make sure your game is of the highest quality in all versions. So, we strongly advise against skipping LQA—it not only saves time and headaches, but it also helps to ensure the success of your game.

The Takeaway

LQA is a critical aspect of video game development and localization. By upholding the highest quality standards, video game developers can ensure that their games provide an immersive experience to players, thereby increasing their chances of success in the global market.

14/02/2024

Protecting ePHI in Translation: The Role of a HIPAA Privacy Officer  

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Protecting ePHI in Translation: The Role of a HIPAA Privacy Officer  

In the complex landscape of healthcare, safeguarding sensitive patient information is paramount. Amidst the intricate process of translating documents containing Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI), the pivotal role of a HIPAA Privacy Officer becomes evident. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of this key figure in ensuring HIPAA compliance and preserving the integrity of patient data during translation processes. 

What a HIPAA Privacy Officer Does 

Matías Giannoni, Ph.D., works as a HIPAA Privacy Officer at Terra to ensure that everyone involved in handling ePHI knows the rules, regulations and policies really well and, more importantly, if in doubt, that they feel confident reaching out to him before taking any step or action that might be in violation of the rules or, worse, compromising information. “So, it is not just a matter of ticking a few boxes but being tangentially involved in operations to make sure all processes are compliant and secure,” Giannoni explained. 

The key responsibilities of working as a HIPAA Privacy Officer include: 

  • Making sure all the processes internally are compliant and everyone knows exactly what they have to do in order to minimize risks to almost zero 
  • Overseeing the annual training of team members handling ePHI to keep up to date with the latest developments 
  • Assessing new technologies to optimize our operations while remaining in compliance 
  • Acting as a liaison to the IT Department and prioritizing cybersecurity by taking all the steps to be at the cutting edge of information security technologies  
  • Being the first point of contact in case of any breach and the one in charge of communicating any situation with external stakeholders 

Working with Total HIPAA 

While Giannoni has strong experience working in heavily regulated environments with obscure and sometimes confusing regulations, Terra also relies on an external organization for additional consulting and guidance. When it comes to collaborating with Total HIPAA, Giannoni shared that they have been key partners in organizing our processes, conducting a thorough internal audit, and training our team. There are many things in which their expertise has proven to be invaluable. “Sometimes a certain technology is compliant with regulations, but it can be improved with a more advanced technology as regulations sometimes are defined with reference to technologies that existed at the point a certain legislation was put in place, and Total HIPAA advises us on those points where we can do even better than the minimum standards.” 

The Most Important Aspect of Protecting Patient Privacy 

The human aspect, both in terms of where the main failures can come from as well as in terms of the consequences cannot be overlooked. “When I think about this task, I am not thinking about potential fines or breaches of contract. Having access to all this sensible information, I am constantly obsessed about the fact that I would never like to see such sensitive information out in the open or in the hands of a heartless ransomware hacker,” Giannoni said, “That thought keeps me constantly alert.” 

To make sure that all staff members handling ePHI are trained on HIPAA policies and procedures, they receive Total HIPAA’s thorough training and evaluation annually. According to Giannoni, all of our team members scored high in their training and demonstrated a very strong culture of compliance. “Nevertheless, I often test their knowledge in our operational meetings to make sure they remember it correctly,” he shared.  

The Takeaway 

In safeguarding ePHI, the role of a HIPAA Privacy Officer stands as a crucial pillar in ensuring compliance and fortifying the security of patient data during translation processes. All patients deserve privacy while navigating medical care, which is why at Terra, we go to great lengths to remain compliant.  

Building a Digital Fortress for ePHI A Three-Layer Defense System
16/01/2024

Building a Digital Fortress for ePHI: A Three-Layer Defense System

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Building a Digital Fortress for ePHI: A Three-Layer Defense System

In a world defined by seamless connectivity and digital advancement, safeguarding electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) stands as a paramount responsibility, especially within the realm of healthcare. As technology intertwines with the sanctity of personal health data, the stakes are high and demand a robust defense system.  

At Terra, we’re strongly committed to the protection of the data that our clients entrust us to translate. To help us achieve our privacy goals, we partner with Total HIPAA and continuously take steps in the various aspects that pertain to our business operations. This helps us ensure that our processes are always compliant with HIPAA’s Security and Privacy Rules. Let’s take a closer look at the three layers of our defense system.  

Layer # 1: IT Infrastructure 

Our IT Department understands cybersecurity is crucial to protect ePHI and considers it a top priority. Because of this, this department takes the following actions to ensure adequate protection of this information: 

Device protection  

All devices owned by Terra are administered and monitored through Microsoft Azure tools, which include observing for potential threats as well as tracking local user activity. Additionally, all of our connections are SSL (Security Socket Layer) encrypted and we are currently working on expanding our corporate VPN to all users for additional security. As a bonus, any activity logs generated by these tools can be analyzed on demand.  

Software and hardware monitoring 

We continuously monitor both software and hardware through Microsoft Intune, as well as the configuration and subsequent deployment of proprietary security policies. In order to provide maximum security to our clients, Terra hosts all information on our own secure on-premises server in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This ensures that the information stays within our secure environments, enabling us to have more control over the management of information. 

Security 

To help enhance security, Terra utilizes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to ensure security through MFA for all Active Directory users. Our team also has limited access to protected health information. They can only view what is necessary and individual access to ePHI is constantly logged. Additionally, all our devices containing protected health information are encrypted and have strong password protection. We frequently update these passwords to maintain their strength.  

When it comes to our internal and external communication, as well as the sharing and management of files, knowledge bases, and content in general, we use Office 365 Suite for seamless collaboration across the organization.  

Layer # 2: Our Team 

Just as crucial as the IT infrastructure, having a team of people behind it who know how to use the tools is as important—if not more. Here’s how we make sure our team has the tools, resources and knowledge to remain compliant: 

All team members with access to protected health information, from leaders to project managers, are trained on the HIPAA compliant procedures and processes in place so they can handle ePHI securely from initial reception to final client delivery. This includes HIPAA concepts, standards, and security and privacy measures. Every member that passes all the courses also receives an official certification from Total HIPAA and is required to sign a confidentiality agreement that protects patient privacy. We promote and encourage a culture of compliance. Because of this, every year, our team participates in additional training.  

Documents that contain ePHI and require translation services are carefully assigned to linguists who are both experts in the healthcare field and are also trained in HIPAA compliance. To evaluate their knowledge, we created an internal test that they must pass to demonstrate their ability to properly handle the documents with the utmost care. These linguists are not able to download the ePHI to their own devices and always work within secure environments. 

Layer # 3: Our Privacy Officer 

Having the right team in place makes all the difference. Our Privacy Officer, Matías Giannoni, oversees the development, implementation, maintenance and adherence to the procedure regarding the safe handling of ePHI in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Matías acts as a liaison to the IT Department to ensure privacy and security practices are implemented. He guides the training of our team, addresses any concerns individuals may have, and promptly analyzes if actions should be taken.  

A Commitment to Risk Assessment, Mitigation and Continuous Improvement  

Maintaining confidentiality, document control, and client trust are vital to Terra. This commitment is illustrated by the entire Terra team executing risk assessments on a yearly basis under the most stringent guidelines and practices to preserve the security of all private information entrusted to us.  

Our journey towards maintaining privacy is always evolving as HIPAA regulations are subject to change. As a result, we continuously improve our policies and procedures to stay up to date. 

Video Game Localization 101: The Player Comes First
12/12/2023

Video Game Localization 101: The Player Comes First

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Video Game Localization 101: The Player Comes First

Over the past decade, video games have skyrocketed in popularity, leading to increased awareness among game developers and marketers about the importance of prioritizing player experience and satisfaction. Localization, the process of adapting video game content for specific regions, has emerged as a vital aspect in ensuring players feel fully immersed in the world created for them.

Let’s explore the concept of video game localization and its significance in creating a captivating and culturally sensitive gaming experience.

Defining Video Game Localization

Video game localization involves reproducing game content that seamlessly blends with the target region, giving the impression that it was originally created for that specific audience. While translation is a crucial component of localization, it goes beyond mere language adaptation. Localization encompasses altering elements such as the game’s name, art assets, packaging, and manuals, as well as accounting for cultural and legal differences to resonate with the target market. The primary goal in video game localization is not strict fidelity to the original but rather entertaining and engaging the players, sometimes requiring modification of elements that could hinder their experience.

The Ultimate Goal: Immersion

An immersive experience is the ultimate objective in video game development, and localization plays a vital role in achieving this in the localized versions of the games as well. By taking the various audiovisual elements video games rely on (such as narration, dialogues, songs, cinematics, on-screen art, etc.) and adapting them in context, localizers strive to maintain the seamless integration of linguistic and non-linguistic aspects. This immersive experience enhances player satisfaction and contributes significantly to the success of a game.

The Role of the Video Game Localizers and Their Choices

Localizing a video game is a multifaceted job that involves making numerous decisions based on linguistic and non-linguistic considerations. Localizers employ different techniques, such as transcreation and culturalization, to ensure the best possible outcome. Transcreation involves creatively conveying meaning when a direct translation won’t do, whereas culturalization focuses on adjusting the game’s content to suit the cultural sensibilities of the target audience. These approaches are vital for maintaining immersion and avoiding misunderstandings or offensive content that could disrupt the player’s experience.

The Importance of Quality and Testing

Given the intricate nature of video game localization, quality assurance through thorough localization testing is crucial. Once the localization process is complete, rigorous testing is conducted to identify and rectify any bugs, issues, or inconsistencies that may hinder the player’s experience. Localization Quality Assurance (LQA) evaluates the visual, functional, and linguistic aspects of the game to ensure its seamless integration and optimum performance. By prioritizing quality and testing, developers can deliver a polished game that captivates players and maintains their immersion throughout the gaming journey.

The Takeaway

Video game localization is a vital process that ensures players across different regions can fully immerse themselves in the gaming experience. By combining linguistic adaptation, cultural sensitivity, and quality assurance, localizers play a pivotal role in creating a seamless and engaging journey for gamers. By putting the player first, video game localization helps to maximize player satisfaction and contribute to the overall success of the game. With the ever-growing global gaming community, prioritizing localization will continue to be essential in delivering unforgettable gaming experiences.