Machine Translation in Logistics

In the race for efficiency, machine solutions often have the upper hand, offering rapid and cost-effective results at the click of a button. Yet, just as the allure of mass-produced goods can never entirely eclipse the craftsmanship of handmade products, the precision and reliability of human translation remain unrivaled in the dynamic world of logistics. One key advantage of tailor-made solutions is their adaptability to specific needs. Just as a bespoke garment is designed to fit perfectly, human translator tailors their work to the unique requirements of each project.

It's also worth noting that training machine translation engines requires significant time, resources, and expertise. Even then, they may struggle to grasp the intricacies of specialized terminology and context-specific language. Human linguists, with their years of training and knowledge, possess an innate understanding of language that machines cannot replicate.

Let me give you an example of how Google Translate managed to translate the term "flat rack." For the readers who don't recognize it, it's a type of container used in sea freight:

As you can see, it is used for abnormal loads or large shipments. There are no side walls and no ceiling to make the load fit. According to Google Translate:

Płaski stojak = flat holder. So, Google Translate recognizes the literal meaning but doesn't tell the difference between regular expressions and specialist terms. To be more precise and fair, I provided Google with the context:

Interesting. Here, the error is not only repeated but the word container is mistranslated and rendered as a storage container. Something like this:

Or this:

Now, consider the implications of a mistranslated transportation contract or a misinterpreted regulatory document. Such errors can potentially disrupt operations, incur financial losses, and even jeopardize regulatory compliance. In contrast, human translators bring linguistic proficiency, industry-specific knowledge, and attention to detail, ensuring that all content is accurate and contextually appropriate.

However, I'm not here to demonize machine translation. It's a valuable tool that serves a purpose, especially in everyday life or traveling. But when the well-being and safety of your company come into play, it's worth reconsidering. That's where human translation shines.

An intermediate solution worth taking into account is Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE). This approach combines the speed of machine translation with the precision of human editing. While the quality may not match a human translator's work from scratch, the human translator can correct the text to ensure it's understandable and free of potential critical errors.

Contact me today, and let's discuss how my English-to-Polish and German-to-Polish translation services can meet your specific needs, whether translating from scratch or MTPE. Together, we can ensure that your communication is clear, accurate, and in compliance with industry standards, safeguarding the success and reputation of your company.