Test
Welocalize provides a comprehensive testing and Quality Assurance (QA) framework designed to define, test and measure quality throughout the translation supply chain. Whether validating translated content, fully-localized or English-source applications, Welocalize applies a clearly defined testing process based on the ISO 9001 standard that is repeatable, measurable and can scale on-demand. Based on client-specific needs, we perform internationalization (I18N) testing, functional testing, localization testing and test automation using an appropriate onshore/offshore execution or staffing model for increased flexibility, scalability and cost savings. For all of our testing services, we provide clients with real-time metrics on quality levels for their products or content types across all languages.
- Language Quality Assessment (LQA)
- Linguistic Testing
- Functional Testing
- Internationalization (I18N) Testing
- Test Automation
- Quality Metrics Reporting
- Staffing
Language Quality Assessment (LQA)
Although translation quality is monitored at specific milestones of each project, the Welocalize quality program pervades the entire Language Service Framework, from maintaining language assets during pre-production, through managing queries during the translation process and performing samples reviews, to conducting yearly service-level business reviews of our translation suppliers. Based on the LISA QA model, our Language Quality Assessment (LQA) consists of a partial review carried out on sample files by independent reviewers to check and record the quality level at various stages and to define subsequent steps. Factors such as vendor experience and recent performance, content/project complexity and schedule and budget constraints will determine the frequency and level of LQA required ensuring that the client receives the desired quality level for all translations.
Linguistic Testing
Localization testing is specifically applied to products that have been translated and verifies that the product is ready and culturally appropriate for target markets. Localization testing focuses on validating international functionality as well as the presentation of the rendered language. Specifically, this model is designed to validate compatibility with localized hardware and software, review translations in context and ensure consistency, and find and fix truncations and other common layout issues. For large projects, we employ our Hybrid Delivery ModelSM where the navigation and screen capture is performed in our offshore production centers and the language review is performed by native linguists– for premium results, cost savings and faster time to market.
Functional Testing
Functional testing evaluates the performance and execution exactness of a system or product. All system functions are tested, including user commands, data manipulation, searches and Help files, user screens and integration. Functional testing is performed on the source language before localization begins. Welocalize offers functional testing using a hybrid QA approach that employs US or European-based test management and workflow blended with offshore execution – for competitive cost structures, optimal customer service and a clear audit trail.
Internationalization (I18N) Testing
I18N testing focuses on functional testing and verification of a product's compliance with international requirements, beyond language. International products must support additional criteria such as localized OS compliance, locale standards compliance, character support, locale-dependent behaviors and product-specific international requirements. I18N testing is often a prerequisite for localization as it ensures the English product has been neutralized for any target language and market. Defects in the English application are identified at the beginning and only once, instead of in each target language. This reduces downstream cost and overall timeline.
Test Automation
Testing automation is the process of developing programmatic drivers to execute portions of the target software, normally built within an automation framework that provides services that the automation developer can use to mimic user interaction. Test automation speeds up testing to accelerate releases, allows testing to happen more frequently, reduces costs by reducing manual labor, improves consistency and test coverage, and reduces dependence on particular resources.
Quality Metrics Reporting
Welocalize uses a suite of proprietary issue tracking tools to monitor and resolve defects and queries that arise from translation, engineering, DTP and testing. With the help of our LQA Tracker tool, Welocalize Global Resource Management will produce real-time data that allow us to evaluate our active vendors’ performance across all accounts over a specific time period. The metrics we collect are used to observe trends that provide important data for vendor ratings, resource allocation, process improvement, recruitment, quality control optimization and price-volume negotiations. The continuous collection of data provides our clients with an instant snapshot of quality performance on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.
Staffing
Welocalize provides on-site quality assurance testers for both short-term and long-term contracts. Together with the client, we have built a flexible program designed to expand and contract according to recurring, fluctuating or evolving staffing needs. Welocalize recruits, selects and places the right number of testers at a client site with the appropriate skill set to perform a range of testing services: review functional design, prepare and execute test plans, execute automated tests, support website deployments, perform regression testing, and/or consult on end-to-end deployment.
