ISO 18587 post-editing services

ISO 18587 is the international standard governing the full human post-editing of machine translation (MT) output. As machine translation technologies advance, human post-editors are essential when automated output needs to be reviewed against professional standards. At LinguaVox, we apply this standard to suitable high-volume translation projects where machine translation is used as a primary draft, so that human intervention can address the linguistic and stylistic nuances necessary for professional communication.

What full post-editing entails

Full post-editing is not merely a quick read-through. According to ISO 18587, it is a comprehensive process intended to produce a final text suitable for the agreed purpose and comparable to a professionally translated text where the source and MT output allow it. The post-editor must have the same professional competence as a translator, as they are required to correct machine-generated errors related to terminology, syntax, semantics, and register.

The goal is to deliver a text that is suitable for its intended purpose and target audience. The post-editor carefully assesses the machine output to determine whether it can be polished to reach this level, or if the initial automated draft is too poor to be efficiently corrected.

When full post-editing can be effective

This workflow is most appropriate for large volumes of content where the source is well-structured and the MT engine has been trained for the specific domain. Typical scenarios include:

• Controlled technical content: Documentation with consistent terminology that machine engines can process reliably.
• Internal corporate documentation: Large sets of internal manuals, standard operating procedures, or informational databases where speed is important but accuracy must be maintained.
• Recurring materials: Content types that the MT engine has handled repeatedly, such as standard product descriptions or routine maintenance reports.
• Projects where volume and speed are priorities: Scenarios where a high word count makes traditional human translation impossible within a desired timeline, provided the content risk profile allows for this workflow.

When a human-only workflow is recommended

Full post-editing is not a universal solution. It should be used after a thorough risk assessment. Certain content types may not benefit from this process and may be better served by a traditional human translation workflow:

• Sworn or official translations: Documents intended for submission to public authorities, courts, or registries require the specific expertise and accountability of a qualified sworn translator.
• Creative marketing content: Where the nuance, tone, and cultural adaptation are the primary focus, the MT engine is often unable to replicate the creative intent.
• Sensitive high-risk content: Legal contracts, critical medical device manuals, or patient information leaflets involve significant liability. In these cases, a traditional human translation and independent revision workflow is generally recommended to provide a safer, more controlled workflow.

The role of professional post-editors

The use of machine translation or artificial intelligence does not diminish the need for professional accountability. ISO 18587 requires that post-editors possess the necessary linguistic competence and subject-matter knowledge to evaluate the machine output objectively.

A professional post-editor must be able to:

• Detect and correct terminology errors, including "false friends" that the machine may have chosen.
• Fix syntactical or grammatical structures that sound unnatural in the target language.
• Ensure that the register, tone, and style are consistent throughout the entire document.
• Verify that the output meets the client’s specific requirements regarding content, format, and intended use.

Quality management and the ISO standard

By adhering to ISO 18587, we document the procedures for selecting and working with post-editors. The standard mandates that post-editors are qualified and that the editing process is monitored. It also requires clear communication regarding the scope of the post-editing task, so the client understands the process being applied to their content.

We recognise that machine translation output is only a starting point. Our post-editing services are focused on the final product’s reliability and professional presentation. We aim to provide a balanced solution that integrates technology with human expertise, suitable for the specific demands of your multilingual projects.

If you are considering an MT workflow for your organisation, we can help assess whether the content is suitable for post-editing or if traditional translation is safer. Our project management team is available to discuss your requirements and propose the most appropriate path for your international communication goals.

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