Each department uses its own designations. Terminology is managed, if at all, in Excel. The website uses different designations than those used in the workshop. Sounds like a known problem? This was also the case with our customer, who wanted to clear up his terminology chaos in order to counteract misunderstandings among the end customer and incorrect translations.
With Caution on the Appropriate Process
In order to build a sustainable and future-proof terminology process, it was first necessary to understand all requirements and existing processes. To achieve this, we have started with actual state and requirements analyzes in order to arrive at a target picture. This involved managing and aligning terminology across the board so that the different areas learn to speak the same language.
Secure Driving Experience Thanks to Central Terminology Management
A central terminology system is required to manage terminology across all areas. When this was determined, we identified the relevant terminology lists and prepared them for import. For consolidation, we used our Data Toolkit, which allows us to, among other things, consolidate terminology according to individual requirements. This allowed us to combine the variants and synonyms that circulate in different departments into entries. We have also brought existing target-language terminology into the system in waves.
Individual Workflows for Reliable Tracking
To unify terminology across the board, we have built system–based workflows. They allow coordination between the individual areas. The aim is to clarify the term content including definition and to agree on cross-divisional preferred designations. Discussions and decisions can be tracked in the terminology system in the long term.
New terms can also be activated via the workflows and passed through the approval processes. The target language equivalents are then worked out so that preferred names are also available for the translations – for a uniform and clear corporate language in all languages.
Smart Terminology on the Horizon
The developed terminology processes are now being lived with the customer’s lifeblood and with each successful terminology release the goal of an all-encompassing uniform terminology database is moving one step closer. The use of terminology for AI applications, such as corporate chatbots, is also firmly in focus. By specifically querying termbase contents such as synonyms and definitions in a RAG process, search queries can be optimally evaluated. This ensures that only company–specific information is returned.
We continuously support the consolidation of terminology and the creation of AI processes. Are you interested in our services in the field of terminology development and AI? Then get in touch with us.
