Construction translation covers a wide field of specialties that contribute to the construction of everything from housing developments to municipal buildings. Any type of construction project in any country can involve diverse multilingual groups of stakeholders:
- Property owners
- Architects
- Investors
- HVAC installers, electricians, plumbers
- Materials acquisition managers
- Material producers in multiple countries
- Construction crews
- Government agencies
Professional translation connects the multinational elements of construction projects around the world. Precision and safety are absolute requirements, so it doesn’t work to rely on untrained translators’ efforts to get the facts across to everyone involved. Language Service Providers with experience can not only translate but they also offer experts to help organize communication among all parties.
Safe, successful outcomes will always depend on communication
There are finalities in the building of structures intended for human use: such structures have definite completion points, and from then on, they must be capable of serving their role without fail. You don’t get to start over. And having to patch problems later can lead to enormous financial and reputational losses.
A good multilingual communication plan protects everyone’s financial and physical investments. Planning for this can begin as early as the initial drawing board phase for the structure itself, especially if you know ahead of time that your operation will involve more than one country and/or speakers of more than one language. All stakeholders must understand the details, or you run the risk of disaster in the worst case scenario, or serial problems, small and large, over years.
Construction solutions through more extensive collaboration
Translation can play a role in creative problem-solving, too. Labor shortages and supply chain bottlenecks continue to plague the construction industry, significantly changing it. If new suppliers must be located, searches may well require foreign language professionals. LSPs with construction translators and interpreters can be essential to this most basic piece of the construction puzzle. Skrivanek’s experience lends itself well to construction project problem-solving as our staff is especially skillful at generating innovative language solutions based on close listening to our clients’ needs.
Similarly, if you are a manufacturer or producer seeking new opportunities, reaching out to construction companies in foreign countries now can bring results.
“Some construction companies are looking for replacements and new sources for everything from wood paneling to ceiling joists to pipes,” says Andrea S. Patrucco, supply chain management professor at Florida International University.* “Potentially higher costs and the added complications to the design and construction with these materials are more convenient than putting a project on hold for months.”
Patrucco goes on to suggest that early involvement of contractors, subcontractors, and major suppliers from around the world during the design and engineering phase can lead to innovative, alternative solutions, shared risk management plans, and bypasses to supply chain challenges. Translation teams with experience in all aspects of construction make this possible.
“This way,” says Patrucco, “decisions on alternative materials and inventory management policies can be addressed early on, and implementation can be carried out smoothly, ending in a more timely and high-quality construction project.”
Innovation through technology and re-imagining
Even as construction companies contend with labor shortages and supply problems, new technologies are moving into the picture to potentially offer construction options. Inherent in this situation is the expense and difficulty of changing the way a company does business. But when the alternative is onerous delays and expenses, change is more likely to be the best choice.
For example, there is software available that can calculate the benefits and cost of reusing existing materials and structures in a new project. Building Information Modelling technologies (BIM) use 3D and even 5D models to involve all architects, contractors, and engineers into collaboration with the same computer models. Detailed technical information generated by technologies like these must be translated accurately, and then shared, and discussed with the relevant stakeholders.
Always engaged with changing technology and cultures, Skrivanek offers the skills and also the flexible attitude toward change that can help you manage your construction projects with the best language services available. We are here for the challenges you face now and for the possibilities your future holds.
J. V. McShulskis
* International-construction.com
