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If your software localisation project has ever gone off track, the root cause probably wasn’t just mistranslations or tight deadlines. More often, failures happen when linguistic accuracy is prioritised over domain understanding, user experience, or long-term consistency.
In August 2023, I joined a medical software localisation project already underway. The product was a Class IIa medical device used to generate structured endoscopy reports, marketed as “NXD” in countries including Italy, France, and Spain. Originally developed in German and English, it now needed to sound native and clinically precise in Italian.
The client couldn’t afford ambiguity. Nor could they afford a localisation partner who only focused on words. That’s where I came in.
The project began with MST 3.0—the Minimal Standard Terminology for gastrointestinal pathology. This is more than just jargon. MST provides the structured language doctors expect when describing medical findings. Accuracy here directly impacts patient safety and system usability.
I used MemoQ to develop a working glossary from MST 3.0, translating with reference to specialist sources like Prometheus’ anatomy atlas and the SIED’s medical guidance. I also localised medical classification systems such as Paris, Kudo, and Los Angeles, ensuring the Italian versions reflected the same clinical rigour as the source.
Project Managers know that a “correct” translation can still fail if it feels clumsy, inconsistent, or unnatural in context.
Once the terminology was complete, I turned to refining the software’s semantic data model. I restructured phrases for natural fluency, adjusted adjectives for gender accuracy, and conducted targeted testing to eliminate errors and discrepancies. Every adjustment was made with the end user in mind—doctors using the system in real time.
As the Endolive Roma trade fair approached, the pressure increased. I scaled up my hours to ensure all localisation, testing, and marketing materials were complete and ready to support the launch. That included translating a sales brochure in addition to the main product content.
At the same time, I worked proactively to reduce the workload on the internal localisation manager, solving issues independently and testing changes thoroughly. The client was able to stay focused on preparing for the event, confident that their Italian version was accurate and ready.
If you’re managing a medical software localisation project, the safest option isn’t always the biggest agency or the cheapest rate. It’s someone who understands the stakes, respects the subject matter, and contributes to your workflow—not just your word count.
This collaboration led to a clean, fully localised, and market-ready product that could be confidently presented to clinicians and stakeholders in Italy.
Looking for support with your next localisation project?
Let’s ensure your software speaks the language—accurately, naturally, and reliably.
📧 cecilia@lollitranslation.com
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