Collaborate with other freelancers

In the corporate version of Smartcat, several users assigned to the same or different workflow stages can work with one document at the same time. This enables users to see the document and its translation, and exchange comments on the document or about specific segments.

The assignees can work sequentially, or simultaneously. Their access to segments will depend on the type of assignment.

When a large document needs to be processed quickly, a manager can assign several translators to the various stages. The manager can distribute the text into separate segment ranges, or give all assignees equal access to the entire document and make an arrangement outside the system delineating who translates which part.

Giving assignees equal access can speed up the assignment process but it requires the project manager to communicate clearly with the team to prevent translators from duplicating work that will not be included in their fees.

If a manager has distributed the segments among the assignees, then every one of them will have access only to those segments to which they have been assigned, while the rest will be locked.

Even though the user is prevented from editing the locked segment, they will still be able to view the work being done by the other assignee and add comments to these segments. Moreover, repetitions beyond the assigned range are counted to an assignee who has confirmed a repetition that triggered confirmation for segments that were out of the assignee's range.

If a manager has assigned a group of users without dividing the segments among them, the assignees will have equal access to all segments in a document. In such cases, the system prevents different users from editing the same segment simultaneously and interfering with each other's work. Once a user clicks on the Target field in a segment, other users are then blocked from accessing that segment, as well as the segments adjacent to it.

When the first user finishes translating the segment, it becomes available to other users, and the lock icon disappears.

Once a segment has been marked as Done for a specific stage, changes to this segment made by other assignees will not be recorded as paid words. Only the first assignee will get credit for the work done.

Managers may opt to include the editing and proofreading stages to the translation process, especially if the aim is to ensure a high quality translation (which is especially important for texts with complicated terminology, as well as for marketing materials or publications).

If this is the case, each segment in the document must pass through every stage. Until this is done, the project will not be completed.

As soon as the translator confirms a segment, it becomes available to the editor, even if the translator is still working with other segments. As soon as the editor confirms the segment, the translator is blocked from accessing it. In this way, each segment passes through all the stages included in a project.

If a segment is locked, it is marked by a lock symbol.

Thus, users assigned to different tasks can work with a document simultaneously without disturbing each other.

If necessary, an editor can return a segment to the previous stage by selecting a segment and pressing the button in the toolbar.

The segment status will change to Translation and a lock symbol will appear. This means that the segment has reverted to the translation stage and the editor is blocked from accessing it.

By the same token, a segment can be returned to the previous stage by a proofreader.

Note: Project managers can revert to any stages at any time.