Key Definitions in ISO 18587

1. Machine Translation (MT): Automated translation of text using algorithms without human involvement
2. Post-Editing: Human revision and correction of MT output to ensure linguistic and contextual quality
3. Full Post-Editing: Editing MT output so that it is indistinguishable from a human translation in terms of fluency and accuracy
4. Translation Service Provider (TSP): An organization or individual delivering translation and localization services
5. Client Brief: Information provided by the client that defines expectations, terminology preferences, and usage context

Core Requirements of ISO 18587

These requirements aim to standardize output quality and support consistent delivery across TSPs and clients.

How to implement ISO 18587?

1. Develop workflow procedures that define stages of MT post-editing, QA, and delivery
2. Use trained post-editors who meet linguistic, technical, and subject matter criteria
3. Maintain MT engine documentation, describing its type, domain, and performance expectations
4. Provide clear client briefs specifying language pairs, tone, terminology, and formatting
5. Monitor and control the full post-editing process to ensure naturalness, meaning accuracy, and terminology consistency
6. Integrate quality assurance checks for grammar, syntax, coherence, and contextual accuracy
7. Secure content by adhering to data protection protocols and NDAs

Documentation Required

To demonstrate alignment with ISO 18587, maintain the following documentation:

• Post-editing procedures and workflow charts
• Post-editor qualification and training records
• MT engine description and application reports
• Client briefs, project scopes, and output specifications
• Quality review templates and error classification logs
• Feedback forms and revision history
• Data privacy policies and access controls
• Continuous improvement logs (for engine or process updates)

What are the benefits of ISO 18587?

IN this era, machine translation is an integral part of global content strategies. With AI advancements in neural translation models and the increasing demand for real-time localization, organizations are balancing speed and cost with linguistic quality and accountability. ISO 18587 offers these benefits:

• Ensures high-quality, human-standard translation from machine output through defined editorial practices
• Enables cost-effective localization by combining automation with human refinement
• Enhances consistency and reliability in multilingual projects and content pipelines
• Facilitates faster turnaround times with minimal quality compromises
• Builds client confidence by adhering to internationally accepted post-editing standards
• Supports scalable, repeatable translation workflows for large-volume content
• Promotes accountability and traceability in translation projects involving machine output
• Aligns with ISO 17100 (Translation Services Requirements) for broader translation quality compliance
• Allows integration into ISO 9001-certified quality systems for language service providers
• Helps organizations meet procurement requirements for certified translation services in regulated sectors

ISO 18587 is now widely referenced in public tenders, vendor contracts, and global content management systems, especially in sectors like legal and e-commerce. Major buyers require assurance that MT output undergoes professional human post-editing, particularly for high-stakes or brand-critical content.

Additionally, with increasing scrutiny on data protection and AI transparency, ISO 18587 provides a neutral, audit-friendly framework for documented language quality, ethical AI integration, and operational reliability in translation.

Want to align your translation workflows with global standards for MT quality? Contact support@demo.pacificcert.com.

How Pacific Certifications Can Help?

As a recognized certification body, Pacific Certifications offers audit and certification services for ISO standards relevant to language service providers, localization teams, and AI-integrated translation environments, including:

• ISO 17100 – Translation Services
• ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
• ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security for data protection in translation
• ISO 18587 – Referenced for assessment as part of ISO 17100 audits

We also offer:

• Assessment of post-editing workflows for quality assurance
• Review of post-editor qualifications, training, and client briefs
• Audit of MT tool usage, output control, and revision protocols
• Integration of ISO 18587 into ISO-certified management systems
• Certificate of compliance for ISO 18587

To begin your audit or certification aligned with ISO 18587 standards, contact support@demo.pacificcert.com.