Dealing With Localization- Localization- project development, localization testing

While organizations started localizing for multiple countries, it had led to emergence of accepting and handling the applications in  multiple language dimensions. In this write up, I am presenting some steps which worked well in  mutli country project I managed, I hope it will equip you to  perform to handle localisations effectively.

Target Locales

First and foremost understand the target locales, countries your customer/ business is targeting. It may not be a bad idea to find out the extensibility of the product to other countries that your business may want to take it in near future. So even the future locales are considered and handled during current validations.

Special Handling

Identify the areas that need special attention. Review the glossary to be localised. **Remember that RTL and countries and LTR countries will need a separate and full-fledged handling independent of each other.

Resourcing

Identify the resources and SME’s who can help and provide you the inputs. Document the time and telephone numbers, when they can be contacted. Take a Secondary owner for each and every stake.

Avoid Pitfalls

Identify and create a Check list of all items that needs localization based on the need before for an example, a Image makes no difference between countries but a currency sign will. SO make a list of countries that need to be accounted and list of countries that do not need attention. Cross check your check list with business owners and country manager, SME’s for each locale separately.

Heuristic Data

Apply heuristic data on the check list to arrive at realistic estimates for development and validations.

Reverse integrate

Try to get as much data as possible . With potential failure in mind, chalk out all possible areas of failure and mitigate the risks

Plan

With a Well-defined check list and come out with detailed project plan. Review your plan with various stake holders from each locale and publish your plan .

Create a detailed  validation plan and risk mitigation plan. Involve stake holders and make newer team members as responsible for limited locale.

Execution

Automate as much as possible for different locale. Automation helps you to control the wastage and helps in accelerated lifecycle.

Localization will expand more as businesses are expanding foot hold to other countries gear up will and customise your check list. I hope the points I mentioned here will be handy for your localization assignments. Good luck