Dynamic Language is a Seattle-based localization, translation, and interpretation services provider that works in more than 150 languages and dialects. Below, Audrey Dubois-Boutet, Quality Control Lead at Dynamic Language, explains how the company uses Basecamp and Highrise.
We pride ourselves on our quality, accuracy and customer service. A lot of our current efficiency can be attributed to how we’ve integrated Basecamp into our processes. Basecamp has allowed us to both organize in-house operations and to effectively manage projects with our clients in a collaborative way.
Staying on the same page
Our Localization and Translation Departments use thorough processes to ensure all projects are delivered with the highest quality. To do that, we follow a series of Quality Assurance steps for each project, from verification and proofreading to graphic design to testing. We maintain a number of “To-Do List Templates” for our services, which allow our project managers to create projects very quickly, and because all projects are not created equal, they appreciate being able to customize their projects, as necessary. We’ve modified the structure of our projects to align with the Basecamp concepts of Milestones and To-Dos, so we can focus on high-quality and on-time delivery.
The ability to communicate via messages and comments in an organized, and “threaded”, manner is a great Basecamp component we could not do without. It not only keeps everyone accountable for their tasks and projects, but it also gives a helpful record of conversation history. New employees can jump in and get up to speed with ongoing projects or company practices simply by reading through past project communications.
Integration with existing systems
We have a custom internal database application that handles Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll and more, and we’ve been able to use the Basecamp API to link our internal database bi-directionally with Basecamp. Whether a task is marked as complete on the Basecamp side, or internally, it’s immediately reflected on both systems. Our developer has been extremely impressed with how reliable and useful this interface has been, and we keep finding new ways to use the API.
Interacting with clients
Many of our clients like to stay current with the progress of their projects, and Basecamp has been invaluable in keeping them in the loop. For the clients that need information and updates on a more passive basis, the E-mail Subscription feature, plus iCal and RSS feeds have been a benefit for them.
The file upload feature is often used by our larger clients. We work with numerous confidential projects and the secure transfer of files is an aspect of Basecamp we value highly. Everything is so simple to use that we’ve actually received unsolicited positive feedback from our clients about this.
Other great features of Basecamp that our customers appreciate, and that take zero effort on our part, are the tutorials and support content on the site. We don’t have to hand-hold them through the process of getting familiar with Basecamp. Aside from the fact that Basecamp is such an intuitive application, new users are able to learn exactly how it works at their own speed.
The Dynamic team that uses Basecamp and Highrise on a daily basis.
Organizing our Web efforts
We finished our website’s redesign in October, which we developed from start to finish using Basecamp. Almost all communications happened via the project in Basecamp, and Milestones and To-Do lists were updated regularly to keep everyone who was involved on the same page. To-do lists and messages helped to document completed and pending tasks, and also helped to update anyone who wasn’t part of the initial brainstorming stage.
Another feature we use without fail is the Writeboard section, which allows us to share, edit and approve blog content. Essentially anyone involved with the Dynamic Language blog can add their input to the twice-weekly posts. To ensure quality content every time, we ask all communications efforts to go through Basecamp.
A little love for Highrise
Our Sales Team uses Highrise as a customer relations management component, to keep communications and contacts in one place. We can track prospects and deals with no hassle. And with the built-in calendar and email features, all communications can be stored in one place and referenced in the future! We also recently integrated the S2 Form Processor (by StringTwo Software) with our website, and it’s doing a fantastic job at facilitating a connection between our potential customers and our Sales Team.
Do you use a 37signals product in an interesting way? Let us know.
