The quality of machine translation has improved significantly in recent years, but even the best AI systems do not deliver a perfect translation. For machine-generated texts to be used professionally, a structured revision process is needed: post-editing. Global Mundi works to the international quality standard ISO 18587, which was developed specifically for the post-editing of machine translation.
In this article we show what post-editing to ISO 18587 means, how light and full post-editing differ, and how we use it to turn machine translations into high-quality specialist texts.
What is post-editing?
In post-editing, a machine-generated translation is revised by a qualified professional, who checks and corrects:
- linguistic correctness
- technical accuracy
- style and tone
- completeness and readability
Post-editing is not the same as simple proofreading: it is a systematic process tailored specifically to the characteristics of machine-translated texts.
What exactly does ISO 18587 require?
The ISO 18587 standard defines clear requirements for professional post-editing:
- Qualification of post-editors: at least translators as defined in ISO 17100, with additional experience in working with machine translation
- Transparent processes: documented workflows and clearly defined quality assurance measures
- Communication with the client: advice on when and whether post-editing is suitable
- Quality target: the result should be comparable to a fully human translation (for full post-editing)
Light or full post-editing: what is the difference?
| Feature | Light post-editing | Full post-editing |
| Goal | Comprehensibility | Technically and linguistically correct, plus stylistically polished |
| Depth of intervention | Only for major errors | Thorough revision |
| Use | Internal communication, raw texts | External texts, publications |
| Quality | Acceptable | Comparable to human translation |
At Global Mundi, we give our clients honest advice on which option makes sense for each text, always with the target group, purpose and risk in mind.
Our post-editing process at Global Mundi
We combine technical efficiency with human control, fully in line with ISO 18587:
- Analysis of the source text and objectives
- Choice of a suitable machine translation engine (for example DeepL, custom MT, TM-based MT)
- Post-editing by trained specialist translators
- Quality check by a second person (four-eyes principle)
- Final approval and optional check against the style guide
For sensitive content, we also integrate our data protection standards (in line with ISO 27001) into the process.
Why post-editing does not simply mean “cheaper translation”
Many people automatically associate machine translation and post-editing with savings. But the focus is on efficiency without loss of quality.
A poorly post-edited text can cost more in the long run, through corrections, damage to the company’s image or legal consequences.
That is why our clients appreciate that we do not work “faster” at any price, but in a structured, transparent way that complies with ISO standards.
Quality through standards, in the age of AI too
Machine translation can be a useful tool, but only professional post-editing turns it into a high-quality specialist text.
With our certified approach to ISO 18587, we make sure that even when AI is used, you can rely on consistent, dependable results.
Talk to us: we will analyse your text and show you the best route to a high-quality translation.
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