Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Project Management

+Artificial Intelligence
+Digital Automation
   versus 
+Human Project Management 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

AI has made considerable progress in problem-solving and is already a part of our lives, albeit primarily in specialised roles rather than at its full potential. We're still uncovering what AI might bring in the future, but it's clear that AI could soon emulate a human project manager, overseeing a vast array of project management and translation tasks. Some suggest this could occur within the next decade. In the worst-case scenario, this could render many of our roles redundant.

Digital Automation (DA)

Even before the advent of AI, software was streamlining repetitive tasks in project management. In fact, project management software (e.g., Project-Open, Projetex, Capterra) and TM-based translation tools (such as SDL Studio, MemoQ, Wordfast) exemplify early stages of automation. What began with standalone applications has now evolved into today's cloud-based solutions. Over time, these platforms have embraced more sophisticated automation features, heralding a new era of Extended Digital Automation.

Latest generation: AI + DA

The cutting-edge trend is Extended Digital Automation, bolstered by Artificial Intelligence. Examples include neural machine translation features within CAT Tools (SDL Studio) and project management platforms that incorporate neural machine translation (e.g., Smart CAT, MateCat, XMT).

Human Project Management and Human Post Editing

Despite remarkable advancements in AI and DA in recent years, the necessity for human oversight remains, at least for the present. In project management, tailoring translation outputs to meet client objectives requires a thorough analysis of source materials, with client communication playing a pivotal role. Similarly, translations produced by neural engines often need the refined touch of experienced human editors.

Conclusion

Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, promising significant transformations within the translation industry through AI and DA integration. However, the rate at which people adapt to these new technologies will likely lag behind the speed of technological innovation. Adapting to increasingly sophisticated AI + DA solutions is expected to be a gradual, generational shift for both customers and service providers.

Demand for human translation will persist, especially for sensitive technical, marketing or game localization projects that AI cannot replicate.

Furthermore, projects involving Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) will continue to require thorough human project management.

In summary, language service providers and professional translators are poised to remain vital and active participants in the industry for the foreseeable future.

Author: Volkan Güvenç, General Coordinator  

at Alafranga Language Solutions