Simpson Soft UK Limited is ISO 18587 Certified.
The certification guides our processes and quality controls, helping us deliver translations that are accurate, natural, and ready for real world use.
ISO 18587:2017 Translation services — Post-editing of machine translation output
(Source: https://www.iso.org/standard/62970.html)
ISO 18587:2017 provides requirements for the process of full, human post-editing of machine translation output and post-editors' competences.
What is ISO 18587?
Simpson Soft UK Ltd is proud to be ISO 18587 certified for Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE).
ISO 18587 is the internationally recognised standard for the full human post-editing of machine translation output. It provides a structured framework for combining the efficiency of modern machine translation technologies with the expertise of qualified human linguists to deliver high-quality translations suitable for their intended purpose.
As an ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certified language services provider, we are able to offer both traditional human translation workflows and professionally managed MTPE workflows, allowing us to recommend the most appropriate solution for each project. The goal is to produce a final translation that is comparable in quality to a professionally translated human produced text.
Why ISO 18587 Matters
The translation industry has evolved significantly with advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Neural Machine Translation (NMT), and Large Language Models (LLMs).
These technologies can improve efficiency and help organisations manage increasing volumes of multilingual content. However, technology alone cannot guarantee accuracy, cultural appropriateness, tone, or contextual understanding.
ISO 18587 provides assurance that AI-assisted translation projects are delivered through a recognised quality framework rather than relying solely on automated output. For clients, this means greater confidence that machine translation is being used responsibly, appropriately, and under the supervision of qualified language professionals.
Every ISO 18587 project follows a structured workflow designed to maximise quality whilst maintaining efficiency.
1. Suitability Assessment
Not every document is suitable for MTPE. Before recommending an MTPE workflow, we assess factors such as content type, language pair, intended audience, terminology requirements, and project objectives.
Where MTPE is not appropriate, we will recommend a traditional human translation workflow instead.
2. Machine Translation Generation
The source content is processed using carefully selected machine translation technologies appropriate for the project requirements.
3. Full Human Post-Editing
A qualified linguist reviews and refines the machine translation output. The linguist evaluates accuracy, terminology, style, tone, grammar, cultural appropriateness, consistency and readability.
Where necessary, segments may be completely rewritten to ensure the final translation meets professional quality standards.
4. Human Quality Assurance
Every translation delivered by Simpson Soft UK Ltd undergoes human quality assurance checks before delivery.
Whether a project follows an ISO 17100 human translation workflow or an ISO 18587 MTPE workflow, our quality team reviews the final output to ensure it meets client requirements and our internal quality standards.
ISO 17100 vs ISO 18587
Both standards are built around the same commitment to quality, but they apply to different workflows.
ISO 17100
Professional human translation workflow
Translation completed by qualified linguists
Independent revision process
Internationally recognised translation quality standard
ISO 18587
Machine Translation Post-Editing workflow
Machine translation combined with full human post-editing
Qualified post-editors
Internationally recognised MTPE quality standard
Human Expertise Remains Central
At Simpson Soft UK Ltd, we believe technology should enhance human expertise, not replace it.
Whilst machine translation technology continues to improve, language remains deeply connected to culture, context, emotion, and human understanding. That is why every translation we deliver undergoes human quality assurance before it reaches the client, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and linguistic quality.
Our ISO 18587 certification reflects our commitment to embracing innovation whilst maintaining the quality, accuracy, and accountability our clients expect.
Why Choose Simpson Soft UK?
ISO 17100 Certified Translation Services
ISO 18587 Certified MTPE Services
Nearly Two Decades of Industry Experience
Qualified Professional Linguists
Human Quality Assurance on Every Project
AI-Assisted and Human Translation Workflows
Multilingual DTP and Localisation Services
Trusted by Organisations Worldwide