CASE STUDIES

Localized multimedia training collateral to successfully upskill Amway staff around the globe

6

Markets provided training collateral

Over 250,000

Words translated
January 4, 2021
Amway is one of the world’s leading direct selling businesses, operating in more than 100 countries, enabling over three million entrepreneurs to grow their own businesses.
In order to train their Account Managers in various different markets, Amway needed to translate and localize their web-based and instructor-led training collateral in order to ensure that the company’s SAM (Strategic Account Management) strategy was communicated in a clear, consistent and professional manner.
Thanks to Rubric’s localization expertise and proactive project management, Amway was able to provide multimedia training collateral to Account Managers in six international markets.
We worked with Amway to translate and localize a range of training collateral consisting of e-learning and instructor-led training content and supporting materials. The project included the translation, engineering and testing of both instructor-led and web-based training content including voice-overs and assessments; the subtitling of video content;  and localization of training reinforcement content.This considerable undertaking entailed the translation of over 250,000 words (that’s a quarter of a million) into six languages: Simplified Chinese, Latin Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Russian. 
An emphasis on effective communication between all stakeholders thanks to strategic project management meant all content was localized within deadline as required by each market.

Planning

Key to providing Amway with a superior end result, was gaining an in-depth understanding of their requirements. We then adapted the localization process accordingly in order to meet these needs. Together with the Amway stakeholders, we determined the most efficient and effective processes, methodology and technology to use on the project. This involved identifying potential issues, risks, bottlenecks and conflicts., and then applying our experience and expertise to mitigate these as effectively as possible. 

Communication

Proactive project management is the first step to a streamlined translation process. By pinpointing potential roadblocks – like unrealistic launch dates and content that was not translation ready – and then monitoring them continually, we were able to address these issues as and when they arose. A crucial part of mitigating and addressing these issues was being able to work together with the Amway team to identify the most appropriate solution that met their needs.

Scheduling

In order to ensure that all deadlines were met, we worked backwards from the predetermined launch date of each market’s training. Taking the current workload of the Amway team, as well as national holidays into account, we determined an appropriate schedule for both the translation and review of the material for each market. In order to ensure linguistic consistency, the number of translators needed was minimized while still allowing for peaks and troughs in workload. 
Bearing in mind that last minute changes are part and parcel of any translation process, we applied our past experience in detailing with unforeseen issues to effectively plan for changes to the scope of work, technical challenges, additional hand-offs, and alterations to the markets’ schedules.

'I was thoroughly impressed with Rubric’s commitment to quality, speed, and communication. Rubric is a phenomenal partner for Amway, and the value they offer goes way beyond translation.'

ANNE STAWISKI
SR. LEAD CORPORATE TRAINER, AMWAY

Risk and Issue Management

Proactive project management is the first step to a streamlined translation process. By pinpointing potential roadblocks – like unrealistic launch dates and content that was not translation ready – and then monitoring them continually, we were able to address these issues as and when they arose. A crucial part of mitigating and addressing these issues was being able to work together with the Amway team to identify the most appropriate solution that met their needs.

Stakeholder management

Relationships – and the quality thereof – play a vital role in the success of any localization or translation endeavor. Amway has various stakeholders at different levels and from different sub organizations (one of which was their World Headquarters in Michigan). Therefore, it was key that we understood the role each stakeholder played in the project, their definition of a successful localization process, and the best way to go about engaging them.
Past experience has taught us that collaboration and buy-in from all parties is key. As such, we involved all interested parties, and identified and adopted the most effective lines of communication with them. For example, the reviewers were heavily involved, in the translator selection process, as well as the compilation of terminology and overarching brand management. In order to achieve this, regular, personal contact was key. Importantly, in-market stakeholders were more than satisfied with the content and the overall process. 

'Rubric were a critical linchpin in the successful early adoption of the SAM training, a vital growth strategy for our company. Rubric’s greatest strengths are communication & project management, global reach, attention to detail, responsiveness to feedback, and commitment to partnership. Thank you Rubric for making this a great experience!'

ANNE STAWISKI
SR. LEAD CORPORATE TRAINER, AMWAY

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