ISO 18587:2017

Overview

ISO 18587:2017 - Translation services: Post-editing of machine translation output - Requirements defines requirements for the process of full, human post-editing of machine translation (MT) output and the competences of post-editors. It applies only to content processed by MT systems and is intended for translation service providers (TSPs), their clients and post-editors. ISO 18587:2017 complements general translation standards (see Related Standards).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Definitions and terminology: Precise terms for MT, MT output, post-editing, full post-editing, light post-editing, segments, locales, registers, TSP, post-editor, project manager, etc.
• Post-editing process: Structured stages covering pre-production, production and post-production (including final verification and feedback).
• Objectives and tasks: Clarifies the purpose of post-editing - checking accuracy and comprehensibility, correcting errors, and improving readability - and outlines post-editors’ tasks during the workflow.
• Competences and qualifications: Requirements for post-editor competence, qualifications and professionalism needed to perform full post-editing effectively (skills rather than prescriptive numeric criteria).
• Requirements for full post-editing: Conditions and expected outcomes for producing post-edited output that is comparable to human translation.
• Informative annexes: Practical guidance on post-editor training, light post-editing, pre-editing, client–TSP agreements and project specifications, and automatic post-editing.

Practical applications

• Ensures consistent quality assurance when delivering post-edited machine translation for websites, product documentation, user interfaces, marketing material, legal and technical texts.
• Helps TSPs define project specifications, allocate appropriate post-editor resources, and set clear deliverables for clients using MT.
• Guides post-editors on expected professional competences, workflow responsibilities, and how to interact with PMs and clients.
• Useful when integrating MT into localization pipelines (TM + MT + post-editing) to improve productivity and turnaround while maintaining quality.

Who should use this standard

• Translation service providers (TSPs) implementing MT workflows.
• Clients commissioning MT + post-editing services who need clear quality and process expectations.
• Post-editors, translators and project managers responsible for delivering or overseeing post-edited content.

Related standards

• ISO 17100 - requirements for translation services (general translation processes).
• ISO/TC 37 publications referenced for terminology and language resources.

Keywords: ISO 18587:2017, post-editing, machine translation, post-editor competences, TSP, full post-editing, light post-editing, MT output, translation quality.