HMI and display translation

Clear instructions in all languages.

Safe operation and global marketing of technical equipment.

Accurate translations

Displays and instructions require precise translations within limited space to prevent mistakes and misunderstandings when operating machinery. oneword supports you with the professional localisation of technical content and user interfaces.

Our certifications

Here are the benefits of having your HMI and display translations done by oneword:

Accurate and clear translations for display and HMI texts

Making the best use of limited text fields on displays and control panels

Consistent translations between display texts and operating instructions

Reduction in operating errors, consequential damage and complaints

Support for complex and bespoke file formats and systems

Efficient workflows thanks to technology-driven translation management

Taking context into account to avoid translation errors

Bespoke processes for international machinery and plant communication

Optimising the translation of display and HMI texts

Translations for HMI and display texts are more complex than standard translations as the technology sets out clear framework conditions. Content must be reproduced using the correct language whilst remaining comprehensible and complying with strict limits on space and the number of characters used.

Translations for HMI texts and displays with strict length limits therefore present a particular challenge as even minor discrepancies can lead to misunderstandings or operating errors.

Would you like to find out how we, as a translation service provider, can help you with the localisation of HMI and display texts? Then please get in touch with our team of experts – together we'll find a solution that suits your business objectives.

Support with HMI and display translations for businesses

HMI and display translation is ideal for:

Mechanical engineering and plant construction for international markets

Companies using HMI/display control systems (e.g. TIA Portal / WinCC)

Products with very limited display space

Multilingual user interfaces and machine interfaces

Companies with strict requirements in terms of security and usability

Organisations with consistent technical documentation and HMI content

Lower costs in the long term

This is how we translate your HMI and display texts:

Analysis of HMI and display content

We check display texts, HMI interfaces and technical content in terms of language, space constraints, file format and system environment (e.g. in the SIEMENS TIA Portal/WinCC).

Term extraction and translation in a system context

We export the content from the relevant system. We then perform professional translation, taking into account the relevant terminology and translation memories.

Quality control & consistency check

Our experts check the translated content for terminology, consistency between the HMI and the operating instructions, and technical accuracy.

Context-based editing in the HMI system

We process all translations directly in a system context. This enables us to adhere strictly to space constraints and ensure that the interface remains easy to understand.

Delivery and long-term storage

We deliver the final texts and store them in separate translation memories to ensure reusability and consistency.

Quality control & consistency check

Our experts check the translated content for terminology, consistency between the HMI and the operating instructions, and technical accuracy.

Case study: Real-world use cases, real-world results

Together with ILLIG Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, we have demonstrated just how effective a bespoke and well-thought-out workflow concept can be. oneword provided the company with a team of professional translators, revisers and software experts to achieve this.

Successes for ILLIG Maschinenbau:

Lower costs in the long term

Errors related to comprehensibility and operation significantly minimised for the end client

Translations in accordance with ISO 17100

You can learn more about our collaboration with ILLIG Maschinenbau in our case study.

Download the case study

FAQs

What is HMI and display translation?

HMI and display translations involve the linguistic and technical adaptation of user interfaces and display texts for machinery and plants into various target languages. Particular consideration is given to space constraints and the relevant system context. The focus is not only on the translation output itself, but also on ensuring that it is presented correctly and effectively in a technical context.

What are the benefits of HMI and display translation?

It ensures that machinery can be operated comprehensibly, consistently and safely worldwide, reduces mistakes and customer complaints and makes better use of limited display space. At the same time, the texts are much easier to follow, which impacts positively on efficiency and safety.

What services does HMI and display translation cover?

It covers translation, the use of terminology and translation memories, systematic review of context, quality checks and integration into HMI software such as TIA Portal or WinCC. In addition, workflows are customised to optimally combine technical and linguistic requirements.

How does the translation process for HMI and display texts work?

The process begins with extraction of content from the relevant HMI system. The texts are then translated, taking into account terminology, translation memories and space constraints, and checked within the system context to ensure clarity and technical accuracy. Finally, quality assurance is run and the texts are reintegrated into the system to ensure a consistent and reusable database.

How can you prevent mistakes in HMI and display texts?

Through context-based translation undertaken directly within the system, clear terminology, translation memories and consistent alignment between the display text and technical documentation.