How M21Global Uses Artificial Intelligence in Translation
M21Global is a translation company with more than two decades of activity. We use Artificial Intelligence as a tool within our process, certified to ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 by Bureau Veritas.
Schedule a callM21Global is a translation company with more than two decades of activity. We work across more than 250 language pairs for clients in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Angola and European markets.
We use Artificial Intelligence at specific points in our method, always supervised by a linguist. AI speeds up the work where speeding up makes sense, without ever compromising the quality clients expect.
M21AI is the internal name we give to this set of practices. It is not a separate product, nor a standalone service. It is the way we apply AI throughout the translation cycle, from pre-project to delivery.
Where AI enters our method
Pre-project
- Automated content analysis
- Detection of duplicates and repeated segments
- Effort estimation and translation memory preparation
Execution
- Neural translation on private engines
- Mandatory human post-editing in the IAH+ tier
- Linguist accountable for the final result
Quality control
- Automated terminology checks
- Consistency, numbering, tags and formatting
- Review by an independent linguist in the Strategic tier
Post-delivery
- Client feedback collection
- Updates to translation memories and glossaries
- Quality assessment for future projects
Confidentiality
- M21's private neural translation engines
- Client data never trains external models
- NDAs whenever requested, audited access
Certifications
- ISO 17100 for professional translation
- ISO 18587 for machine translation post-editing
- Audited by Bureau Veritas
How M21Global Uses Artificial Intelligence in Translation
M21Global is a translation company with more than two decades of activity. We use Artificial Intelligence as a tool inside our process, to speed up work, hold terminology consistent, and lower cost where it makes sense.
This page explains where AI fits into our method, which engines we use, how we safeguard the confidentiality of your data, and where we prefer to keep translation fully human. M21AI is the name we give to this set of practices. It is not a separate product, and it is not a stand-alone service.
How M21AI Works
M21AI is not an isolated product, nor a service tier. It is the name we give to the set of practices through which M21Global applies AI to translation work: how we choose the engines, how we design workflows where the linguist and AI work together, how we protect the data, and how we decide whether AI enters a project at all.
This page serves as an entry point. It describes the overall approach. From here, each client moves on to the specific service that best fits their case, with the assurance that method and values stay consistent across the offer.
MTPE: the Service Where AI Plays the Leading Role
Machine Translation with Post-Editing (MTPE) is the service most directly associated with the use of AI, and corresponds to the IAH+ tier. A private neural machine translation engine produces a first draft, which is then post-edited by a linguist certified under ISO 18587.
MTPE is the tier where AI plays the leading role. In the other tiers, AI enters in a more limited way, or does not enter at all, depending on the purpose of the project. For operational detail on the service, turnaround, and the cases where MTPE is the right choice, see Machine Translation with Post-Editing (MTPE).
Where AI Fits into the M21 Method
Artificial Intelligence enters at specific points of our method, chosen for the gains they bring without compromising quality.
- Pre-project: automated analysis of the content, detection of duplicates, effort estimation, and preparation of translation memories and glossaries.
- Execution: neural translation on private engines when the contracted tier provides for it, always followed by human post-editing on the IAH+ tier.
- Quality control: automated checks on terminology, consistency, numbering, tags, and formatting.
- Post-delivery: feedback collection, update of memories and glossaries, and quality assessment to improve future projects for the same client.
The linguist remains the final owner of the delivered text. AI is an instrument, not an authority.
The Three Tiers and When We Use IAH+
The M21Global offer is organised in three tiers, so each project gets the level of intervention its purpose requires.
- Standard: translation by a linguist with self-review. Suited to internal content and lower-exposure material.
- IAH+: machine translation with human post-editing, certified under ISO 18587. Reduces effort by about 30% against fully human translation, with a linguist responsible for the final result.
- Strategic: full TEP process, with translator, independent reviewer, and final QA, certified under ISO 17100. Recommended for critical, regulated, and high-visibility content.
IAH+ is the tier where AI plays the most direct role, as it involves only a light post-edit; in Standard, the translator works through the entire text. To compare tiers in detail, see Translation Services.
Private NMT Stack and Data Security
The neural machine translation engines we use are private M21 engines. We do not rely on free public tools, nor on services where the content entered can be used to train third-party models.
Client texts move within a controlled environment, with audited access and a team bound by confidentiality agreements. We sign NDAs whenever requested, and we align data handling with the confidentiality and protection requirements of each client.
The operation runs on our in-house IT department and on a client platform developed by M21, which gives us control over the whole technical chain.
Responsible AI and Governance
Our approach to AI rests on clear principles for when and how to apply it.
- Human oversight: every AI-generated output passes through a linguist when the contracted tier requires it, and is always reviewed before delivery on the IAH+ tier.
- Declared limits: in contexts that demand high cultural sensitivity, creative nuance, or fine legal interpretation, we favour full human work.
- Transparency: the client knows which tier the project is running under, and the role AI plays inside it.
- Proportionality: AI is applied where it adds measurable value in volume, consistency, and turnaround, and is pulled back where it does not.
This governance is consistent across the whole offer and tracks technological and regulatory developments.
Use Cases by Content Type
The choice between tiers depends mostly on the type of content and its purpose. Some frequent examples:
- Technical documentation and manuals: usually benefit from IAH+, due to terminology repetition and volume.
- Interface strings and product content: also well served by IAH+, with carefully maintained glossaries.
- Financial material and management reports: assessed case by case, with a tendency towards Strategic when there is accountability to third parties.
- Critical legal and contractual content: normally Strategic, with specialised translators and final validation.
- Marketing and corporate communication: frequently Strategic, to preserve register, tone, and cultural nuance.
In every case, the decision is discussed with the client before the project starts.
Quality: ISO 17100 and the Scope of ISO 18587
M21Global is certified by Bureau Veritas under two complementary standards.
- ISO 17100: applies to professional translation services, in particular the Strategic tier, which includes translation, review by an independent linguist, and final quality control.
- ISO 18587: applies specifically to the post-editing of machine translation output.
The two standards do not replace nor overlap each other. Each covers a distinct process, with its own requirements.
Integration with Teams, Glossaries, and Workflows
We work alongside client teams, in particular marketing, technical, legal, and product departments. We maintain shared translation memories and glossaries, which grow with each project and hold terminology consistent over the medium and long term.
For continuous flows, we provide document integrations and APIs to send and receive content in a structured way, cutting manual work and turnaround time. Our client platform centralises requests, quotes, files, and history.
The data handled stays at all times within our environment, under the same confidentiality principles described in the section on the NMT stack.
FAQ on AI in Translation
Is my data kept private?
Yes. The NMT engines we use are private to M21, and your content is not used to train external models. We sign NDAs whenever requested.
Does AI replace the human translator?
No. On the IAH+ tier, AI produces a first draft that is then mandatorily post-edited by a linguist certified under ISO 18587. On the other tiers, the human role is even more central.
How do you guarantee the quality of AI output?
We combine human post-editing, automated checks on terminology and consistency, our own translation memories and glossaries, and continuous quality assessment.
In which languages do you apply AI?
We translate in more than 63 languages. IAH+ availability depends on the language pair and the type of content, and is confirmed in each quote.
Can I choose not to use AI on a project?
Yes, choose Strategic Translation, under ISO 17100, with a fully human workflow. The decision is always the client's.
Who takes responsibility for the delivered text?
M21Global does. The linguist responsible for post-editing or for translation is the final owner of the text, whether or not AI support was used.
Related Services and Next Steps
If you want to look in more detail at how M21Global can apply AI to your specific case, the following resources are a starting point.
- Machine Translation with Post-Editing (MTPE): the specific service inside the IAH+ tier, with operational detail and ISO 18587 framing.
- Translation Services: full view of the Standard, IAH+, and Strategic tiers, to compare and choose the right approach.
- Request a quote: reply within 3 business hours, with free worldwide registered postal delivery where applicable.
For questions that go beyond these resources, speak directly with our team. We tailor the proposal to your context, with no commitment.
Our commitments
ISO 17100 Certification
Processes certified by Bureau Veritas. Every translation goes through translation, revision and quality control, including workflows that use AI.
Human linguists
Linguists remain ultimately responsible for every text delivered. AI is an instrument, not the authority.
Full confidentiality
Per-project NDAs, file encryption, isolated environments. Private neural translation engines, with no data sharing with third parties.
Guaranteed deadlines
Contractual commitment to delivery dates. AI-assisted processes enable shorter turnaround in the IAH+ tier without compromising quality.
Native translators
Every translator is a native speaker of the target language. Linguists with proven translation experience.
Transparency
Clients know which tier their project is being executed in and what role AI plays in it.
What Our Clients Say
We received the translation within the agreed deadline and its quality seems good
Speed of response and translation, availability for clarification, price and quality
We are extremely pleased with the service provided. You demonstrate speed and adherence to desired deadlines
We thank you for your professionalism in executing it, quality and compliance with the established deadline
I was validating the translation with the designers who did the original version (PT) and I confirm everything is fine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE)
The service within the IAH+ tier, certified to ISO 18587.
Learn moreTranslation Services
Full overview of the Standard, IAH+ and Strategic tiers.
Learn moreRequest a quote
Response within 3 business hours.
Learn moreM21Tech
Software localisation and technical documentation.
Learn moreM21Industry
Translation for the industrial sector.
Learn more