How a transcript is created at FSTL
Most people understand what a transcribed document is: it’s when speech is converted into written text.
But not everyone knows just what goes on behind the scenes to get the end result!
So we thought it might be interesting to show the process FSTL goes through to create a transcription.
It all begins with the initial client request. Once we have been notified of a transcription request, we will seek confirmation on whether or not it is an expedited transcript and the length of the recording. Once the sound files have been received, the job will be assigned to one or more transcribers.
A transcribers dream job is a good, clear recording. A group chat, with everyone talking simultaneously and several accents recorded on someone’s phone does not make for a happy transcriber!!! The Holy Grail for an accurate transcription is a high quality recording, and using a transcription service such as FSTL who have the right knowledge and experience to transcribe it. Without this, you run the risk of an end result that isn’t as accurate as it should be. In our experience, if we record it ourselves, the transcriber not only has a good recording, but also has a back-up & a log of who said what to help them transcribe the recording much more quickly & more accurately. This can be immensely beneficial to our clients.
Throughout the transcription process, if the transcriber needs any further documentation or has any queries, these will be followed up with the client. All transcribers will be notified of the timescale of return of the transcript. Once we have received the transcript back from our transcribers, the completed transcript is proof-read and any remaining queries clarified with the client.
All our transcription work is undertaken by our experienced team of transcribers, all of whom have between 2 and 27 years’ service for FSTL. They all come to us through personal recommendation or on the basis of a proven track record in transcription. As our work is confidential, all of our transcribers have signed a confidentiality agreement with us before they begin with FSTL.
The transcribers are experienced in the provision of transcripts according to each client’s requirements. They are all given training on how to produce a variety of transcription formats. This careful training and guidance in how to produce the transcripts helps ensure the accuracy and uniformity of the transcripts we produce.
At FSTL, the majority of work that we receive comes from sound files sent directly to us by our clients. Transcripts are produced in a word document within an agreed timeframe and format. Every client has their own requests and deadlines, it is definitely not a one size fits all product!
No two days are ever the same – the nature of recordings can for example include ones of roundtable meetings with up to 20 doctors of different nationalities and accents, and we endeavour to identify each speaker during the course of the meeting. Clients send us recordings in a variety of formats from which we produce the transcripts. In order to assist us, we ask clients to provide background information such as a date of recording, list of attendees, slides if applicable, documents and any other information they can provide to assist in the transcription process. For example, we particularly require documents for Coroner’s Court Inquests and disciplinary meetings where very often documents are being quoted from and need to be transcribed accurately into the transcript. Where possible we check any names or terminology, if we are unable to clarify a word or term we refer back to the client to ask them to confirm. All our work is fully proof-read before being sent out to the client.
We also work within a wide range of industry sectors, from legal to medical, the media to academia, corporate to financial. FSTL are also specialists in covering all areas of the energy and telecoms industries. With over 27 years’ experience, there really isn’t much we haven’t seen before so our clients know they are in safe hands. By outsourcing your needs to a transcription service such as that of FSTL you pay for each project as required, which ultimately boosts the efficiency of your own team, and frees up their time to work on core projects.
Outsourcing your transcription needs to FSTL will be a positive enhancement to your business, meaning you get fast, accurate and professional results that you can tap into as and when you need it.