A nightmare. Why do customers place trust in CBG? Please read.
Working with CBG has been a disappointing experience, particularly from a professional translator's perspective. While I appreciate the need for streamlined workflows and bespoke solutions, this agency's outdated systems and practices leave much to be desired.
Let's start with the basics: the rates are low, which is discouraging for any skilled linguist looking for fair compensation. But beyond that, the workflows feel like they haven't evolved in over a decade. Processes that should take minutes are needlessly complicated and drawn out, making projects inefficient from start to finish.
Communication, especially with the vendor management team, is another major issue. Responses are slow, unclear, and often dismissive. Instead of fostering a collaborative environment, the tone is often unfriendly and inappropriate, which only adds to the frustration of working under such conditions.
The real deal-breaker, however, is the agency's insistence on using proprietary CAT tools that seem stuck in the early '90s. These tools are not only outdated. They are a productivity nightmare. The UX/UI isn't just visually unappealing; it's actively damaging to efficiency. Clunky interfaces, essential features missing, unintuitive workflows, and frequent glitches make even the simplest tasks feel like navigating a technical obstacle course.
In 2025, cloud-based, easy-to-use tools should be standard. Some translation agencies have proven this by developing in-house solutions that are thoughtfully designed, cloud-based and enhance rather than hinder productivity. I can't understand why CBG hasn't moved in this direction.
What's even more baffling is that large end customers still rely on agencies using these outdated systems. Perhaps they are unaware of the tools being used to translate their content, or they underestimate the HUGE impact these tools have on the final quality. But the truth is, poor tools affect output. A translator forced to wrestle with clumsy, eye-straining software cannot deliver their best work.
It's time to think about the real-world impact of the tools you choose. Investing in proprietary solutions is fine, but if you're going to do it, do it well. Translators need modern, efficient, and intuitive tools that support their work, not systems that drain their energy and limit their potential.
All in all, I'm left wondering how major clients continue to place their trust in CBG Konsult & Information AB. It's 2025. We can, and should, expect more.