Transcription Workflow Management Software

Do you use any transcription workflow management software?

I've been using Scribemanager as my online workflow tool. Workflow tool simply means that its used for client uploading and management of jobs available.

Although it's not perfect it still gets the work done.

Right now I'm sharing my thoughts on transcription workflow tool with a developer who is working on a transcription workflow tool.

What are your thoughts on workflow management for transcription? What features are useful and how does your ideal workflow management look like?

It's NOT Always FUN

Providing and running a transcription service is not always fun.

It's like any other business.  It has its ups and downs.

Sometimes the audio recordings are so bad all you hear is static.  Sometimes the deadlines are so unrealistic they give you ulcers.

Sometimes you have to deal with disgruntled transcribers who couldn't care less about you or the clients.

And then there are clients who pay a month late and some who don't pay at all.

So why do it at all?

I guess its true that some people are meant to do somethings and thats what it is for me.

I love transcribing and running a business. 

Inspite of all the trouble there are the perks: extra cash, being a business owner rather than just being an employee, the act of serving other individuals and businesses and interacting with them. I love it. Priceless.

The big picture is I'm doing my bit.

While TranscriptionPRO is still far from being considered a success.  It is still successful in giving me the chance to prove myself.

I'm living the life I wanted to. And thats enough.

Online transcription projects: Communication is Key

One of the hurdles (and advantages) of running an online transcription service is that all your transcribers are in different time zones. Some are 5 hours behind you and some are 3 hours advanced.

Managing transcription projects can be a big problem in such situation.  It's therefore a must to have constant and clear communication to and fro.

This often means emailing to and fro multiple transcribers multiple times a day.

Deadlines and relevant information must be communicated and reminded from time to time.

It's a must for transcribers to update their managers the status of their work at least once a day.

If there's any problem with the transcription, that has to be reported as soon as possible.

Nothing should be left to chance or even worse, assumed. Any doubt or confusion with regards template, client instructions and any other detail must be conveyed instantly.

It's also useful and can save time to mention whether a particular transcript needs editing or not, when submitting your final transcript to your manager.

While working on online transcription projects is fun and rewarding it can be rather challenging at times.

Communication is key to succesful transcription projects.

What's your experience like running online transcription projects?