SHIFT – Localization Quality Assurance

Why Localization Matters

Untranslated or badly translated
content on a brand website

*Croud International Localization report (2022)

Do not overestimate the impact of automatic localization

*IEEE ICSME 2020: i18n Collateral Changes and Bugs in Android Apps

Effective localization is essential not only for clear communication but also for building customer trust and protecting business performance. For many languages, the quality of machine translation is still at a developing stage. In addition, poor translation can also break the UI/UX, leading to user frustration and loss of trust. Therefore, it is not advisable to rely solely on machines for localization. The above data reveals the real risks related to localization.

This is what happens
without proper localization

Consumers

Our 3-Step Localization
QA solution

Our 3-Step
Localization QA
solution

SHIFT’s localization QA isn’t just about language — it’s about delivering a global product experience that works,reads, and feels right in every local market. We provide a structured workflow that spans from Planning and execution to final reporting, delivering consistency, and reliability at every stage.

Case Study

Numerous defects were identified, preventing risks, delivering high ROI, and extending into a long-term partnership.

◆ A Fortune 500 global software client had been conducting localization testing in-house but continued to face persistent issues that limited product adoption in the Japanese market.

◆ By engaging SHIFT for an eight-week Proof of Concept (PoC), supported by four CCJK* specialists, the client achieved dramatic improvements in defect detection and overall product quality. The team uncovered numerous defects, helped the client avoid potential future issues, and ultimately delivered an exceptionally high ROI.

◆ CCJK languages are double-byte character sets, which frequently cause technical issues and unexpected bugs during localization. Many software vendors struggle with these challenges, making CCJK testing a critical area of focus.　

* CCJK: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean

*CCJK: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean

Frequently Asked Questions

We support a wide range of digital products, including mobile apps, SaaS platforms, e-commerce sites, games, and more — across multiple languages and devices.

Unlike traditional LQA services that focus only on translation checks, SHIFT combines localization testing with software QA. We evaluate language, functionality, UI/UX behavior, and more — all in one streamlined process.

No. SHIFT is not a translation vendor. We specialize in localization testing, which focuses on verifying the accuracy, fluency, and functionality of already translated content within your actual product. While translation companies focus on producing language content, we ensure that content is delivered correctly — both linguistically and technically — across devices, platforms, and regions. In fact, we often work alongside translation vendors to provide an added layer of QA before launch.

Yes. We manage and assign native-speaking testers to ensure your product feels natural and appropriate in each target market.

Absolutely. We test across real mobile devices, browsers, and OS combinations to detect issues that emulators or machine-only testing might miss.

We deliver detailed bug reports with screenshots, reproduction steps, and severity levels, along with a final quality assessment for each language tested.

We provide both. SHIFT can design test scenarios based on your UI/UX and content structure, or execute using your existing test cases — flexibly adapting to your workflow.

We can test in over 20 languages, including Japanese, Chinese (simplified/traditional), Korean, French, Spanish, German, and more. Custom languages can also be arranged.

Yes. In addition to localization QA, SHIFT can support overseas SaaS and digital product companies looking to enter the Japanese market. This includes advising on local customer expectations, reviewing marketing and UX for cultural fit, and even helping identify or evaluate potential resellers or local distribution partners. With deep understanding of Japan’s business environment and user behavior, we bridge the gap between technical quality and commercial success.

About Us

Company Name

SHIFT, Inc.

Headquarters

Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower,1-3-1
Azabudai, Minato-ku,Tokyo
106-0041, Japan

President and CEO

Masaru Tange

Established

September 2005

Business Activities

Software quality assurance and testing