What exactly is the process of doing a machine translation with post-editing?
The processes do not differ significantly from the usual translation process (rough translation/checking of the result delivered by the translation engine – by the post-editor, revision by a reviser, in case of full post-editing; this step is omitted in case of light post-editing). The time required for doing the rough translation can be greatly reduced, as the rough translation will be available immediately and can be viewed on the screen – even before being printed out for the first check. In this step, the post-editor (human translator) will correct the most obvious errors that the engine has made.
Does a machine translation cost less than a human translation?
No. As a rule, MT is only used in cases of extremely high time pressure, i.e. in cases where the relevant translation volume could not be handled in any other way within the desired deadline. Also, or especially in this case, utmost concentration is required from the post-editors/revisers. The translation process is very similar, and the result, if standard-compliant, cannot be distinguished from a human translation. However, the urgency fee required may be reduced.