Recommendations
George Davidson, Project Leader EMEA Home Products, Black & Decker
Franz is a very thorough and accurate worker who provides top results every time. His knowledge of processes and documentation from previous experience was invaluable in developing many of B&D's user manuals over many years. He worked hard with his team to make sure we got what we needed, when we needed it. A great guy to work with, I would recommend him to anyone. Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, On Time
Jon Jackson, Technical Author, Tellabs Denmark
Frans provided a useful and insightful course about Simplified English. This course enabled Tellabs to start a terminology bank and to implement language checker software. I am impressed with Frans’ command of language, and the manner in which he trained our organization. I highly recommend Frans to anyone who wants to be in control of their language. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
Greg Brunko, Technical Publications Program Manager, Honeywell Aerospace
Frans has a grasp of English equivalent to a tenured university professor. With this expertise and his keen understanding of cultures, he was able as a teacher to blow holes through idiomatic and cultural walls to help us understand our international audience and to write effectively. Through the years, I have appreciated Frans's encouragement and counsel as a true sage. Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Srboljub Savic, Training Manager, Aero Nusantara Indonesia
Mr. Wijma is long time dedicated expert, especially in essential aviation communication - English language. His efforts to transfer knowledge had to be highly evaluated and rewarded. His agreeable personality is additional value for every company or community and employer. Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, High Integrity
Naeem-Ul-Hassan, Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan
Dr Frans Wijma is a very professional and knowledgeable expert in the field of aircraft engineering and aviation documentation, especially ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English and S1000D. He is also a great teacher who knows how to inspire a group of people across cultural boundaries, always having an open mind and the determination to make everybody perform as best they can. It is amazing how he can help us to convey complex technical content in a very clear and crisp way. Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
Virpi Lipponen, Translatum Oy, Finland
I met Frans in Finland in April 2011 and I'm really impressed with his thorough knowledge of STE100 and technical language and writing overall. He is very professional and personable. It you happen to catch the opportunity to cooperate with him, I strongly recommend doing so. Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Peter Heath, Professional & Engineering Communication, Finland
I recently attended a two-day training seminar run by Frans. I was very impressed with Frans's passion and his knowledge of the field. Frans gave me new perspectives on the way companies should communicate. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, On Time
Vladimir Karakusevic, Boeing, USA
Frans' expertise in simplified English and teaching it to non-English speakers is of great help for aviation community. His high level of experience, professionalism and integrity together with an excellent knowledge of several languages are a true gift for those working with him. I strongly recommend him and endorse him. Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
James Gao, Professor Assistant at Peking University, China
Dr Frans Wijma has a great combination of academic qualifications and industry experience. As such, we look forward to him teaching many more classes, helping to make China and Beijing University centres of excellence, with the most advanced skills in translation and language technology. His knowledge in the field of controlled languages such as Simplified Technical English is unparalleled.
Liz Raadsen, Owner, Kalliope, Netherlands
Frans has proved to be a helpful and reliable project manager on various occasions. Even though we were many time zones apart, he responded promptly and satisfactorily. And, what is especially relevant to me, he was always suitably appreciative of the work I did for him! His sense of humor, finally, makes it a pleasure to work with Frans.
Hanna Korpinen, Manager R&D Documentation, Finn-Power Oy, Finland
Frans is a professional and an enthusiastic teacher. The Simplified Technical English course was intensive and effective. The size of the group was good. Frans covered the standard thoroughly and our own text examples helped us to understand the standard in practice. Thank you, Frans! Finn-Power documentation team from Finland (Liisi, Pirita, Johanna ja Hanna). Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, On Time
Marja-Liisa Karapalo, Technical Writer, Patria Land & Armament Oy, Finland
I attended in August 2010 a two-day Simplified Technical English (STE) course in Tampere, Finland presented by Frans Wijma. He has an intimate knowledge of the standard and documentation with his long work experience. He can expertly understand different kinds of business fields and give improvements for their documentation based on the standard. I have familiarized myself with STE for a couple of months before this course and was very pleased to get answers for many questions that came up. It feels like we have got a new powerful gear for our documentation thanks to this efficient course. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
Katri Parkkinen, Senior Technical Writer at AAC Global Oy
In STE training, Frans showed profound knowledge and experience in the matter as well as excellent training skills with to the point exercises. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
Stephane Morel, Marketing Manager, Black & Decker
Frans has a deep knowledge of technical language & technical writing. The service provided by Frans was always of a very high quality. Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, On Time
Melvin Laskin, Technical Writer, IFN
I just completed a two day course in Simplified Technical English with Frans. His presentation was complete and detailed. He left me with a desire to see how I can incorporate the new knowledge in my work. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
Nadina Rosentuler, Senior Technical Writer, IDE Technologies
I attended Frans's training course in Simplified Technical English in June 2010 and I am very glad I did. Apart from being an engaging speaker and managing to enunciate 57 and a half writing rules in three hours without boring you for a second, Frans is a brilliant technically-minded linguist - a rare find. The ease with which he can turn convoluted (or downright bad) material into crystal-clear technical writing, at first sight and without hesitation, didn't cease to amaze me throughout the training sessions. Frans is personable, flexible, an extremely knowledgeable scholar and an excellent teacher. The two days spent in training with him definitely enriched my skill set. I can wholeheartedly recommend him, as an efficient trainer, enthralling presenter, and leading documentation expert. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative
Dirk Tijssen, Technical Writer, To-Increase
Frans has thorough knowledge on and is very capable to educate STE. His training helped me a lot in getting my writing skills up-to-date. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
Alberto Leite, Embraer
Frans is an expert in aircraft documentation and Simplified Technical English. An outstanding professional. Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Alessandro Alessandrini, Team leader methods, tools & documentation, Sogeti
Frans is a master in clarifying procedures and processes: his ability in writing down manuals improve end user comprehension, dramatically reducing risks and misunderstandings.
Karen Toast Conger, Director, Product Training & Publications, WatchGuard Technologies Inc.
Frans was both consultant and trainer to my authoring team as we developed a version of STE specifically targeted for the information technology sector. His tremendous experience in the field and passion for conferring that knowledge to our writers was instrumental in our success in adapting the authoring process as well as the documentation itself. In the long run, controlled authoring initiatives are only as good as the writers themselves and the enthusiasm with which they adopt the changed working environment. I believe Frans was critical in assisting with the cultural reformation of my team. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
Rochelle Fisher, Team Leader, Check Point Software Technologies
Frans gave our group of three teams training in Simplified Technical English. He was engaging as a speaker and really made the 2-day training enjoyable and worthwhile. I didn't think we all could use the new ways of writing and thinking that he was teaching, but everyone got on board right away. We continue to use the skills that Frans taught us, with the same type of enthusism he brought to the group during training. This was probably the best training I've had at Check Point, in either technical or professional subjects. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative
Joel W. Eisenman, Senior Technical Writer, SafeNet Inc. (formerly Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd.)
I attended a Simplified Technical English training presented by Frans. The process of "simplifying" English is actually not so simple. Frans did a very good job of teaching us the techniques to accomplish this task and gave us considerable hands-on experience. I highly recommend his course for anyone who wants to use STE. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
Eli Har-Even, Technical Writer, Check Point
The Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100) course given by Frans was GREAT: Very practical, and immediately useful. Seeing a five line paragraph turning into four, three or even two lines, while the meaning became clearer, was an eye opener. Using STE for translation could quickly save a company a lot of money. Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative
Ben Mansheim, Team Lead Technical Publications, Check Point Software Technologies
Frans provided our team with 2 days of intensive training. The training was thorough and enjoyable. Frans is clearly an expert in his field. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
Stewart Kety, Technical Writer
I recently attended a Simplified Technical English (STE) course presented by Frans Wijma and found him to be a charismatic professional speaker. The course information was organized in a clear, concise and interesting manner. Some of the benefits include language standardization, consistency and efficiency, which are all important to my clients and me. I feel that this topic is a timely and essential tool in the documentation process. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
Brian Schmitt, Director of Technical Publications, Nautilus
Frans provided exceptional training for our team in learning Simplified Technical English, per our CMS/XML implementation. He played a key role in the success in our shift to STE which reduced our translation fees. Additionally, his training and ongoing support allowed our company to develop a Corporate Glossary which aligned our company voice to our customer base. Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Marianne Creusen, Creusen Motor Technology & Creusen Metalworking Machines
Frans's knowledge of the different subjects is excellent. He supplies 'good value'. I can recommend his work. Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value
Carine Van Bost, Translation co-ordinator
I remember Frans as a very intelligent, multi-talented polyglot with highly developed technical skills, always friendly and open for a laugh or a chat. This man can do anything!
Yehonatan (Yoni) Palmer, Director, Documentation Solutions, ECI
I attended a Simplified English course given by Frans in Israel. He’s an excellent presenter, making the subject relevant and interesting. Frans provided expert advice on how to implement the Simplified English standard. Following the seminar, I have a much better understanding of the topic, which is already helping me and my team in our ongoing documentation projects. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative
Giovanni Ponta, Technical Translator & Trainer
Frans is a smart leader, having developed great skills in managing Multilingual Translation of Technical Documents. His field of expertise has a very wide range of application, I can't see him as managing just one department or just one specific sector, but rather as a leader having the capacity of encompassing and embracing the full scale of operations of a big International Company. Very efficient, he gets to the point immediately.
Ed Haskey, General Manager at Aircraft Commerce
Frans recently made a presentation and exhibited at our MRO & Operations IT conference held in Bangkok. I found him to be thoroughly professional and extremely knowledgeable. His presentation regarding Simplified Technical English and aircraft maintenance documentation was very well received by the audience.
Francois Massion, D.O.G. GmbH
Frans is one of the most knowledgeable persons I ever met in the field of SGML documentation. He combines these skills with an impressive knowledge of several foreign languages and has always been extremely helpful beyond any contractual obligations.
Jan Zaal, Kinzo B.V.
Frans has been providing his services to me for several years to create user manuals in over 20 languages. He helped to create these manuals efficiently, saving cost and time by employing customised technology based on our specific requirements. I recommend him and his company as a reliable partner for multilingual documentation. Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity.
Claudette Kulkarni, Managing partner, Maatschap Van Caubergh & Kulkarni
Frans is a very reliable person to work with. He pairs technical knowledge with a background in linguistics. He is dedicated to meeting the customers' requirements, having worked with customers in various industries, such as aerospace, defence, consumer products, banking, insurance, power tools, machinery and marine. He is recognised as a leading expert in his field as well as for being personable and having an open mind. He is fluent in a number of languages. And, not least important, he is a well-rounded person - whenever he finds the time, he will take his small Cessna into the air and have a good work-out.
Anouar Koutchoukali, Owner, A Propos Vertaalbureau
Frans is an excellent manager: all projects run smooth and effectively! Very pleasant to work with him.
Achmad Syifa, Manager, Aircraft Base Maintenance Capability Development & Improvement, PT. GMF Aeroasia
Frans is very professional person, he's really good in handling customers/clients. When I worked with him, he always shows his enthusiasm, initiative, intelligence, and volunteered for cooperative opportunities in the business. I recommend him with the highest regard.
Phil Harrison, Advanced Computing Technologist, Boeing
I know Frans from our involvement in a collaboration between companies to develop and market controlled language checking technology. Frans showed great talent and efficiency as a technology developer and communicator of technical ideas. He is fluent in multiple human and computer languages and his understanding of the principles of controlled language writing and clear communication enable him to provide great value to his customers.
Ian Boulton, Principal Application Engineer, PTC
Frans is an internationally recognised expert in the field of simplified technical communications. I have worked with Frans for many years and he has an amazing amount of knowledge in the field of linguistics and communication.
Anouar Koutchoukali, Owner, A Propos Vertaalbureau
I have a great pleasure to work with Shumin Chen on a number of complex technical translation projects. She is very talented, efficient and dependable, making sure to meet and exceed the customer's expectations.
Mike Case, Boeing
Frans Wijma has done excellent work for The Boeing Company in providing translation, translation system design, custom translation processing software, translation tool training, and translation system troubleshooting and tuning. He is familiar with the data structures of technical publications and has the ability to create solutions for interfacing the customers data with translation aid systems. Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert.
Rick Wojcik, Associate Technical Fellow, Boeing
I have worked with Frans for a number of years now, first as a collaborator and later, alas, as a competitor. I have no hesitation in recommending him for his abilities as a linguist, polyglot, and technical innovator. In addition, he is an accomplished speaker, and a great salesman for his products. As someone who works closely with the ASD Simplified Technical English writing standard, I have been impressed with the breadth and depth of his knowledge of that subject. He is a world leader in the implementation of Controlled Language processes. So I am very happy to endorse him.
Michael Anobile, Director, Localization Industry Standards Association
Frans has worked with LISA for several years and developed a reputation for being very knowledgeable in the field of technical documentation. He has helped member companies implement cost-saving strategies for managing translation and technical documentation projects.
Mike Day, Business Advisor, Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace
Frans has demonstrated that he is an expert in restricted languages and in particular ASD Simplified Technical English (STE). He has given successful presentations on the subject at S1000D User Forums that were very well received. He is an expert in developing systems that check conformance to restricted English standards.
Ligia McLean, International Business Mgr., The Boeing Company
Frans is an exceptionnally talented linguist, in addition to an excellent marketing and technical representative for his company. Boeing has had the pleasure of working with Frans as the liaison for our activities and hopes to continue having him support us in that role and any future role he may have with the company.
Anton Tarasenko, CIO, AviaOK
I have enjoyed working with Frans for approx. 5 years now. I am most impressed with his linguistic, aerospace and general technical knowledge, experience and no-nonsense attitude. Frans understands the customer's needs while at the same time being realistic. He always keeps his word. On a different note, he also is a person with whom it is nice to spend time after working hours. If you're lucky enough, you may even fly with him, as Frans is not only a translation and Simplified English guru, but also a pilot. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity.
Roel Seegers, Manager, Rabobank
Frans is a truly amazing colleague: he knows very much -if not all- about various fields of interest. He is a polyglot controlled language expert, a practising globetrotter and an expert in international business. Frans is punctual and makes sure that his customers get what they expect. It is fun to work with Frans -never a dull moment- as he is highly sociable as well.
Juliette Grant, International CH-47 Logistics Specialist, Boeing
I worked with Frans on a project for translation for technical manuals. It was a pleasure to work with him and he was very professional. He responded to our queries quickly and informatively and he was an asset to have on the project, as he has a vast knowledge of technical translation. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, On Time.
Wout Touw, Technical Writer, Touw Technische Documentatie
Frans is a very pleasant colleague to work with. He is a so called "original thinker", which means that he comes up with things other people didn't think of. He is also able to ask the right questions, which helps you to get a good view of your real problem or question. He is humourous, bright and fast-forward thinking. I have no hesitation in recommending Frans for his abilities as a linguist, polyglot, and technical miracle.
Tobi Kars, VP Technology, PowerE2E
Frans is the most knowledgeable language-expert I have ever worked with. He always displayed high integrity, great customer-understanding and deep product knowledge, on top of being an all-round nice guy and great colleague.
Mark Francis, Product Manager, Black & Decker
Whilst at Black & Decker I had the pleasure of working with Frans on a number of translation projects. Frans was always proactive in suggest new/alternative ideas and would always respond quickly to any change requests. Frans has a friendly disposition and is passionate about the quality of work he delivers. I highly recommend his services and would not hesitate in using him again in the future. Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, Creative.
Ulisses Bognar, Account Manager, All Tasks
I've worked with Shumin Chen when she was a Localization Program Manager for large projects into multiple lamguages. She was always very professional and confident. I would work with her again in the future.
Lawrie Cunningham, Director, Black & Decker
Frans's detailed knowledge of translation and language systems and understanding of their marketplace application has been of great assistance in producing well-executed solutions. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity.
Fabrizio Lunghi, EMEA Marketing and Development Director, Black & Decker
It was a pleasure to work with Frans for his high competence and strong professional background.
Nick Rosenthal, Managing Director, Salford Translations Ltd.
Frans spoke on the use of controlled language at a couple of STC conferences that I've attended and been involved in organising. He is a fun and engaging speaker, and I highly recommend him.
Tim Gottschalk, Consultant, Boeing
Frans has rare skills in global demand - indeed when I met him he was spending much of his time crossing oceans to find creative foreign language solutions for his clients' advanced technical publications challenges. Frans has a special knack for understanding the Asian markets and his brilliant decision to develop business out of Singapore should serve him well regardless of the economic climate. I wish him all the best of success.
Richard Jemison, Product Manager, DeWALT
Frans has a very detailed knowledge of technical language & technical writing. The service provided by Frans was always very consistent and of a very high quality. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity.
Victoria Ichizli-Bartels, EPWG member, S1000D, CORENA
I met Frans at one of S1000D User Forums. I was working for the German MoD at that time in coordinating S1000D work there and representing them in S1000D working groups. Frans was among persons who introduced me into STE (simplified technical language) world (I am still a novice, but much less than earlier). Apart from that, through Frans' initiative the work on structured German and other languages have been successfully started and a lot have been achieved to introduce structure into technical languages on the international level. Frans is a very reliable business partner and every of my questions (independent on how naive they might have been) have been answered promtly and with high professionality. If you have any questions on STE and need a competent partner in this area I can only recommend Frans in this case. Apart from my personal experience, I have only heard positive impressions of him from S1000D and other communities.
