In our increasingly interconnected world, the demand for over-the-phone interpretation (OPI) services is experiencing significant growth.
This surge is led by increased globalization, digital transformation, and a heightened focus on inclusivity across almost all industry sectors.
As a Language Service Provider (LSP), we’re seeing a number of reasons for this growth and anticipate that it will continue in near-term future.
It makes sense because OPI offers immediate, cost-effective language access, making it a vital part of certain industries.
In this article we’ll show which industries are driving the expansion of OPI and the reasons why. But first, let’s take a quick look at what OPI is.
OPI is a remote language service that connects individuals with professional interpreters via a phone. It gives the users real-time communication with another party who speak a different language.
OPI is often the best solution for quick, on-demand language support, because it doesn’t need an interpreter to be onsite and can be accessed anywhere you have internet connectivity or a phone signal.
And these are the industries that are seeing OPI as an increasingly useful tool:
Effective communication is incredibly important in healthcare, as it directly influences patient outcomes. Hospitals, clinics, and telehealth providers increasingly rely on OPI to bridge language gaps with patients who have limited English proficiency (LEP).
This service allows for accurate diagnoses, informed consent, and monitoring of treatment plans.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of OPI, with interpreters enabling vital conversations between patients and healthcare providers during crises.
In legal settings, precise communication is essential to ensure fairness and uphold people’s rights.
Courts, law enforcement agencies, and immigration services utilize OPI to assist individuals who are not fluent in the local language.
This includes interpreting during court proceedings, legal consultations, and police interviews.
The American Bar Association emphasizes the integration of interpreter services to maintain the integrity and accessibility of the legal system.
As businesses expand internationally, the need for seamless communication across languages becomes critical.
OPI services enable companies to conduct negotiations, customer support, and internal communications effectively.
In the finance sector, interpreters assist in explaining complex financial products and services to a diverse range of people, ensuring clarity and compliance.
Government agencies are tasked with communicating policies, services, and emergency information to multilingual populations.
OPI allows for this by providing real-time language support during public announcements, community meetings, and emergency responses.
This ensures that all citizens, regardless of language proficiency, have access to essential information and services.
Educational institutions are increasingly diverse, with students and parents from various linguistic backgrounds.
OPI services support communication between educators and non-English-speaking families, which helps in parent-teacher conferences, enrolment processes, and academic advising.
Also, as e-learning platforms grow, interpreters help deliver content to a global student base.
The travel and hospitality industry thrives on providing exceptional service to international guests.
OPI enables hotels, airlines, and tour operators to communicate with clients in their own language, addressing inquiries, reservations, and customer service issues.
This personalized communication can be the key to guest satisfaction and loyalty.
The entertainment sector aims to connect with audiences worldwide.
OPI plays a role in translating live events, interviews, and broadcasts, making content accessible to non-English-speaking viewers.
This inclusivity expands the market reach of artists and their art and helps them grow their fan base.
Tech companies often operate with international teams and user bases.
OPI services allow for communication during virtual meetings, product launches, and customer support interactions.
By overcoming language barriers, companies can foster collaboration, hire work forces in any country, and ensure that products and services meet the needs of diverse users.
In the manufacturing and automotive sectors, global supply chains and diverse workforces need clear communication, often in multiple languages.
OPI assists in training sessions, safety briefings, and coordination with international partners.
This helps with operational efficiency and compliance with safety standards.
Insurance providers must explain policies, claims processes, and coverage details to clients who speak a wide variety of languages whether from the US or another country.
OPI services help in communicating this complex information accurately, building trust and ensuring clients fully understand their insurance options.
There is a growing reliance on OPI across these industries which highlights the importance of effective communication in our global society.
As businesses and services continue to reach across borders, we think the demand for OPI will increase, ensuring that language barriers don’t get in the way of essential services and opportunities.
Can OPI benefit your business? If so, we’d love to talk to you. Consultations are free and there’s no obligation.
You’re in safe hands with us as we’re ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 compliant, have over twenty years of professional translation experience, and have earned the trust of organizations around the world.