The world of transcription has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, thanks to a pandemic and advancements in artificial intelligence. Transcriptionists, once primarily tasked with converting audio recordings typing character-by-character, are now evolving into a new role as transcription editors. This development is being driven by the integration of more accurate speech-to-text and automated transcription technology. In this article, we will explore the impact of transcriptionists adding artificial intelligence (AI) and automated technology to their knowledge base as they transition to become transcription editors, draw insights from real-life experiences, and provide valuable tips for those interested in making the transition. 

The Evolution of Transcription and Technology 

Traditionally, transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing audio/video recordings into text format, a process that requires exceptional listening skills and typing speed. They rely on their expertise in typing, grammar, and industry experience to produce highly accurate transcripts. However, with workforce reductions and the advent of AI, many transcriptionists find themselves faced with the challenge of embracing a new way of working. 

Solutions like VIQ’s NetScribe™ with aiAssist ™, have played a pivotal role in this transition. NetScribe offers an innovative platform that allows typists to adopt editing AI drafts more easily. Many transcriptionists have successfully made the leap and been delighted with the results of increasing their production output by up to 50%. Transcriptionists quickly adapted to the innovative technology, reshaping their roles and the industry. 

Balancing AI & Human Transcription 

Combining AI with traditional transcription skills offers significant advantages. This synergy accelerates workflow and increases overall efficiency, making transcription services more accessible and reliable. 

• Speed & Productivity: NetScribe excels at processing large volumes of audio or video recordings, along with providing an efficient workflow platform that distributes transcripts quickly upon completion, providing significant time-saving advantages. 
• Cost-Effectiveness: AI speech-to-text is a practical solution to streamline transcription for organizations with limited budgets or resources. 
• Scalability & Flexibility: Automated transcription helps effectively handle fluctuating demands, offering scalability to businesses with increased transcription needs. 
• Quality & Clarity: AI technology has made strides in noise reduction algorithms, enhancing clarity in audio recordings by suppressing unwanted background speech and sounds.  
• Speaker Diarization & Automatic Formatting: Proper speaker identification and labeling is crucial in transcription. VIQ’s aiAssist accurately distinguishes different voices and associates statements with the appropriate speaker. This creates a custom formatted draft transcript that saves typists’ time. 

Embracing Change 

The transition from transcriptionist to editor may be disconcerting at first for some, but it offers a host of benefits. This shift allows transcription professionals to leverage their existing skills while embracing new tools and techniques that enhance efficiency. 

Here are some real-world insights from those that have made the transition: 

One VIQ transcriptionist who made the switch shared her journey: “I’ve been transcribing for over two years. When I was told about the transition from typing to editing on a brand-new platform, I was overwhelmed. However, I decided to embrace the change and saw the results almost immediately.” 

One VIQ editor noted, “I trusted that if I kept with it, the process would get easier, and my minutes would increase. I did find this to be true.” 

Another emphasized the significance of setting oneself up for success: “I knew the manual, verbiage, and processes of my client’s jobs already, and I was applying that same knowledge into a newer system.”  

Outside of VIQ’s transcription services, legal transcriptionists and other transcription companies are quickly seeing the benefits. 

One court transcriptionist stated, “Because of VIQ’s help, we have progressed further than I thought we would by now. Courtroom transcription is not like any other type of transcribing, but I think NetScribe can fit courtroom transcribing as best as possible and every district in the state will want it.” 

The court administrator shared a similar sentiment, “I really like the time savings that NetScribe with aiAssist has with our backlog of transcripts! It reduces the amount of typing our transcriptionists spend prior to and during proofreading, which has helped cut down the transcription process and made it more manageable. We are proud to work with you all and we are so excited to use this product.” 

Sterling Garde, President & COO of Athreon, mentioned, “For transcription businesses that need to deliver multi-speaker transcripts to a variety of verticals, the NetScribe technology is the best solution available in the market. The security features, productivity tools, and knowledgeable support are superb.” 

And finally, Transcription Hub (THUB) Founder & CEO, Harrish Natarajan expressed, “For the past year, we successfully used NetScribe to enhance our internal workflows. We have seen a vast improvement in productivity and have made the transition from traditional transcription to editing an AI-generated draft. The quality of the draft, for multi-speaker applications, was a key driver in our decision to take the partnership to the next level.” 

These stories highlight the importance of leveraging domain expertise while transitioning to the role of an editor. By immersing herself in editing, she discovered the power of shortcuts, which significantly improved her editing pace. Learning the software thoroughly, including button functions and settings, was key to her success. As they became more comfortable with the editing process and mastered hotkeys, they experienced a significant boost in efficiency. Their experiences highlight that patience and persistence are essential qualities for transcriptionists making the switch to editing. 

Editing Tips from Real-life Editors 

To excel in the role of a transcription editor, mastering various techniques and shortcuts is crucial. Let us delve into some editing tips from experienced editors: 

• Type the hard things once: Copy and paste complex or repetitive text to save time. 
• Work ahead: Predict text while the audio is silent, making corrections and predictions as you go. 
• Important hotkeys: Familiarize yourself with essential keyboard shortcuts to enhance your editing speed and precision. 
• Weigh your options: Decide when it is faster to type instead of edit, depending on the context. 

Moving Forward with Hybrid Transcription  

 The transition from transcriptionist to transcription editor represents a significant shift in the transcription industry. While it may initially be met with resistance, those who embrace this change and invest in learning and adaptation can reap the rewards of increased efficiency and job satisfaction. Transcription editors play a vital role in harnessing the power of technology to transform audio recordings into accurate and readable text, and their impact on the industry is undeniable. As transcription professionals continue to evolve and adapt, the future looks promising, with VIQ at the forefront of this transformation.