Non-ProZ.com Jun 22, 2005:

OK, here goes with a bit more context. The heading for this clause is:
"ARTICLE IV � RECEPTION ET CONTROLE DU PRODUIT"
Straight after the first 'reconnu' bit, it goes on to add:
"ABC s�assure par ailleurs de la conformit� de la livraison par rapport � ce qui est pr�vu dans l�avis d�exp�dition."

So, at the end of the day, what would be an accurate translation of 'reconnu' within the limits of its meaning while still expressing the notion of 'take stock of' or 'record'?

Nick Lingris Jun 22, 2005:

Charlotte, I think it'd help if we had that "previous reference" so we can see why they feel like repeating what is to be done on arrival of the goods.

Charlie Bavington Jun 21, 2005:

Not only that, but leaving aside translation as an intellectual linguistic exercise, and resisting temptation to say something that the text doesn't, if you were either XYZ or ABC, how would you want consignment to work? Common sense, etc :-)

Charlie Bavington Jun 21, 2005:

to make sure everyone knows where they stand from the off (he says, having translated a credit insurance policy endorsement for consignment not long ago :-) ) Judging from the caps, it is to be hoped that both sides already know what the PRODUCT is.

Charlie Bavington Jun 21, 2005:

I would very much doubt that, for insurance purposes if nothing else, the goods that XYZ consigns to ABC would be "unidentified" in any way. XYZ records exactly what it sends, and ABC records exactly what it gets, and sends that info back to ABC ....

Nick Lingris Jun 21, 2005:

You're then probably looking for something like "individually identified" (with or without "and recorded"), in which case all kudos to Vivian.

Non-ProZ.com Jun 21, 2005:

Hi Nick! Weirdly enough, your answer (the last to arrive) is exactly what I had previously gone for with this sentence. However, the contract contains a separate reference to checking the products that arrive against the delivery slip to make sure that nothing is missing. Which is what is making me think that this is referring to ABC's duty to RECORD in some way the quantity, number, weight etc. This is a contract whereby XYZ consigns stock to ABC's warehouse and ABC looks after it, using it as and when it needs to for manufacturing, and paying for only the stocks it actually takes from its warehouses. For that reason, one of the key elements of the contract is accurate record keeping (it's essential that both parties can prove how much stock has been used up).

Does anybody think that this could be an odd use of 'reconnu' in its military sense - i.e. to 'reconnoitre' the products? Check them out? Take stock of them? Any takers for that one?