Highly structured nature of SGML changes work patterns of technical writing group and translation vendors. This structure may not match local writing styles. They do not solve the same problem. All vendors need access to the SGML server to replicate the database of changed source and final translation. This can be accomplished through internet technologies.
Company can encourage the translation vendor to adapt to the new technology.
If they can't or won't adapt, the company can look for other vendors. Suggest the company maximize the use of graphics over words for the documentation, whenever possible. Considering impact of time, start with SGML of English. This will take quite a lot of time, even though it will be contracted out. Migration affects entire process.