A Translation Management System (TMS) is a software tool that helps businesses and organizations streamline the localization process of their content. These systems provide a central hub for managing the translation of content, making it easier to track progress, assign tasks to translators, and ensure quality.
Read on to find out the key features to look out for when choosing the right translation management for your business and the top 10 Translation Management Systems on the market today.
Key Features to look out for in a Translation Management System
When looking for a TMS, there are a few key features to consider:
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Integrations; APIs for everything: The ability to integrate with other tools and systems, such as content management systems, file-sharing platforms, and project management tools, to streamline the translation process and improve efficiency.
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Vendor management + intelligent workflows: The ability to manage multiple vendors and assign tasks based on their expertise and availability, as well as the ability to set up and automate intelligent workflows to manage the translation process.
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User-Friendliness: The ability to view the context of the text being translated, such as images, layout, and design, to ensure accurate translations and consistency across different languages.
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Automation; Real-time TM + linguistic assets: The ability to access real-time translation memories and linguistic assets, such as glossaries and style guides, to improve the speed and quality of translations.
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Reporting, Analytics, and cost visibility/control: The ability to track and report on translation costs and progress, as well as the ability to set budgets and control costs.
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Data-driven, cloud-based: A cloud-based system that uses data to drive the translation process, providing real-time insights and analytics to improve efficiency and quality.
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Advanced security framework: A robust security framework that includes measures such as encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
With these features in mind, here are the top 10 Translation Management Systems on the market
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PhrasePhrase TMS helps to automate, elevate, and better manage translations with the highest-ranked, complete localization solution. Phrase TMS is a cloud-based platform that offers a comprehensive suite of features for managing the localization process. It is user-friendly, highly intuitive, and easy to navigate, making it the ideal choice for anyone involved in localization, including project managers, translators, engineers, and internal stakeholders.
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Trados Studio is a popular CAT tool and management system for medium-large translation agencies, It is customizable and fairly easy to use, offering basic features to improve workflow, increase consistency, and overall quality of translated materials.
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Lokalise automatically detects new or edited content on a website and pulls it directly into the translation workflow. It is known as a platform for software translation management for all types of software such as games and mobile apps and integrates with other software in a tech stack.
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Wordfast is a localization tool that is designed to be lightweight and affordable. It is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, so users can avoid the need for virtual machines or emulators. The user interface is simple and clean, but it may not be compatible with as many file formats as other tools. Wordfast Pro can integrate with Wordfast Server, an application for secure online translation memories and glossaries that allow real-time collaborative work among linguists. However, this feature may limit integration with other CAT or QA tools since the TMs and TBs are not available as editable files.
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XTM Cloud
XTM Cloud is a cloud-based Translation Management System (TMS) that is tailored for enterprise use. It includes an integrated computer-aided translation (CAT) tool and employs AI to automate localization processes and streamline supply chains. The system has a REST API and pre-built connectors for common content management systems and machine translation systems. XTM Cloud is an excellent choice for corporate translation and localization departments that have complex needs in terms of automation and reporting. -
Plunet provides an overview of projects to enable businesses to handle each task efficiently. Its web-based platform integrates translation software, accounting, and quality management systems into one platform and provides linguists with considerable flexibility. The system can be configured to match the needs of individual translators or language service providers.
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Smartling utilizes a combination of cutting-edge machine and human translation technologies, designed to provide accurate, high-quality translations for an array of content types including websites, mobile applications and marketing materials. The TMS features a centralized platform for managing translation projects, monitoring progress, and facilitating collaboration among team members.
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Smartcat is powered by artificial intelligence to provide machine translations or human translations as appropriate. When human translations are needed, it connects linguists with companies, agencies, and customers by using algorithms to match the project with translators based on their availability and price. The cloud-based platform features tools such as translation memories, glossaries, dictionaries, and a variety of machine translation engines.
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MemoQ incorporates a comprehensive quality assurance solution within the same product, eliminating the need for purchasing additional add-ons or extensions. Its user interface is user-friendly and intuitive for linguists and project managers, and it offers a ready-to-use solution for a wide range of localization needs. While the application does have some limitations in terms of customization options for workflows, features, and layout, it is generally considered a flexible and comprehensive solution for both beginners and experienced users.
- Wordbee
Wordbee is a cloud-based and end-to-end translation management system with an integrated CAT tool. It provides an easy web-based solution with no installation required to operate it. Wordbee offers special workflows for different types of projects, such as games, software, business documents, apps, marketing materials, and Websites. It can integrate with various content sources.
Choosing Your System
Selecting the best system for your enterprise or project is a process. Your localization provider typically has a TMS partner. To determine what system is right for you:
- Assemble all the stakeholders in the room
- Prioritize the features
- Develop a shortlist and compare the features of each with what you need. Eliminate those that don't have your required features
- Request a demo and trial
- Decide
While the process might initially seem long and involved, finding the right TMS is critical for the effectiveness and efficiency of your localization projects.
Andovar uses Phrase to fully automate the localization process and blend traditional translation technology with artificial intelligence. It enables accurate, efficient, and cost-effective translations. We can partner with you for centralized, turnkey translation management of text and audio-based content. We have more than 10,000 translators worldwide, and can translate more than 200 language pairs across various industries. Our six global offices provide round-the-clock support.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you grow your world!
