Translation management systems or TMS as they are better known, help streamline the work of language teams by automating and tracking the entire translation process. TMSs help handle the repetitive tasks of moving content in and out of content repositories, such as content management systems (CMS) or marketing automation systems, and channeling it directly to key project stakeholders, including the translation teams, engineers, reviewers and client.
Once the translation process is complete, content can be moved on by any number of steps depending on chosen workflows - which could involve, editing, linguistic review, client review or other localization process steps such as digital publishing or LQA.
A TMS manages the process, which typically includes three parts: workflow automation tools, project management tools, and computer-assisted translation.
Workflow automation tools save time by reducing the amount of manual work in translations. One type of automation tool is artificial intelligence. The AI tool can quickly
These tools will send content to translators, track progress, and manage bottlenecks. It connects to content management systems, source code repositories, marketing automation platforms, and other third-party systems.
Translation tools, also known as CAT tools (computer-aided translation), enhance the productivity and consistency of translators. They usually include several component technologies in a single integrated workbench, such as document editors, termbase, and translation memory. This part of the system consists of a database of sentences or text that allows their translations to automatically reused when translating the same content again. The database also may include industry-specific phrases in the form of a termbase.
A TMS helps all the moving parts of a translation project to fit together smoothly. It operates much more efficiently than spreadsheets or sending files back and forth through email or other project management forms. The entire team can work directly on the platform so that collaboration is enhanced.
A good TMS will enable the translation of documents and websites and translate all the interactions a business might have with the customer, such as customer service emails and social media content, all of which may have their own workflow depending on the quality expectation or turnaround requirements of the content.
Because a TMS improves the efficiency of localization in terms of speed and content leveraging, companies can expect to save money on translations with a TMS.
A TMS interface exists in the cloud or on a local server. A business enters a translation request in a portal that provides access to various vendors such as linguists. The system also will route the translation through the CAT tool, which has memorized style sheets, industry terms, and dictionaries. The system will also route the translation to an in-country reviewer who will have fewer issues to fix when receiving the translation than they would without a TMS that stored style sheets.
A TMS has several key benefits:
Cloud-based TMSs offer additional benefits over those that are hosted on the premises. These include:
A TMS is an important part of an international growth strategy. The key is finding one that best meets your company's needs. For many companies, a system that allows for a fully automated process and blends traditional translation technology with artificial intelligence is a good place to start your search.