Imagine this: You’ve put a lot of effort into making your product go international, but, unexpectedly, your web page’s French version contains grammar errors, the Spanish one uses the wrong terminology, and the German translation is not precise.
As a result, clients go away confused, and your brand presence suffers. Dealing with translation quality and speed is the most common hurdle of international business growth. Manual translation is time-consuming, expensive, and subject to mistakes.
This is where a Translation Management System (TMS) comes into the picture! A TMS optimizes multilingual content management, reducing costs and time-saving by providing precise, culturally adapted translations.
Let’s dive in!
What is a Translation Management System (TMS)?
A Translation Management System (TMS) is a piece of software that facilitates the efficient translation of business content because it can perform tasks independently, manage workflows, and ensure consistency in different languages.
It works as a core means to control multilingual content, which in turn, empowers businesses to:
- Keeps translations in storage for the next usage using Translation Memory.
- Translate the documents through the Automation Machine Translation.
- Keep a uniform approach to things via Terminology Management.
- Coordinate and assign tasks through Workflow Automation.
Example: Netflix uses TMS technology to convert subtitles into different languages. Rather than translating every subtitle manually, the program captures previous translations, correctly suggests idiomatic expressions, and quickens the localization process.
Importance of a TMS in Global Content Strategy
Over 60% of internet users are more inclined towards quality translations in their native language, which gives businesses that spend money on such translations a competitive edge.
Here are some things your TMS is capable of doing to help you with a company’s global content strategy:
Reducing Manual Work
The Automation of Workflow Automation saves time.
Maintaining Brand Consistency
Translation Memory vouches for the same messaging in different languages.
Enhancing Speed and Efficiency
The Faster Machine Translation process means quicker product launches.
Cutting Costs
Companies save money by reusing existing translations.
Example: Airbnb uses TMS to confirm that property information, consumer thoughts, and user interfaces are correctly interpreted and localized for different markets.
Key Features of a Translation Management System
An effective TMS contains several significant elements that contribute to the translation process being faster, more precise, and budget-friendly.
1. Translation Memory (TM)
Saves and recommends previously translated content. Maintain uniformity throughout different projects.
Example: If “Sign Up Now” has already been translated into Spanish, the system will automatically suggest the translated version, which will save both money and time.
2. Machine Translation (MT)
Utilize AI-powered translation tools such as Google Translate and DeepL. Makes the task easier for human translators. Example: E-commerce platforms apply Machine Translation to rapidly convert thousands of product descriptions, which are then smoothed by human editors.
3. Workflow Automation
The system itself assigns the translation tasks. Sends real-time approvals and revisions notifications.
Example: A global news agency successfully utilizes Workflow Automation that automatically sends breaking news materials for translation to the network of translators.
4. Terminology Management
Uses industry-specific terms correctly. Reduces translation errors and inconsistencies.
Example: A pharmaceutical company that has a glossary of terminology to make sure that medical terms are correctly translated across multiple languages.
5. Content Management System (CMS)
Integration Seamless integration with platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and HubSpot. Allows automatic updates without requiring any manual work.
Example: A SaaS company combines its TMS with HubSpot so that every time a new blog post is published it will automatically be translated into different languages.
Benefits of Using a TMS
Incorporation of a TMS into a company system leads to a far better management of translations.
1. Faster Time-to-Market
Perform tasks automatically and save time by reducing manual work. Allows businesses to put their product on a global market while launching it at the same time everywhere.
Example: A gaming company decides to release a new game across multiple languages on the same day using a TMS.
2. Cost Savings
Translation Memory helps to avoid the translation of the same text again. Machine Translation replaces the need for human translation work.
Example: A travel website saves 40% of translation costs if it uses the already existing content rather than translating everything from scratch.
3. Improved Translation Quality
Quality Assurance (QA) tools are used to detect errors automatically. Confirms the brand’s style guide and tone.
Example: An automotive company uses the QA tools through its TMS so that the safety manuals are completely free of mistakes in all languages.
Types of Translation Management Systems
Various TMS solutions meet different business requirements.
1. Cloud-Based TMS
Accessible from any place with an internet connection. Suitable for remote teams and companies with global operations.
Example: A digital marketing agency that has clients abroad uses Cloud-Based TMS for real-time collaboration.
2. On-premise TMS
Locally installed for better security and control. Ideal for companies having sensitive data.
Example: A law firm that handles confidential legal papers prefers On-Premise TMS for data security reasons.
3. Enterprise TMS
Created for large-scale operations. Helps with multiple integrations and advanced automation.
Example: Amazon’s marketplace translation requires an Enterprise TMS that can process and manage millions of product listings.
How to Choose the Right TMS for Your Business?
To select the best TMS, consider the following key factors:
- Business Needs: Are you in need of translations for websites, software, or customer support?
- Integration Capabilities: Does it match your CMS, e-commerce platform, or CRM?
- Scalability: Is it capable of handling the increased content volumes?
- User-Friendliness: Is it a user-friendly system for translators, project managers, and content creators?
- Budget: What is the total cost for the full setup and additional maintenance fees?
In this age of globalization, businesses can no longer afford to be hindered by language barriers.
If you’re a startup wanting to grow or a bigger company that handles multilingual content, the Translation Management System (TMS) can be the technology that completely changes the discoverability of your translations.
Choosing the proper TMS should take into account the specific needs of your company’s security, automation, or enterprise-level features.
The TMS offers much more than just pure translation services as it is a tool that breaks through language barriers and opens up new markets.
If you want your brand to reach wider audiences, improve translation accuracy, and scale effortlessly, a Translation Management System (TMS) is your ultimate solution!
Make the smart move today!
Explore the best TMS for your business and unlock a world of opportunities.
Need expert advice? Contact us to find the perfect TMS for your needs!
