Translation Management System – What is it and how it works?

The Translation Management System (TMS), also known as the Globalization Management System (GBS), is software used to automate human language translation processes, limiting human intervention and increasing translation efficiency. This system automates all the redundant and repetitive processes involved in translation, easing the workload by leaving only the creative part for humans. It localizes the workflow and helps in locating the translating process. It uses two types of technologies: Process Management Technology and Linguistic Technology. However, one should not get confused with Content Management Technology, which uses software to capture and distribute images, text, digitized information, etc. These days, many mobile applications and games come in multiple languages to have a wider reach of the product. Translating manually can be erroneous when there are multiple transfers of files for translations between developers and translators.

The Translation Management System can run many projects in parallel and manage large chunks of work smoothly. It also helps to reduce the capital cost spent in the translation process while increasing the Return on Investment (ROI). It helps seamless control of projects while facilitating easy communication between project managers, translators, developers, reviewers, etc. As a result, the translation cost is, reduced by upto 50%. They also help manage memory by keeping track of previously translated terms and phrases, better known as Translation Memory. They also help in terminology management, which holds the translation of various terminology and brands used in the past. Moreover, they also help gather data and report how much work has been done by now in the company, keeping track of every task. Now, most TMS use API connectors for machine translations.

A Translation Management System works easily in three ways. First, it consists of three components:

• CAT tool (Computer Assisted Translation): The CAT tools help to improve the quality, speed, and consistency of the translation process. It uses the method of Translation Memory, as discussed above, which records previously translated words and phrases. It also solves the brands and the terminology as used earlier. Furthermore, it uses Machine translators, like Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, DeepL, etc., to translate texts from one language to another.
• Workflow automation tools: They include API, webhooks, code repository integrations, etc., that help in the localization process by reducing the manual work. They help in the automation of the process, thus saving time.
• Project management & administration: They help in monitoring the localization workflow. The Translation Management process has a dashboard where the translation activities are kept in check. Apart from this, the tasks are assigned to translators, enabling a free flow of communication between the team and its members.

Thus, Translation management systems boost the productivity and translation process and are vital in reducing manual labor and workload. They are crucial for a company’s business assets while enabling lower localization costs.