What is Translation Management Software?

Introduction

Translation management software is used by LSPs (language service providers) and freelance translators to handle and organize localization and translation projects. This platform is also called translation project management solution, though a number of applications go beyond offering just project management features. Translation software spans the whole translation text lifecycle; from source text entering to distributing the completed target text. The system offers a centralized translation hub that you can use to collaborate on and track translations.

Many translation tools present inbuilt machine translation and computer-assisted translation functionality. These all-in-one applications enable users to plan and manage projects using a single platform. Similarly, some solutions offer capabilities like resource management, client management and client portals, and billing and invoicing. Some vendors also provide the services of professional translators to clients.

In short, translation management software does the following:

Permits users to produce custom processes for translation projects

Centralizes multilingual content

Automates translation workflows

Offers collaboration and communication features for project managers, translators and other users

Analyzes translation effectiveness and quality

Features of Translation Management Software

Automation

Translation software can integrate with an application or website via a Command-line Client or API to automatically gather translation strings. These are stored in a central database that can be accessed by project team members. Managers and reviewers can effortlessly see the translated strings that are available for review. They can provide comments and suggestions to translators to ensure accuracy and context. After the approval of the translated strings, the application automatically sends them back to the website or app.

In-Context Translations

In translation, context is essential because many words in all languages have several meanings. For instance, the English word “home” refers both to a residence as well as a website’s main page. However, the Spanish language has different words for a residence and website home page. This example shows that context is important to deliver the intent and correct messaging of the original content. Translation software provides features for offering context, like attaching website or product screenshots to particular strings. Context certainly is key to producing native experiences for global users.  

Translation Memory

After approval, translations are collected and stored in a repository along with the original source text. These units can be accessed by translators when they work on similar or new content. As this repository expands, translations become more consistent and efficient. Translation costs also reduce as agencies generally provide discounts for exact and fuzzy matches.

Translation Glossary

Studies show that rework due to inconsistent terminology is the cause of 15% of translation project expenses. You should aim to produce a complete translation glossary that has company- and industry-specific phrases and terms. This will help to minimize costs, ensure content consistency and deliver a uniform user experience.

Team Management

Translation software facilitates effective team management as all members can access the platform including translators, marketers, project managers and developers. This enables efficient collaboration and open discussions, which can ensure all project team members stay on the same page all the time. It also boosts efficiency through process automation and eliminates the requirement to send translations to and fro.

Benefits of Translation Management Software

Ensures Excellent Translation Quality

With translation glossary and memory, you can ensure high-quality and consistent translations across numerous projects and documents. Even if many translators make translations, they can ensure repeated segments and industry terms remain the same. Further a QA checker can automatically identify and alert about translation mistakes like grammar and spelling errors, missing placeholders, double spaces and others. This is vital for financial, medical, and legal files where there can be serious consequences of inconsistent translations.

Scale Rapidly and Reduce Localization Expenses

You can use translation memory to improve translation speed. Translation memory also allows you to re-utilize the translation content of your iOS application to your Android application. With machine translation, you can swiftly translate any text when you don’t have access to your translation resources.  Both features significantly minimize the translation time and thus help to decrease costs.

Improves Collaboration

Spreadsheets and email are old-fashioned and inefficient processes. A translation management software solution enables the entire team to communicate and work in a single platform, improve productivity and measure progress.