Choosing a TMS partnership is a big decision. Broadly speaking, a translation management system (TMS) is software designed to manage the translation and localization process. E-commerce businesses all over the world rely on TMS tools to translate their websites and applications into different languages.
TMS software offers benefits like seamless translation workflows, tracking the progress of localization projects, and reducing time-consuming manual tasks with automation. A top-rated TMS like Localize can streamline your entire translation workflow and makes project management easy.
Because of the tremendous growth in the translation software market, there are many translation management systems to choose from. So, how does your business decide which system is the best for you?
Tips for Choosing a TMS
Here are 13 important factors to consider when you need help choosing a TMS:
1. Ease of Implementation
A TMS should not require complex procedures or programming for setup. An easy installation process should fit cleanly into your existing technology stack. With a TMs like Localize, all you need to do to get started is add a line of code to your website or app. Installation is that simple.
2. Ease of Use
Functionality is important. Look for a translation management system that removes steps from your translation process and doesn’t require additional resources to manage.
3. Integrations
Make sure your TMS has built-in connectors to your existing content management system (Salesforce, Zendesk, Shopify, WordPress, etc.). Also ensure that your TMS can work with file formats that contain content you want to translate (websites, web apps, mobile apps, documents/spreadsheets, email templates, etc.).
4. Real-Time Translation Memory
Translation tools should include a translation memory. Translation memory is a database of current and past translations performed that you can reuse. This saves you from having to re-translate every line of new content.
5. Linguistic Assets
These are translation repositories that include a glossary of terms and a style guide. Linguistic assets help answer broad questions about how a translation should sound or the impression it should make on its readers.
6. Machine Translation
Many systems come with built-in machine translation engines that can be used to pre-translate large volumes of content instantly for multilingual translation projects. This translated content can then be refined by human translation. Another useful software component is a CAT tool (computer-assisted translation) that can help with faster translations.
7. Security and Compliance
Because of the abundance of cybersecurity threats, a TMS should have firm security protocols to protect sensitive and confidential information about its clients and their translation projects. Of all the security areas to be concerned about, one of the most pressing is the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
In addition to GDPR, reliable TMS tools like Localize adhere to the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule.
8. Customer Support
Quick and responsive support is important for all TMS users. A good customer support team will form the first line of defense against software glitches, errors, or other technical issues.
9. Vendor Management and Dependence
A good translation platform should not be dependent on one vendor and should not prevent your business from working with a range of providers. Look for a system that allows you to switch between cloud-based translation solutions and professional translation services.
10. Workflow Automation and Changes
Flexibility is important for global organizations, especially if you have complex workflows or processes. Look for a translation management system that allows workflow changes mid-process. The Localize platform features advanced translation workflows, enabling translators and content managers to review and publish translations easily.
11. Scalability
Your content management system needs to grow with your international business. In other words, it needs to be scalable.
12. Reporting
The best translation management systems provide data through a combination of real-time and on-demand reports. Reporting should include information on translation speed and quality across specific markets and locales.
13. Price
When looking at how much a TMS costs, stakeholders probably have a budget in mind. However, it’s also important to consider value and quality. Translation quality matters, and as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Choosing the Best TMS for Your Localization Projects
An effective TMS should treat your translation process as a utility that works as efficiently as turning on a faucet. This way, your company can focus on its core business and offer improvements and new products or services. A worry-free translation process helps you quickly translate and share business updates in important international markets.
Translation and Localization: Why Choose Localize?
Localize is a user-friendly translation management system packed with helpful features. Our team designed the Localize platform for maximum ease of use (and a reduced need for engineer involvement). This keeps your costs low and helps non-technical personnel manage your localization and translation workflows. Getting started is easy – contact Localize today!
