Do You Really Need a Translation Management System (TMS)?
Someone recently asked me, "Do I need a Translation Management System (TMS)?" My answer: like always with technology, it depends.
Whether you need a TMS depends on several factors: where you are in your translation efforts, how much you translate, and your overall plan for managing content in different languages.
Assessing Your Needs
First, think about your current situation in your business or project. Are you just starting to explore international markets, or do you already have a significant global presence? Your position will influence the complexity and volume of translations you'll need to manage.
Next, consider how much content you actually translate. If you're only dealing with a few files occasionally, a TMS might be overkill. But if you're managing large amounts of content across multiple languages, a TMS can streamline your whole process.
Also, take into account how often you're publishing. Are you deploying new software/content daily, weekly, or quarterly? The more frequent and regular your content updates, the harder it becomes to manage translations manually. A TMS ensures that translation processes remain smooth and timely, helping you avoid bottlenecks and maintain consistency.
The Benefits of a TMS
A TMS offers a wide range of features that simplify translation processes and improve overall efficiency. Here are some of the key benefits:
Translation Memory (TM): This feature stores previously translated content, allowing you to reuse exact matches or similar phrases.
Term Base: A term base (or glossary) keeps track of specific terminology used in your translations.
AI-Assisted Translations: Many modern TMS platforms come equipped with AI features that can help with automatic translation suggestions, improving the speed and quality of the initial drafts.
Machine Translation (MT) Hub: A TMS with an MT hub can integrate with popular machine translation engines (like Google Translate or DeepL).
Automation: A TMS can connect to different platforms via API. Also can automate many aspects of the translation workflow, from project assignment to tracking deadlines.
Migration and Reusing Translations
If you're thinking about transitioning from manual processes or merging several tools, migration is a critical consideration. A good TMS can facilitate this transition by importing your existing translations, glossaries, and style guides, preserving your valuable language resources.
Reusing translations is another significant benefit. TMS platforms include features like translation memory, which lets you store and reuse previously translated content. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency across your content, particularly if you're dealing with technical or regulated content.
Costs
Let’s talk about costs. Implementing a TMS requires an upfront investment. You'll need to factor in licensing fees, training for your team, and potential customization if your needs are specific. TMS platforms can vary greatly in price, from affordable to very expensive, so it's important to carefully evaluate your options before choosing one.
Other Things to Consider
Scalability: Will the TMS grow with your needs as your translation requirements expand? Migrating to another is always a pain.
Integration: Can it easily connect with your existing systems, like GitHub, content management or marketing platforms?
Ease of Use: Is the interface intuitive and user-friendly for your team?
Support: What kind of customer support does the TMS provider offer? Is there strong technical assistance available when you need it?
Conclusion
In the end, deciding whether to use a TMS isn’t simple. You have to consider all these things, and then you can decide whether you need it or not.