Translation Management System (TMS)

A translation management system (TMS) is software for automating human language translation efforts. A TMS’s purpose is to optimize the translation processes in an organization by creating automated workflows for translating repeatable and already previously translated content, freeing time for translators who can now focus on fine-tuning translated content or on translating content that is more nuanced and needs a human touch for a perfect end-result. A TMS centralizes all translation efforts, offering enterprises a single solution for managing all content translation and localization efforts.

A TMS comprises tools like translation memory, vocabulary management, collaboration tools, a quality assurance module, or a content translation dashboard for estimating costs. From an integration perspective, most TMSs are based on open standards-based architectures that enable seamless integration with other software from the enterprise suite. Digital asset management (DAM), software configuration management (SCM), databases, and file systems are some content repositories that TMSs integrate, source from, or deliver content to.

Example use cases

• Estimation and tracking of translation costs

• Standardization of workflows and tools used in translating content

• Data metrics for the progress of content translation

• Centralization of multilingual content for user manuals


Key benefits

• Increased translation quality

• Faster time-to-market

• Shorted translation cycles

• Increased collaboration and integration between translation vendors and employees