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If you’re looking to expand your business beyond your domestic market or set up an online store and need to translate content into various languages, you need to invest in the right translation management software. However, before taking the plunge, keep in mind your business needs as well as what specific TMS features can help your business translate and localize content for different markets.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a few different factors you need to consider when choosing the right translation management software. This will get you one step closer to making an informed decision and getting the most out of your investment.
8 factors to consider when choosing a translation management system
When selecting a TMS, it’s important to think about how well it can meet your needs, what features it offers, as well as other important factors.
Know your needs
Before you start looking for a TMS, take time to think about your specific needs and goals. Knowing them ahead of time will help you make sure that the TMS you choose can meet them.
For starters, ask yourself these questions:
- What types of projects will you be handling?
- What languages will you work with?
- What is your budget?
What features and languages does it offer?
Once you know your needs, look for a TMS that has adequate features. Look for things like automated workflow tools, integrated quality assurance systems, project management capabilities, and multilingual support. If possible, try out potential systems first so you can get an idea of how they will perform in real-world scenarios.
Moreover, another factor you should consider when choosing software is whether it offers a range of language options. You want to make sure that the software supports all of the languages you need to effectively translate your documents across borders and cultures.
Is it easy to use?
Needless to say, the software has to be easy to learn and use. A good user interface should be intuitive and easy to interact with so that translators can quickly figure out how to accomplish their tasks. You want to make sure that everyone who uses a TMS in your organization can quickly become familiar with the features and functionality of the software, as this will improve productivity in the long run.
Quality of translations
Poorly translated documents can create confusion, lead to miscommunications, and ultimately cost businesses time, money, and reputation. For the best-quality translations, you should combine a TMS with a professional translator who is an expert in the target language and specializes in your specific industry.
In addition to high-quality translations, you should also look for services such as localization and transcreation to ensure that texts are adapted for the specific target audience.
Cost
The cost of any product or service is an important factor when it comes to making a decision on whether or not to purchase it. And even though the initial cost may seem high to some businesses, keep in mind the long-term savings associated with using a TMS can far outweigh the costs.
Additionally, it can be beneficial to compare different products or services when looking at cost in order to identify potential savings opportunities. Different TMS tools have different pricing models based on the usage or size of the project.
Make sure that whatever solution you choose fits within your budget while still offering all the features and support needed for successful translations. Doing your research upfront can save you money in the long run by ensuring that you get the most value out of your purchase.
Security features
The software needs to be reliable and secure, especially if you’re translating sensitive information or data. With the right security features in place, businesses can ensure that their data remains safe and secure throughout the entire translation process.
Seek support
Photo by Petr Macháček on Unsplash
Many translation management tools offer technical support services such as access to troubleshooting guides and FAQs as well as customer service contacts available via email or phone if needed.
Reporting
Consider investing in a TMS tool that shows data through a mix of on-demand and real-time reports. This includes information on the speed and quality of translations across different locales and markets.
Benefits of translation management software
With all this in mind, translation management software is an important tool for businesses that create content for customers or partners in multiple languages. When choosing a TMS tool, make sure to consider the quality of translations, cost, ease of use and user interface, and security features. By following the tips outlined above, you’ll be able to choose the right TMS for your business needs.
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