05 May Managing Translations Without a TMS: An Avoidable Challenge
In today’s globalized world, businesses must communicate with customers and partners across multiple languages to remain competitive. However, when managing large volumes of translations manually – especially for multilingual websites – the risk of errors and inefficiencies rises significantly. Consider a scenario where a company needs to translate its corporate website into five languages – French, English, Portuguese, Italian, and German – to meet clients’ needs in those markets. The site features diverse content, including legal documents such as privacy policies and disclaimers, technical materials like user manuals and product sheets, and marketing assets such as guides and infographics.
Managing this complexity without the right tools can quickly become overwhelming.
6 Steps to Manage Website Translation Without a TMS
1. Manual Extraction of Web Content
We manually download the texts from the website, one by one, and send them in different formats and versions to multiple translation providers.
2. Requesting & Comparing Multiple Quotes
Within hours, or even days, we receive three or four quotes that we must compare apples to apples (e.g., human translation with human translation, not with post-edited machine translation) before evaluating price, delivery time, and translator expertise.
3. Selecting a Provider & Initiating Order
Once we have assessed the proposals, we approve one of the quotes, and the chosen provider starts the job.
4. Tracking Progress via Email or Phone
From there, we must follow up by email or phone to check the delivery status.
5. Receiving & Editing Translations Manually
The files are delivered via email; we manually make corrections and adjustments.
6. Updating Translations with Risk of Errors
Finally, the translated texts are manually uploaded to the website, with the risk of errors and duplications.
Finally, the translated texts are manually uploaded to the website, with the risk of errors and duplications.
Two Effective Approaches to Website Translation with a TMS
Let's look at how a TMS can simplify the process, reducing many of those manual steps to just a few clicks.
Simplify Translation Management with a TMS Platform
Use a TMS platform like LinguaHub. Upload the texts, select the source and target languages, and receive an instant quote you can approve directly on the platform. You can track order status in real-time and download the final translation as soon as it is ready. The platform also stores all communication history with the Project Manager at the order level, so you no longer need to dig through emails. Finally, it allows you to monitor your translation investment and the savings generated through translation memories.
Automate Web Translations by Connecting Your CMS to a TMS
Connect your website directly to our TMS (LinguaHub) using Lingualink, a plugin that lets you request translations directly from CMS platforms like WordPress without leaving your site. This is a highly convenient solution, although it does require a slightly more complex setup. It is beneficial for large-scale website translation projects where downloading and uploading files manually could introduce too many errors.
Key Advantages of a TMS
Automation
It eliminates the need to manage files manually and speeds up team communication.
Cost Savings
It reduces work hours and allows the reuse of past translations, lowering operating costs.
Guaranteed Quality
It ensures consistency in terminology and style, avoiding inconsistencies through translation memories and glossaries.
Scalability
It adapts to your company’s growth and makes it easier to manage increasing volumes of translations.
The Truth Behind TMS Misconceptions
"A TMS is only for large companies."
Any business that regularly manages translations can benefit from a TMS, regardless of size.
"It's hard to implement."
With an experienced provider, implementing a TMS is a simple and gradual process. We guide our clients through three onboarding sessions to ensure they get the most out of the platform (and our clients often tell us it is very intuitive).
"It's expensive and unnecessary."
The basic implementation is free, and in the long run, a TMS reduces operational costs by minimizing errors, rework, and delivery times while also providing savings through translation memories.