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Have you ever noticed discrepancies in your translated content? This is because machine translations do not consider the nuances and idioms that exist in different languages. For example, a brilliant translation could be made to sound clunky and awkward in another language. A Translation Management System (TMS) and a Localization Management System (LMS) are tools that help manage translation projects. The two systems titles may sound similar, but there are some important differences. Let’s explore them below.
What Is a Translation Management System (TMS)?
A TMS is a tool that has been designed to enable translators and editors to collaborate on documents. It comprises several features, including translation memory, a terminology database, and a workflow system. The translation memory allows users to store previous translations and reuse them later. A terminology database is an organized list of words or phrases in the target language with their equivalents in the source language. The workflow system is an automated process for organizing files and sending them from one translator to another. Large organizations often use it, such as brands with websites/apps/products operating in different countries and regions, to manage translations for each language version of their website or app and stay consistent at the same time.
What Is a Localization Management System (LMS)?
Translation management systems are programs that help with all of your translation needs. They can handle anything from coordinating workflow to managing translation projects. But if your aim is not just to translate but localize your project, it means adjusting to the voice, tone, and look, so that your project can fit the target market without looking odd, it’s almost impossible to do without a Localization Management System.
A LMS will allow you to easily upload translations, assign translations to different translators, and track the status of each project, so all the parts of your project stay under control of your localization team. It also enables you to keep all the files in one place, just make sure you choose the best localization tool for your team.
A LMS is an excellent option if you are looking for a comprehensive solution for all your translation needs. It’s perfect for companies that require complex translation or have teams that need access to different types of content across various languages.
The Differences Between TMS and LMS
A translation management system is software that stores previously translated texts, called translation memory. The TMS stores the matching segments of previous translations and translates them in the same way before, making fewer mistakes. It then uses this information to help with translating new texts.
The LMS considers all the aspects that may stop a potential client from buying your product.
The difference between these two systems is that the TMS can save you time by storing your translations for use later on. This saves you from spending much more time translating something that has already been translated before. You can also track all of your translations to make sure everything matches up sentence by sentence. A LMS makes people not even notice that they use a foreign app/website, so your project will not be odd, and customers will want to use it more and more. Your product will be native, and for many countries it is one of the most important things!
Cost of TMS vs. LMS
The first difference between a TMS and a LMS is cost. A translation management system can be both affordable and scalable. That is why some teams consider the LMS something extra and unnecessary. But it gives you the ability to set up as many users as you want for your localization project, it has numerous integration options, automated QA checks, ans statistics, all these features are crucial for localization of a project.
Thus, if you are not only looking for a solution to help you translate your content but going global, fitting a new market, and gaining the trust of foreigner users, you should not avoid a LMS.
Features of TMS vs. LMS
A translation management system is a software-based tool that facilitates the translation process. Translation management systems can automate various aspects of your workflow, from translating text to managing your translation team and tracking translation progress.
A LMS, on the other hand, is a localization management system that helps you manage all the aspects of the project. It provides all the features of TMS and also some additional features like collaboration options, automation, translation memory and glossary, real-time in-app editing, etc. so you can optimize your project even working remotely.
Scalability of TMS vs. LMS
One of the biggest differences between translation management systems and localization management systems is scalability.
A TMS can help you manage your translations, it will be great for small translation purposes, for example, you need to translate some parts of the project, maybe some lines.
Other solutions, like LMSs, are much more elaborate, as it helps your business grow, conquer new markets, be native abroad, get more clients, and have higher revenue.
Other Considerations
Before we get into the details of the two systems, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind:
-Your company’s current localization strategy and workflow: If you already have an established process for updating your website content in different languages, it may be easier to stick with your existing solution.
-Required features: Some TMSs offer additional features that can help improve your workflow. You should consider how these features will impact your organization before making a decision.
-Cost: Depending on the number of translators and projects you will need to support, your budget may vary. Your LMS may cost more than your TMS, but it might offer more valuable features that can improve life at your company.
-Scalability: Your localization needs may change over time and you’ll need a TMS that is able to scale with your business needs. Consider how easily you’ll be able to add or remove resources from either system as well as what type of integration options are available.
If you want to translate your content for global audiences, you will need to choose the right translation management system. A TMS will help you translate content, and a LMS will help you localize it.
If you are looking for a system that can deal with your content in various languages, then a TMS may be right for you. However, if you are looking for a system that can help you localize your content into various languages, an LMS may be better. Both types of systems have their pros and cons, so it is important to understand the difference between the two before deciding.
In the end, it is up to you to decide what type of system works best for your needs. It is important to remember that a TMS is not a replacement for an LMS and vice versa.
