Translation management platforms have been the talk of the translation town for quite a while now. Businesses are taking up these platforms to streamline and automate their translation operations. A TMS or translation management system is software that comes to aid businesses in managing their translation and localization tasks. It enables the automation of tasks, assists in streamlining workflows, and also paves way for the smooth communication between clients and translators. These have proven to be beneficial and handy. There are a lot of features that are part of a translation management system. Project management also comes out as a big support to manage the whole project effectively including tasks such as tracking projects, managing deadlines, and assigning tasks.
A cloud-based translation management system is made of many distinct and unique features. This software can be used by every type of enterprise and business. Small and large businesses that require translation occasionally or regularly can take up the services of the platforms that also make them shine in the global market by offering accurate and precise translations followed by an effective localization process. Amid the talks of platform significance, it is also important that the businesses understand how it works and why using it can be beneficial for their businesses in the long run. Furthermore, it is also important to know that the features of translation management are what make it stand out in the global market. Translation memory is one of the outstanding features of a TMS that helps the whole project execute in a paced and productive manner. It allows businesses to increase efficiency and improve accuracy.
Here are some shining tips that can assist businesses and translation companies to maintain and use a translation memory in the translation management platform effectively.
Clean up the translation memory regularly
In order to make the most of a translation memory and avoid cluttering it up, it is imperative to clean up it regularly. A clean-up operation can include removing outdated and old terms that are no longer useful. This also includes inaccurate entries. TMS’s built-in tools can do this operation on your behalf. The translation memory can also be cleaned manually by exporting the spreadsheet. This clean-up stimulates and boosts the progress and performance of this feature helping during the translation process flawlessly.
Merge translation memories
After using the cloud-based translation management system repeatedly you should make this practice of merging the translation memories. This is also applicable if you have multiple translation memories. Merging these into a single translation memory can help with better coverage and consistency of the translation memory. It overlaps the repeated entries and shapes up the whole content in a streamlined manner.
Segment the translation memory carefully
Translation memory is an integral and effective part of a TMS. However, its effectiveness relies on how you use it and how it is maintained throughout. You should be vigilant while segmenting the translation memory. The way translation memory gets segmented has a great impact on its usability and functionality. Therefore, it is important that you do segmentation with the help of experts and it should go along well with the translators’ work patterns.
Use translation memory filters
Another tip to follow for optimum benefits of translation memory is to use the filter. Looking for the right terms and exact translation can be convenient with the help of the filter. The translators can look for the needed terms and phrases based on the source and target language and can get help from the match score as well. This facilitates the translators and people involved to get their work done in minimum time and quickly.
Training translators about the accurate use
A little training goes a long way. This is important to realize that you as a client should keep looking into the management platform and how these features work. You should be in constant touch with the translation vendor and language service provider software and encourage translators to use translation memory frequently. Translation memory gets better and emerges in a better shape when it is used more. The translation agency and businesses should sit together to plan and develop training for the translators that helps them with the right use of translation memory. Also, it should be accessible to all the relevant teammates.
Review by the external experts
Reviewing the translation memory has become a norm in the translation world now. Externals often spot and identify the issues that get overlooked by the team and regular users otherwise. The experts can look for the translation memory, its content, and the terms and their standard explanations. Also, if there are any facts and other information that has changed or has old information should be updated and managed accordingly. Translation memory can do wonders if used smartly and rightly. The whole team before starting the translation operations should be briefed about every feature of the translation management system so that they can make the most of it.
Conclusion
Translation memory has become an evident part of a TMS. Every feature of a management platform demands constant attention and evolution. The translators and businesses should keep on working on translation memory to make it up-to-date and relevant to the content. They can keep a check, and remove previous outdated and inaccurate terms. Moreover, merging translation memories and segmenting them along with using filters can also make its use worthwhile.
