Creating technical content for global audiences can be a challenge due to the complexity of the source text, workflows and processes involved. Connectivity between your CCMS and TMS makes the whole process much easier. Connecting content technologies enables companies to move away from slow, manual tasks as they transition to one-click scenarios in which content can be selected from their CCMS and sent for translation to their TMS in just a few seconds, solving issues such as unpredictable time to market, rising costs and inconsistent brand voice across global markets.
The December 13 edition of The Content Wrangler brought together technical content specialists Malin Lernmark (ADB SAFEGATE) and Charles Dodwell (Accuray), who along with Dave Ruane (XTM) discussed the huge impact that bridging these two technologies has had on their localization programs.
The three industry leaders discussed the difficulties of translating technical content to a high standard which traditionally has been difficult to localize due to its complexity, namely XML and DITA files. However, Accuray and other XTM customers now have the ability to do so thanks to seamless connectivity that has made translation management systems an essential part of any localization tech stack. They are vital due to their ability to become the nexus of all localization activity by:
- Connecting to other software platforms (e.g. content systems) for easier, more efficient localization workflows and processes.
- Providing centralized term bases and glossaries to linguists for consistent localization of brand voice, resulting in increased content quality and enhanced brand image.
- Offering full visibility of the translation process, with real-time updates and bespoke downloadable reports for improved cost and performance management.
- Enabling a simple, one-click translation process for DITA and XML files when connected to the CCMS.
By using a CCMS connector with our TMS, we’ve eliminated awkward handoffs between technical writers and our language service providers. By managing the localization process directly from Heretto, our CCMS, the localization process can be carried out in an asynchronous way, eliminating the risk of mistakes produced due to numerous handoffs.”
Charles Dodwell – Senior Manager, Global Technical Communications at Accuray.
The key topics discussed by the panel included the following:
How to reduce human error with one-click localization and translation processes
Lack of automation is highly inefficient and increases time to market, potentially causing a loss of competitive advantage and added costs to companies. By deploying a connector between their CCMS and TMS, localization managers can select the content they want for translation, tick the languages they want it in and send it to linguists with just one click. When the content is translated, it is imported back into the CCMS automatically ready for publication. You can see the simplified workflow in the graphic below:
What are the benefits of integrating your tech stack?
Without an integrated tech stack, companies have no visibility over the translation process. This lack of information or delayed email communications means that time to market is never consistent and companies are in the dark. By connecting their content system and localization technology, companies can have full visibility and ownership of the localization process at all times, seeing the translation progress in real time and being able to actively carry out query management on the TMS itself, saving valuable time, especially if their supply chain is spread across different time zones.
Thanks to the connectivity with the localization tool from our CCMS, we are able to manage the localization process ourselves, despite not having a localization specialist. With this connectivity, and a translation memory which is in constant growth, we can do the translation directly in the localization tool and once the file is ready it is imported back into the CCMS, ready for publication. Having full visibility over this process is priceless.
Malin Lernmark – Technical Communicator at ADB SAFEGATE
Why structuring your localization program around a TMS can boost content quality and enable growth
Depending on the number of markets companies have a presence in, it’s likely that their supply chain can consist of multiple language service providers, each with their own translation tool. This means that each will have their own built-up translation memories, glossaries and term bases for the same type of content, and this can cause inconsistencies to the brand voice due to a lack of control over these assets. Inconsistencies in brand voice across global markets can result in damage to a company’s reputation and, consequently, considerable economic losses if customers have more faith and brand loyalty for their competitors. The solution to this is to have everyone working on the same platform.
Connectivity – a basic need for 2023
Enhanced connectivity between content and localization systems is set to continue to be one of the hottest topics in localization in 2023. Companies will further seek ways to maximize existing resources and reduce operational costs while maintaining the quality of their content and the scope of their global market strategies. With this in mind, understanding what localization technology is available on the market today, how to make the best use of it and how to obtain organizational buy-in by tangibly demonstrating its ROI has become one of the most immediate needs for localization stakeholders as they look to deliver a successful program.