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Can a translation management system integrate with other localization tools?

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Aleix Gwilliam
AuthorAleix Gwilliam

Yes, translation management systems (TMS) have integration capabilities with other software tools. These integrations are essential to improve workflow efficiency and reduce end-to-end localization turnaround times. Some of the most common integrations supported by a TMS are:

Content-authoring tools

A content-authoring platform is a tool commonly used by organizations to create and manage their website content. By integrating it with a TMS, the localization process can be managed directly from the authoring platform without needing to even access the TMS, streamlining the translation workflow and removing the need to manually send, receive, import, and export translatable files. Examples of content-authoring tools include content management systems (CMS), marketing-automation tools, e-commerce and PIM systems, component content management systems (CCMS), customer support systems, developer, design and business tools, among others.

Machine translation engines

Integration with machine-translation engines is a key feature of any TMS. An MT engine accelerates translation processes and guarantees consistency, which is particularly useful for companies that have to translate large volumes of content with aggressive turnaround times. Therefore, if you’re currently using MT, asking whether your new provider integrates the machine-translation engine that you use regularly should be one of the first questions when purchasing a TMS and asking about its features.

Translation technology
There are many components to a translation process and integrating translation-technology tools is also a key part of achieving translations of the highest quality. QA checks and in-context previews, for example, are essential add-ons in helping linguists deliver premium-quality translations.
Project management tools
Integrating project-management tools into your TMS means that you will be able to receive real-time notifications of project statuses and updates, helping you monitor progress from your interface of choice. Integrations like these paired with content-authoring tools streamline workflows and are great time-savers, which means you will probably need fewer people in PM roles and will enhance collaboration between different project stakeholders, making them key in making a program more efficient.
Terminology management tools
This type of software helps organizations manage and standardize their terminology across multiple languages and domains. It enables the creation, editing, maintenance, and sharing of terminology databases, and provides features for term extraction, validation, and collaboration among members from different departments involved in the localization process. By integrating it into a TMS, linguists can ensure that the right terminology is leveraged in projects, and companies can make sure that linguists are always using the most updated version of it.

What are the current integration trends?

Nowadays, connectivity in technology systems is based on a set of standards.These standards usually enable what’s called API access. Simply put, it is the ability to speak between systems using a list of known methods. API Standards are built typically using what’s called a REST or SOAP architecture. It is recommended that all connectivity between systems uses these standards and where possible, the most modern of those.

Smart localization programs today are also leaning towards the deployment of headless technology. Headless technology is a software architecture in which the front end (user interface) and back end (logic and data) are decoupled, allowing separate development and deployment. This allows content and functionality to be delivered across various devices and channels, providing flexibility and scalability in building applications. Having a connected technology stack built with the best solutions for each project, solutions that can be easily added or removed as and when needed, gives organizations an advantage when it comes to being able to deliver their global content much faster and at the highest possible level of quality.

Expert tip

Sofía Bolontrade
Sofía Bolontrade

When purchasing a TMS, ensure that it can integrate the tools that you use frequently or are planning on implementing in the short term, and that they are stable enough to offer a solid and robust performance. If your TMS provider does not have an out-of-the-box integration for your tool, there is a possibility that a custom one can be built for you.”

Sofía Bolontrade

Xpert at XTM International

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