Translation management software is a useful tool for businesses that sell their products in different countries. The system automates the translation process, efficiently converting all the product titles and descriptions to the languages of the countries where they are being sold. It significantly reduces the manual work required for translation and leaves little room for errors. With numerous options available, businesses should consider multiple factors when selecting the most suitable software for their needs.

Consider its installation and ease of use
When choosing a new translation management software, businesses must check if the tool is easy to install and implement.

If the installation process of the system is too complicated, it could waste a lot of the company’s valuable time and resources. Moreover, the complexity of the process could lead to errors in the installation process, which would then require the company to wait for technical support. Besides installation, the translation management app or software should also be easy to use. The employees who would be handling the system in their day-to-day functions should be able to do it seamlessly. The system should have a clear set of functions that do not demand special training. This would also benefit newly hired employees who may not have prior experience with such a system.

Examine if the software integrates with other existing systems
A company uses various systems and technologies to manage its business. So, when choosing a new translation management software, the company should choose one that can easily integrate with its existing systems. For instance, a company that uses language assets often makes use of content management systems, storage systems, voice recognition systems, marketing automation platforms, etc. So, the new translation management software should have an API that easily connects with all those existing technologies. This ensures that the company can continue its business without any roadblocks.

Ensure it has translation memory
A good translation management system should be equipped with a translation memory tool. This tool lets the system store all the data from previous translation work. It also ensures that when the system has to translate to the same language or dialect as before, it can use its previously stored translation memory. With this, the software can maintain consistency in its translations for the same language or dialect. Being able to access previous data also speeds up the overall translation process.

Analyze the system’s data security features
A translation management system will work with a lot of sensitive data, including details about the company’s clients, products, and various other assets. So, the company must ensure that all such information stays secure. This is why a company should ensure adequate data protection when choosing translation management software. The commonly used data security features that are nice to have include two-factor authentication for login and data encryption. One must also ensure the vendor company adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule.

Select a flexible translation management system
As a company grows, it will hire more staff and gain more clients. It can also start selling more products to multiple locations. In such scenarios, the company must consider a translation management system that is flexible enough to adapt to its scalability. So, along with company growth, the system should be able to handle the increase in data.

Go for a system with prompt customer support
Despite how good a system is, it can encounter problems such as crashes and glitches. Such technical issues can suddenly halt the company’s functions. To manage such scenarios, it is important to choose a translation management system from a company that has an efficient customer support system. If there are any crashes or technical errors, the customer service department should be able to address the concern immediately.

Consider pricing
Most translation management software companies have a monthly, quarterly, and annual pricing model. This means businesses can purchase limited-time subscriptions to these services. Usually, the monthly subscription cost of these systems falls somewhere between $15 and $150. So, before choosing a system, it’s important to check the monthly prices along with other key features.

Top 5 translation management software to consider

Smartling
One of the most popular translation management systems, Smartling offers a cloud-based solution for translations. It also uses an AI-based tool for managing translations and localization. Smartling even offers a dashboard that gives the company an insight into its URL traffic.

Phrase
Known for its user-friendly interface and centralized ecosystem, Phrase also uses AI technology for its translation services. This platform is also known for its easy scalability.

Lokalise
One of the leading translation management software platforms, Lokalise offers flexible workflow and easy integration with existing systems. It also features an automated quality check for all translations.

Transifex
Along with automated translation, Transifex offers automated publishing for the translated content. It also includes in-built quality check tools and search strings to look up previous translations.

Pairaphrase
Offering translation services for over 60 languages, Pairaphrase is among the highly-ranked translation tools. It is also popular for its ability to process over 24 different file types for translations.