What is a Translation Management System (TMS)?

A TMS is a platform that centralizes and automates the translation and localization of content across languages, markets and teams. The right TMS reduces manual work, improves translation quality, lowers cost per market and helps you scale global content faster.

What if we have a Translation Management System (TMS) but are not getting value from it?

This is a common situation. In many cases, the issue is not the tool. The issue is the workflow around it. The guide helps you understand whether the problem lies in configuration, process, ownership or expectations, and what steps you can take to achieve the value you originally expected.

How do I know if my translation process needs to be updated?

If translations take too long, cost too much or vary in quality, it is usually a sign that the underlying process has grown organically and no longer scales. Another signal is when teams rely on workarounds or manual steps to keep things moving.

Which Translation Management System (TMS) is the best?

There is no single best TMS because every organization works differently. The right system depends on your content types, workflows, level of automation, integration needs and how your teams collaborate. The best TMS is the one that matches your real workflow.

What Translation Management Systems (TMS) are available on the market?

Commonly evaluated systems include Phrase, Lokalise, Smartling, XTM, Crowdin and Smartcat. They solve similar problems in different ways, and their strengths vary depending on your workflow, content volume and technical environment.

Do all companies need a Translation Management System (TMS)?

Not all companies need a TMS. A TMS is most valuable when you handle recurring translations, multiple languages, complex review steps or large volumes of content. If your workflow is simple or infrequent, other solutions may be more efficient.

How long does it take to implement a Translation Management System (TMS)?

Timelines vary depending on workflow complexity, integrations and internal alignment. Some teams get started within weeks, while others need more time to map processes and adjust responsibilities.

How much does a Translation Management System (TMS) cost?

Pricing varies widely depending on volume, number of users, automation needs and integrations. Some platforms charge per word, others per seat or per project. The biggest cost driver is usually workflow complexity.

What is the difference between a Translation Management System (TMS) and a CAT tool?

A CAT tool supports the translator’s work. A TMS supports the entire workflow around it, including content intake, automation, review, terminology, collaboration and reporting. Many organizations use both.

Is a Translation Management System (TMS) useful for regulated or technical content?

Yes. Platforms such as XTM and Phrase are often used for structured content, terminology control and multi step review processes that are common in manufacturing and medtech.

Is a localization platform just another word for a Translation Management System (TMS)?

Not exactly. A localization platform is typically built for software teams and focuses on continuous localization, version control, developer workflows and integrations with code repositories. A TMS manages the broader translation workflow across an organization.

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Discuss the EU's New Machinery Regulation With Industry Peers

9 JUNE | 9:00 - 10:00 AMONE HOUR SESSION

Join us for an exclusive session where we will deep-dive into the new Machinery Regulation’s impact on product information managment.

Note: The session on 20 May is fully booked. We will open an additional session on a new date in the near future.

We recently held a webinar about EU's new machinery regulation and its impact on translation and content managment together with Jonas Härdner, CCMS Specialist from Simonsoft.

Many of you showed great interest in the topic and asked for a longer session, so we have decided to host a closed one hour session for companies interested in discussing the new regulation on a deeper level and ask any questions surrounding it.

"The new EU Machinery Regulation is not something you can cover in 15 minutes, that's why we want to guide you through a dedicated one hour session where you can ask any questions you might have."

The session brings together a small group of companies along with two experts, giving you the chance to discuss the regulation in a more open and practical format.

You'll hear how others are approaching the same challenges, ask the questions specific to your situation, and leave with a clearer picture of what the new regulation actually means for your organisation.

The sessions are kept small on purpose, so that every participant gets to speak, not just listen.

Whether you're just getting started or already working through the details, this is a chance to get real answers and move forward with confidence.

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Discuss the EU's New Machinery Regulation With Industry Peers

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Stuck Between Legacy Translation Workflows and Ungoverned AI