Project management
Description
Localization project management is a complex balancing act. A single project might involve translating a software interface, a marketing campaign and a legal contract into 20 languages simultaneously. The project manager (PM) is the central hub, orchestrating the efforts of linguists, engineers, DTP specialists and reviewers across different time zones.
Modern project management relies heavily on technology. Translation Management Systems (TMS) like Trados automate administrative tasks such as file analysis, vendor assignment and progress tracking. This allows PMs to focus on strategic issues – managing risks, resolving queries and ensuring communication flows smoothly between the client and the production team. Effective project management ensures that scope creep is controlled, deadlines are met and the final deliverable aligns with the client’s business goals. It turns the chaos of global content production into a predictable, scalable process.
Example use cases
- Orchestration: Building automated pipelines that route content from authoring tools to linguists.
- Coordination: Managing relationships, assignments and invoicing for multiple LSPs.
- Tracking: Monitoring spend across departments and languages to ensure budgets are used effectively.
- Governance: Implementing mandatory QA checks and review steps to ensure compliance.
- Agility: Synchronizing translation workflows with software development sprints.
Key benefits
RWS perspective
At RWS, we define the standard for translation management. Through Trados, we provide the technology that underpins the world’s global supply chain of content.
We believe that successful translation management requires a seamless integration of Human + Technology. It is not about replacing project managers; it is about giving them "superpowers" through Smart Insights and automation. Our platforms connect content repositories directly to linguistic AI (Language Weaver) and human experts, creating a unified ecosystem. This allows organizations to move from reactive "translation handling" to proactive "global content orchestration," ensuring that every message is delivered with precision and impact.