Translation Management System (TMS)
Description
A TMS acts as the control center for enterprise translation and localization. It connects people, processes and technology into a unified workflow that manages everything from translation requests and project tracking to file management and linguistic review.
Instead of manually managing content across multiple systems, a TMS creates automated workflows for recurring and repetitive tasks – such as handling already-translated content through translation memory (TM) or automating file routing. This frees human translators to focus on high-impact work that requires cultural understanding, creativity and nuance. Modern TMS platforms, like Trados Enterprise, go beyond workflow automation. They integrate machine translation (MT), terminology management, AI-driven quality checks and analytics dashboards to give visibility into cost, speed and performance. Through APIs, they connect seamlessly with content repositories such as Content Management Systems (CMS).
Example use cases
- Management: Centralize all translation projects in one system for visibility and control.
- Automation: Standardize processes for content intake, translation, review and delivery.
- Tracking: Monitor translation budgets, volumes and vendor performance.
- Collaboration: Enable linguists, project managers and reviewers to work in real time.
- Integration: Connect with CMS, DAM and product information systems for continuous localization.
Key benefits
RWS perspective
At RWS, we see translation management systems as enablers of global communication – connecting people, content and technology to achieve accuracy, speed and scale.
Our Trados platform is one of the world’s most advanced and trusted TMS solutions. It integrates Language Weaver for AI-powered translation, advanced workflow automation and cloud-based collaboration tools to streamline every stage of the localization lifecycle. From marketing and technical documentation to eLearning content and product content, RWS helps enterprises orchestrate translation workflows that balance automation with human expertise. The result is faster turnaround, reduced costs and consistent brand voice – across every market and every language.