Glossary

Verbatim content reuse

Verbatim content reuse refers to reusing a piece of content exactly as it exists in the source – without any modification. The reused content is identical to the original, ensuring total consistency across documents, deliverables and channels. This method is also known as locked reuse.

Description

Verbatim reuse allows authors to reference existing content components directly from a trusted source repository. These components are "locked," meaning they can’t be edited locally – any update must occur in the original source. Once that happens, the changes automatically cascade to every instance where the component is used.

This approach ensures that critical information – such as legal text, safety instructions, technical specifications or regulatory disclaimers – remains perfectly consistent wherever it appears. It removes the need for manual duplication and guarantees that all reused content adheres to the latest approved version. In Trados and other Component Content Management Systems (CCMS), verbatim reuse plays a key role in maintaining document integrity. It supports compliance with industry standards, simplifies auditing and helps enterprises publish consistent, reliable information at scale.

Example use cases

  • Regulation: Reuse mandatory text for legal, safety or compliance statements.
  • Manuals: Maintain identical instructions across product families.
  • Life sciences: Ensure accuracy and traceability in Instructions for use (IFU) and labeling.
  • Policies: Keep approved corporate or legal language consistent company-wide.
  • Standards: Maintain alignment with ISO, IEC or industry frameworks.

Key benefits

Consistency
Guarantees that critical information is identical across all deliverables.
Accuracy
Eliminates human error by locking approved content.
Efficiency
Enables fast updates through centralized content management.
Compliance
Simplifies auditing and ensures adherence to regulations and standards.
Compliance
Maintains brand and terminology integrity across languages and regions.

RWS perspective

At RWS, verbatim content reuse is at the core of compliant, intelligent content management. Through Tridion Docs, we help enterprises in regulated and high-precision industries manage approved information confidently and efficiently.

Our approach blends human linguistic and regulatory expertise with intelligent automation, ensuring that every reused component remains current, accurate and globally consistent. By implementing structured, locked reuse, organizations reduce risk, speed up updates and maintain total control – all while delivering trusted information to global audiences at scale.