Translation Management System (TMS)
Software that centralizes and automates the translation workflow for applications and content.
Definition
A Translation Management System (TMS) is a software platform that helps organizations manage the entire translation and localization process. It centralizes translation assets, automates workflows between translators and developers, maintains translation memory for consistency, and integrates with development tools like Git and CI/CD pipelines. Modern TMS platforms like IntlPull support real-time collaboration, machine translation, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Examples
- →IntlPull - developer-first TMS with Git integration and OTA updates
- →Lokalise - visual context and screenshot features
- →Crowdin - community translation support
- →Phrase - enterprise translation workflows
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a TMS and a CAT tool?
A TMS is a broader platform for managing the entire localization workflow, including project management, collaboration, and integrations. A CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tool focuses specifically on helping translators work more efficiently with features like translation memory and terminology management.
Why do developers need a TMS?
A TMS automates the manual work of managing translation files: syncing strings from code, tracking untranslated content, maintaining consistency via translation memory, enabling collaboration with translators, and integrating with CI/CD for continuous localization.