Enterprise localisation is all about complex, fixed setups. Right?
A lot of people think that "scale " means "rigid".
And yes, enterprises often need tailored solutions, but it doesn’t have to mean locking in and committing to everything upfront. A flexible approach is possible, even for enterprise localisation.
It’s done with something called a Translation Management System (TMS).
A TMS is a tool like a CMS but for translation. Some Translation Management Systems offer fixed packages. Others, like the LanguageWire TMS, are more flexible. These are built in a modular way, with components and services that support and interact with each other, and which can be added or removed according to need.
Today, we are sharing exactly how this modularity works, so you know what to ask for next time you are looking for a localisation solution.
Back to TMS basics
When you strip a TMS back to its simplest form, you get an operating system: an online platform where you can order translation services and collaborate with project managers and experts.
If you bought TMS access without anything else, this is what you’d get.
On top of this foundation, you can plug in extra components and services, much like installing apps.
Improve and automate more with optional technology
While a basic TMS is already a solid starting point, most companies need a bit more than that.
That’s where extra technology comes in.
Extra technology could include integrations, editors, or AI tools, letting you optimise and automate your localisation setup even more:
AI-powered workspaces: LanguageWire TMS, for example, offers Smart Editor, an AI-powered workspace for your subject matter experts to review and refine translations.
Integrations: You may also want to integrate your system with the TMS, so that you can send and receive files automatically.
Termbase management: A word list that contains your specific industry and company terminology and is available to translators for reference through the TMS. This is a living and breathing list that you keep up to date together with TMS project managers.
Translation memory management: Translation memories save previously approved translations to be used in future projects.
File engineering: Technology that automatically prepares and structures your content for localisation.
AI-powered machine translation: Lets you translate large volumes of text quickly. Look for AI machine translation that is secure, works with other tools, and can be combined with human expertise.
AI Quality Estimation and AI Editing: AI technologies that help you score the quality of each translated segment and automatically edit grammar, syntax, and fluency. This helps you localise more content, faster, and at lower cost, while focusing human review where it matters most.
Order services on a case-by-case basis
Services are not part of the infrastructure components. Instead, they can be selected separately and can be ordered on a case-by-case basis.
Key services a strong TMS should offer:
Translation: A human translator converts the meaning of a text from one language to another.
Post-Edited Machine Translation (PEMT): PEMT combines AI translation with human editing. Content is first machine translated, then refined by a human.
Creative translation: Creative translation is all about reimagining your message for new markets. Instead of merely converting meaning, creative translators adapt the content to best suit what you want to achieve.
In-country review: Local, in-country experts review and approve content before it’s published, to make sure it resonates with local audiences.
Subtitling: Subtitling translates and displays speech as on-screen text.
AI dubbing: AI dubbing creates synthetic voiceovers as an alternative to traditional voice recordings.
Voiceover: Voiceover is when spoken narration is added over video content to guide, inform, or engage viewers.
Linguistic quality assurance: Automated checks and human experts review the content to make sure it meets brand and quality standards.
DTP and layout: Desktop publishing (DTP) is the process of formatting and preparing digital or print-ready documents, so that translated content keeps its original design, no matter the language or layout challenges.
Proofreading: Proofreading prevents costly mistakes, protects your reputation, and helps you reach your audience with clarity and confidence.
SEO localisation: SEO localisation helps global enterprises drive organic search performance by adapting content, not just translating it, for each local market.
Time to order a translation job
Once you have added the services you need, you and your team will be able to order projects through the TMS.
Here's what ordering a localisation project could look like:
You enter the TMS and order a DTP project for an important customer presentation.
The TMS Project Manager assigns the right people to the project. These people will already have been chosen and onboarded for your company’s context beforehand.
You choose a deadline and leave any notes, if necessary.
The project enters an automated workflow. With support from a TMS Project Manager, it is assigned to the right translators and validators, with the appropriate tools introduced at the right stage.
From here, the TMS Project Manager oversees the process, supporting the automation, assigning the right experts, and following up if any adjustments are needed. You can contact the Project Manager directly at any time if you have questions or concerns.
Once the task is complete, the files are sent to you. Translation Memories are saved for future projects.
A good TMS supports your evolving needs
A good TMS should be a base from which you can go in any direction you need. It should give you access to the right services, tools, and automation. And it should support enterprise scale localisation with strong automated workflows, AI tools, and human expertise.
But you shouldn’t have to commit to everything upfront.
Services can be activated as needed, without redesigning your entire setup each time. The system stays the same; only the workflows change.
LanguageWire TMS: Built for flexibility
Choosing the right translation management system is about more than just software. It’s about finding a solution that fits how your business works today and how it will grow tomorrow. LanguageWire’s TMS combines powerful automation with human expertise, offering proven flexibility, security, and scalability for global enterprises - while making sure you get the right quality to fit your content.
Learn more about LanguageWire TMS
