Time- and cost-efficient translation management through sophisticated TM systems.
Time- and cost-efficient translation management through sophisticated TM systems.
Translation memory systems
In today’s globalized world, in which companies are increasingly expanding into international markets, the quality and efficiency of translation processes are becoming increasingly important. Translation memory systems play a central role in this context. These powerful tools provide an innovative solution to managing challenges in the area of translation.
Translation memory in practice
Translation memory systems enable companies to manage translation projects efficiently and consistently. The systems store previously translated text segments in a database, which can then be reused when translating similar texts. This not only saves a considerable amount of time, but also improves the consistency and quality of translations and optimizes terminology management.
The advantages of translation memory systems extend across a wide range of industries and application areas. From technical manuals and websites right up to legal documents, the range of applications is broad, enabling companies to optimize their global communication strategies.
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Translation memory systems at KERN
KERN uses sophisticated translation memory systems to provide customers with high levels of quality and precision in their translation projects. With many years of experience and a dedicated team of specialist translators, we set high standards in the language services industry.
Our systems, including Across, Trados, Déjà Vu, memoQ, and Transit, maximize the efficiency of our translation processes while ensuring the consistency and accuracy of every translation. We understand the unique requirements of our customers and tailor our services accordingly to meet their specific needs. With our in-depth know-how and extensive professional resources, we are your reliable partner for all your translation needs.
Use of translation memory systems
Through the use of highly developed translation memory systems as well as online portal solutions with translation memory integration, KERN ensures an optimized translation process, including increased stylistic and terminological consistency and enhanced quality assurance.
Translation memory systems: your benefits
The use of translation memory systems supports the development of a consistent corporate language, which makes a significant contribution to your company’s internal and external communications. This helps maintain corporate identity.
Translation memory systems help to build up and retain the linguistic and technical knowledge of individual employees throughout the company, which increases the efficiency and quality of translation processes.
The use of company-specific wording and terminology simplifies the approval of translated texts. Early involvement of national offices in building a translation memory database increases linguistic consistency and accelerates the approval process.
Translation memory ensures consistent wording in translated texts, even when multiple translators are involved or different documents are processed. This eliminates the need for time-consuming subsequent verification of linguistic consistency.
Optimizing the translation process through translation memory systems saves time. This enables higher translation output per unit of time and significantly shortens time to market.
Frequently asked questions about TM systems
What is a translation memory system?
A translation memory system (TMS) is an innovative software solution widely used in the translation services industry. It serves as a powerful tool for making translation processes more efficient and consistent.
Essentially, a TMS stores pairs of source text segments and their corresponding translations in a database. These stored segments are then used in the translation of new texts to automatically identify and reuse previously translated content. This eliminates the need to manually search for and insert previously translated text, saving time and improving the consistency of translations.
Another important aspect of translation memory systems is their ability to make context-sensitive translation suggestions. The system analyzes the context in which a text segment appears and suggests the most suitable translation to the translator. This improves the quality of the translations while also increasing efficiency.
What types of content are frequently translated using a translation memory system?
Translation memory systems (TMS) systems are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of areas and industries. Some of the most common types of content translated with a TMS include:
- Technical manuals and product catalogs: These include detailed instructions, technical specifications, and product descriptions, which often need to be updated when new products are launched or changes are made.
- User manuals: User manuals for products such as electronic devices, household appliances and machines require precise and easy-to-understand translations to ensure safety and user-friendliness.
- Websites, software, and help files: Localizing a website, software or help files often requires translating large amounts of text that must be updated regularly to keep up with the latest product versions or changes in content.
- Documentation on multiple product variants or similar products from multiple manufacturers: Companies that manufacture or distribute a variety of products need translations for product variants or similar products to ensure the consistency of corporate claims and product information.
- Legal documents: Contracts, legal notices, and other legal documents require extremely accurate translations to ensure legal clarity and precision.
By using a translation memory system, companies in these and other areas can benefit from increased efficiency, consistency, and quality in their translation projects.
What are the requirements for using translation memory systems?
To use translation memory systems effectively, the source text must be available in electronic form and in an editable file format. This allows the system to analyze and store the text segments and make them available for future translation projects. The team carefully checks the availability and quality of the electronic texts to ensure that they meet the requirements for the use of translation memory systems. A thorough analysis is then carried out to determine whether using a translation memory system is an effective solution. If so, the documents are prepared appropriately to optimize the translation process and ensure maximum efficiency.
What is the role of the KERN language team in managing translation memory databases?
The experienced KERN language team plays a crucial role in managing translation memory databases. An alignment procedure is used to process existing translations that were not originally created with a translation memory system and integrate them into the database. The goal of this process is to create an extensive translation memory database that acts as valuable resource for future translation projects. By continually updating and expanding the database, the KERN language team strives to achieve maximum consistency and quality in translations. This allows future translation projects to be carried out more efficiently, saving time and ensuring linguistic uniformity.
How does a translation memory system work?
A translation memory system (TM system) is specialized software that optimizes the translation process by reusing previously translated text segments. It stores previously translated sentences or paragraphs in a database, known as a translation memory.
For new translation projects, the TM system analyzes the source text and divides it into segments. For each segment, it searches the database for identical or similar translations. For exact (or “100%”) matches, the stored translation is suggested directly. In the case of partial (“fuzzy”) matches, the system displays the most similar translation, which the translator can then adapt accordingly. This approach promotes consistency and efficiency in the translation process, as recurring phrases do not need to be translated again.
Which formats are supported by translation memory systems?
Most TM systems support a wide range of file formats, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, XML, and more. This enables translators to work in different formats without having to manually adjust the formatting.
Modern TM systems process numerous formats, including:
- Office documents (.docx, .xlsx)
- XML / HTML / XLIFF
- PDFs
- InDesign (.idml)
- Software files (.resx, .json)
This allows a wide variety of content to be localized professionally and efficiently.
Do you work with other formats? No problem! Submit your project request directly and we will clarify the details of your translation quickly and easily.
How does a TM differ from machine translation?
A translation memory (TM) stores previously translated text segments and suggests them for new translations. In contrast, machine translation (MT) automatically generates new translation suggestions without resorting to verified content.
Which industries benefit most from translation memory systems?
TM systems are ideal for industries with a high degree of repetition and standardized technical terminology, such as:
- Mechanical engineering & technology
- Law & finance
- Medicine & pharmaceuticals
- IT & software
- E-commerce & product documentation
How does a TM save costs in translation?
Recurring text segments do not need to be translated again. This significantly reduces the amount of work involved – and you benefit from lower translation costs and shorter delivery times.
Can a TM be integrated with other tools?
Yes. TM systems can be seamlessly integrated into content management systems (CMS), terminology databases, project management tools, and machine translation systems – enabling a fully digitalized language process.
How does a TM ensure consistency in translation?
Stored segments ensure that technical terms and wording remain consistent, regardless of the project volume or the number of translators involved. This creates a consistent linguistic profile across all texts.
Can multiple translators access a TM at the same time?
Yes. In cloud-based or server-based TM systems, multiple specialist translators can work in parallel without any loss of information. This increases efficiency – even for large-scale projects.