Get rid of your excel files with translation management system (TMS)

For a long time, the only way for localization was a manual, traditional file-based option. Team members do significant work - collecting, comparing version numbers, uploading files, etc. And one of the popular file formats in Excel or Google spreadsheets.

Why do many companies still use spreadsheets when localizing their digital content? We examined this question and effective alternatives in our article.

Why Excel and Google Spreadsheets for Localization are Inefficiencies?

Let's start with the point - why do companies still use spreadsheets? There is a list of reasons:

• companies do not count the time spent on manual data entering, files back and forth, etc.;
• companies can be not familiar with new technologies and the benefits they would provide for the team;;
• companies are afraid about processes changing. They already have some algorithms with Excel files and doubt that new approaches wouldn't be viable.

This way, the standard localization procedure includes enormous files, continuous checking, proofreading, saving, and resaving. The team is squinting eyes on thousands of cells and columns, wasting precious time.

The complete list of pitfalls is much more extensive and includes:

• Issues with different file syntax to handle;
• Technical restrictions and custom syntax for placeholders(variables);
• Avoidable, repetitive steps in the localization workflow;
• A lot of back-and-forth manual work;
• Style inconsistency in translations;
• If you do not import/export files in time, the new text will not get into the release, and you will have to wait for the next one.
• Poorly communication between design, development, and translation teams
• Risk of using incorrect versions of documents.

Furthermore, the work on tables is prolonged. The translators who receive the spreadsheet immediately ask questions necessary for the translation.

Translation Management System for Processes Automation

So what would be the secret to a successful localization? The answer is process automation which covers all issues described in the paragraph above. And the critical part of successful automation is choosing a proper Translation Management System (TMS).

The TMS is accessible to managers, developers, translators, and designers. It's a storage facility for the product's data, including text files, emojis, images, etc. Different systems support various features. You may upload text, ask questions, make backups, keep track of changes, manage who has access to the original and translated text, and many more based on each TMS.

Some platforms for managing translations still employ files and concentrate on transferring files via a portal or dashboard. More effort and manual interaction are needed to start, revise, approve, and run translation and localization procedures.

So, choosing the proper Translation Management System is the first step to the worldwide success of your product.

How Does Lingohub Help you Get Rid of Excel Files?

In Lingohub, we automate everything except the translation itself that a human does. Furthermore, we offer robust Machine Translations algorithms that assist users from the first step. Using Lingohub, you can organize the automated translation process, allowing developers, designers, and translators to do their job the best. You do not need to use Excel and manage files manually.

Let's take a look at powerful of Lingohub closer.

Lingohub Integrations - Automatically Deploy your Translations

• The SDK with OTA ensures seamless integration and data exchange. You can translate once and export simultaneously for iOS and Android.
• Our API ensures you build your workflow and incorporate Lingohub into the development process.
• List of ready-made integrations with the most popular repositories like Github (out-of-the-box), Gitlab, Zendesk, etc.
• "Push back" to Github allow quickly and easily push finished translations to a public or private Github repository in one click.
• Figma integration - localize your products on a design stage, and test layouts before programming. Stop using 'Lorem Ipsum' and test actual texts.

Lingohub Features - Automate Localization Process From The First Steps

• Continuous Translation. Our system effortlessly connects to your repository, recognizes all text changes made to the project, and ensures that the translation satisfies your quality requirements.
• Machine Translation. Lingohub's machine translation used DeepL, Amazon Translate, and Google Translate engine. They collectively cover more than 100 different languages.
• Quality checks. Lingohub allows setting up quality check parameters. All your translation checks according to your criteria and delivers error reports in real-time.
• Translation Memory. Automatically memorizes all your previous translations and stores them. It learns in real-time from your projects, and its primary goal is to provide translators with up to three recommendations based on past translations.

The Bottom Line

Lingohub removes manual, file-based processes, and ensures your translated content is always up to date. You can benefit from improved productivity and fewer mistakes with a single shared workspace, which speeds up the launch. To see how productive your team may become, request a Lingohub demo.

No more tiring back-and-forths, human-based mistakes, and unexpected hassles with files. Only machine precision and high quality by Lingohub.

Try right now! Sign up and use all features of Lingohub free for 14 days.