What tools and technologies can you use to manage technical translation projects?

1 Translation software

Translation software, also known as computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, are applications that help you create, edit, and store translations in a database. They usually have features such as terminology management, translation memory, quality check, glossary, and machine translation integration. Some of the most popular translation software are SDL Trados Studio, MemoQ, Wordfast, and OmegaT. Translation software can help you improve your productivity, consistency, and quality by automating some of the tasks and providing suggestions and feedback.

2 Project management software

Project management software are applications that help you organize, track, and manage your technical translation projects. They usually have features such as task assignment, deadline setting, progress monitoring, communication, and reporting. Some of the most popular project management software are Asana, Trello, Wrike, and Basecamp. Project management software can help you streamline your workflow, coordinate with your team, and meet your client's expectations by providing a clear overview and structure of your projects.

3 Collaboration tools

Collaboration tools are applications that help you communicate, share, and work with your team and clients on your technical translation projects. They usually have features such as chat, video call, file sharing, document editing, and feedback. Some of the most popular collaboration tools are Slack, Zoom, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams. Collaboration tools can help you enhance your teamwork, efficiency, and client satisfaction by facilitating real-time interaction and collaboration.

4 Localization tools

Localization tools are applications that help you adapt your technical translations to the specific cultural, linguistic, and technical requirements of your target audience. They usually have features such as text formatting, image editing, layout adjustment, and testing. Some of the most popular localization tools are Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver. Localization tools can help you improve your accuracy, relevance, and usability by ensuring that your technical translations look and function properly in the target context.

5 Machine translation tools

Machine translation tools are applications that use artificial intelligence to automatically translate texts from one language to another. They usually have features such as neural networks, natural language processing, and deep learning. Some of the most popular machine translation tools are Google Translate, DeepL, Microsoft Translator, and Amazon Translate. Machine translation tools can help you speed up your translation process, expand your language coverage, and reduce your costs by providing fast and scalable translations.

6 Quality assurance tools

Quality assurance tools are applications that help you check and improve the quality of your technical translations. They usually have features such as spelling and grammar check, consistency check, terminology check, and error detection. Some of the most popular quality assurance tools are Xbench, Verifika, QA Distiller, and LanguageTool. Quality assurance tools can help you eliminate errors, enhance clarity, and comply with standards by providing comprehensive and objective quality evaluation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?