Selecting the right Translation Management System (TMS) can be a little overwhelming given the large number of options available.
To help simplify this process, we’ve put together an easy-to-use, 5-step TMS evaluation template that helps teams make informed decisions about translation and localization.
Using metrics and measurable outcomes, you can shift the process from subjective to objective, engaging stakeholders at the right times, and providing clear guidance to maximize efficiency.
This evaluation template is for experienced and first-time TMS buyers. If you are new to TMS software and need tips on the selection process, including business and technical considerations, check out our blog post on how to choose the best translation management system for your team and company.
Why you need a TMS
Translation Management System (TMS) tools facilitate the management of localization and translation processes. Picking the right TMS is crucial for leveraging translation memory, owning translation workflows, reporting on translation cost and quality, and managing vendor queries. A strong TMS also ensures a smooth localization process, integrating translation into your broader content strategy, and supporting consistency across languages.
The main benefits of using a TMS tool are:
- Improved translation turnaround time
- Decreased translation costs
- Elevated translation quality
These benefits make it easier for you deliver larger volumes of translations in more languages, so you can ship products and campaigns to new markets faster.
Why a structured TMS evaluation process is key
The purpose of a TMS evaluation is to objectively assess the compatibility of the TMS tool with your organization’s requirements.
A good evaluation will give you a comprehensive understanding of how well potential TMS tools integrate with your current systems and processes and help you identify potential compatibility issues with your existing translation workflows and/or tech stack, as well as estimate translation costs.
Another crucial aspect of your evaluation process should be assessing the scalability of the TMS tool.
You need a tool that can scale with you. By evaluating scalability, you can ensure that the chosen TMS tool can handle increasing volumes of content without compromising on quality or performance.
Additionally, an organized evaluation method will help you gauge the ease of use and user interface of the TMS tool. This is essential because it enables seamless adoption by all stakeholders. A user-friendly interface enables employees with varying levels of technical expertise to navigate the tool easily and work productively.
Breaking down the 5-step TMS evaluation template
Our TMS Evaluation Template tool is a and customizable spreadsheet where you define the features and score each one. Just make a copy and start evaluating your options.
TMS evaluation is comprised of five steps and an optional preparation step:
(Optional preparation: problem statement)
- Create an RFI (Request for Information)
- Score RFI responses
- Score vendor demos
- Define trial objectives and scoring results
- Calculate final scores
Putting the template to action
Objective TMS evaluation, done ✅
Making an informed decision about the best TMS for your organization is a worthwhile investment.
With Lokalise’s TMS Evaluation Template, you can confidently assess various solutions and arm yourself with metrics and measurable outcomes to guide your decision-making process.
By using this template, you’ll not only save time and resources but also ensure that you select the TMS tool that best aligns with your needs and goals. Don’t miss the opportunity to streamline your translation workflows and maximize efficiency. Create your own copy of the template now.
Get your free TMS evaluation template
Discover how to evaluate all your TMS options the easy way, in 5 simple steps.
Get free templateFAQs
Does the template include a list of features we should consider?
Yes and no. The template does not have any pre-filled or predefined features to consider because every team’s considerations will be different. However, it does suggest some general features to consider to help you brainstorm features you need.
Can the TMS evaluation template be customized to fit our organization’s specific requirements and workflows?
Yes. All sheets of the tool can be edited except for the cells on the About sheet, which is locked to accredit the tool’s creators and explain what the tool is.
Should I include Lokalise in the evaluation process to use the tool?
No. The tool is vendor agnostic. Other than prefilling vendor #1’s name with Lokalise, it has no implicit biases. Lokalise can be removed from the sheet.
