Translation Memory: Your Secret Tool for Saving Time and Money

Investing in high-quality translation services is vital when conducting business globally. However, accuracy and professionalism can come at a large cost. Choose a translation partner with the right tools, which not only reduces costs but also ensures quality. Artlangs, as a professional translation service, has more than a few tools, of which translation memory is one of the powerful secret weapons. It revolutionizes the workflow while reducing costs, helping businesses save time and money. In this article, we will explain how companies can use translation memories to save time and money and create more efficient and accurate translations.

What is a translation memory

A translation memory is a database that stores all previously translated sentences, phrases, and their equivalents in any source language. It is controlled by professional human translators. When a translator works on a new project, the translation memory software automatically scans this database to find exact or fuzzy matches from past translations. These matches are then suggested to the translator, who can reuse, adapt or reject them.

Think of TM as a collaborative brain that never forgets. Unlike machine translation, which generates new content through algorithms, TM relies on human-recognized translations, ensuring consistency and accuracy over time.

How Translation Memory Saves Time

1. Eliminate redundant work

Repetition is common in technical documents, product descriptions, or legal contracts. Without a translation memory, translators waste a lot of time re-translating the same terms. With TM, once a phrase has been translated and stored, it can be reused immediately.

2. Accelerate large projects

When translating lengthy documents or multi-stage projects such as website localization, TM ensures that work in the early stages is not duplicated. Teams can collaborate seamlessly by synchronizing updates in real-time from the TM database.

3. Simplify Updates

With minor changes to the source content, TM recognizes what has changed so that translators only need to focus on the new content. This is invaluable for agile workflows such as application updates or quarterly marketing campaigns.

How to save money on translation memories

1. Quantity-based discounts

Most translation vendors charge per word, but a translation memory can reduce the number of “new” words that need to be translated. Over time, the more translations i.e. the more savings, especially for businesses with recurring content needs.

2. Reduce revision costs

Inconsistent terminology can lead to costly errors. TM achieves uniformity by storing approved terminology, reducing the risk of customer complaints or post-translation corrections.

3. Long-term Return on Investment

While setting up a TM system requires an initial investment, the return is exponential. A well-maintained TM becomes an asset that appreciates with each project, cutting costs across departments and future programs.

Who Benefits Most from Translation Memories?

1. Enterprises: Global brands that manage multilingual content across markets.

2. Agencies: Streamline workflows for clients in the legal, medical, or technology sectors.

3. Freelancers: Increase productivity and take on more projects.

4. Startups: Expand localization efforts without increasing budgets.

Other Essentials of Translation Memory

Artlangs has been providing affordable translation solutions to several businesses around the globe by utilizing translation memories. You may think that using translation memories will affect the quality and accuracy of your translations, but don't worry. We have a strict quality assurance process. Your document will still go through the translation, editing, and proofreading process as well as all of our quality checking processes.

Artlangs is a premium translation service that continually invests in the latest technology to ensure the translation process is as consistent and efficient as possible. If you would like more information or would like an affordable translation solution, please feel free to contact us for a free quote.

Conclusion

A translation memory is not just a tool, it's a strategic advantage. By recycling high-quality translations, organizations can save time, reduce costs, and maintain linguistic integrity across borders. Whether you're a seasoned localization professional or a business just venturing into the international marketplace, investing in a translation memory is a decision that pays off.