Localisation works best when there is a strong technology foundation to support it. In any localisation setup, you’ll find translation management systems (TMS), computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, and API connectors all working together with your CMS, PIM, or ERP to orchestrate language efficiently and at scale. As companies add AI into the mix, it gets harder to make well-informed and effective choices.
Many language services companies recommend that their technology solution is the best way for clients to manage localisation. While these platforms often deliver workflow efficiencies and streamline processes, they are also a way for the vendor to lock-in their client relationships. This lock-in makes it expensive to adapt when your internal tools need upgrading, or painful when you want to change vendors.
At The Translation People, we take an agnostic, best-in-class approach to build customised localisation ecosystems. Best-in-class means selecting the most advanced software application or hardware solution a specific function, rather than choosing an all-in-one monolith.
“When a language services provider builds their own platform, they have to split their focus between linguistics and software development,” explains Svenja Müller, Chief Revenue Officer at The Translation People. “We’d rather let the world’s best software companies handle the code, so we can focus on the client’s strategy. Our clients shouldn’t be funding a company’s R&D budget just to get their work translated.”
Best-in-Class vs. All-in-One Monoliths
A best-in-class tech stack is a strong alternative to the one-size-fits-all software model. This modular approach allows for complementary software and tools to be used where they add the most value and perform best for your organisation. For example, an organisation may decide to use the best of the best, such as Slack for communication, HubSpot for CRM, and QuickBooks for accounting, instead of subscribing to Microsoft Office 365.
On top of superior functionality, best in class creates a more resilient setup. Because the framework is technology-agnostic, you can adopt new AI tools or connectors as they are released without having to overhaul your complete system. If a better solution becomes available tomorrow, it can be integrated into your existing workflow so your technology can evolve alongside your requirements.
Future-proof scalability is another benefit of a best-in-class approach. As your company grows from five to 50 languages, or from human-only to AI-enabled, a modular tech stack scales with you. You’re not limited by the development roadmap of a single developer; instead, you have the entire tech industry’s latest innovation at your fingertips.
Complex Infrastructure with Simplified Execution
When creating a best-in-class tech stack, your localisation partner brings extensive experience with the different solutions on the market, including AI. Acting as your localisation technology architect, they can help you build the right solution for your organisation.
For instance, they can identify the best technologies that match your goals and work with the tools you may already use, like Contentful, GitHub, or Adobe Experience Manager. They may also recommend connectors and APIs to link your systems and automate tasks, removing the need for manual copy-pasting that leads to version control issues and human errors. AI tools also often come into the picture here.
Your localisation partner can further reduce your administrative burden by handling integration, troubleshooting and updating the tech stack. Instead of managing software licences and updates, this lets your team focus on more important business priorities.
Data Sovereignty and Asset Ownership
A risk of all-in-one monolithic systems is a lack of data portability. When linguistic assets such as translation memories (TMs) and glossaries are stored in a localisation vendor’s platform, retrieving these materials can become a complex exercise if the partnership ends. A best-in-class stack keeps your data portable, so you always retain ownership and easy access to your content.
Best-in-class modularity also provides greater control over security. Instead of relying on a localisation provider’s protocols, businesses can apply their own enterprise-grade encryption and single sign-on (SSO) requirements across the entire tech stack. Sensitive product data or internal communications are protected by the company’s own standards, rather than the security limitations of a third-party platform.
“Proprietary platforms often force a choice between the right technology and the right people,” says Svenja Müller. “If a subject-matter expert or vendor isn’t licensed for your software, they can be locked out of your supply chain. A best-in-class tech stack removes that obstacle so the decision to hire a specialist is based on their expertise rather than their technology.”
Accountability in Automated Workflows
Monolithic systems tend to make a company’s workflow fit the tool and allow little room for customisation. For example, an all-in-one system may push content into production automatically without giving an organisation the ability to build in one (or more) quality control steps. Without this human review stage, translation errors can appear on a live site in minutes. In contrast, a best-in-class approach can give you more flexibility to adapt the system to fit your needs.
To maintain control over automated streams, consider a system with a dedicated project management dashboard for accountability and quick decision making. Having project status, timelines and milestones, and budget breakdowns available at a glance helps projects stay on-track and keeps stakeholders accountable.
Mapping a Custom Framework
At The Translation People, a best-in-class tech stack starts with a technical review of your current setup. We learn about your business and requirements, and document what features are essential. Evaluating technology is next, where we look for places where AI or integrations can help. As we identify different options, we also consider longevity to future-proof your tech stack as much as possible.
During this process, we sometimes identify opportunities for improvement. In these cases, we work with you to reimagine processes to drive greater efficiency and business impact. Our goal is to use technology to enable smarter, faster, and more connected localisation.
If you want to build a best-in-class localisation engine that adapts to your requirements, book a consultation with us today.
