ISO 9001 
ISO 17100 
ISO 18587 LinguaVox provides translation memory and terminology management for companies, public bodies, law firms, universities, marketing teams and private clients that need consistent multilingual content over time. These resources are especially useful for recurring documents: technical manuals, contracts, product catalogues, websites, software strings, safety instructions, policies, tenders, financial reports and training material.
A translation memory stores previously translated segments so they can be reused or adapted when similar text appears again. A terminology database stores approved terms such as product names, component names, legal concepts, department names, medical terms, software commands, acronyms, regulatory references and brand wording. Both tools support the translator and reviewer; they do not replace professional judgement.
How translation memories help
Translation memories are valuable when content is updated, repeated or published in several versions. If a company revises a manual, the approved wording from earlier versions can be reused where still valid. If an annual report includes recurring sections, the translation memory helps keep accounting terminology and headings consistent from one year to the next. If a website is updated regularly, the memory identifies new or changed text and reduces unnecessary retranslation.
However, a memory match is not automatically correct. The translator must check whether the previous wording fits the new context. A repeated sentence may need a different form, register or legal nuance depending on its position in the document. That is why translation memories should be used by qualified linguists, not applied mechanically.
How terminology management works
Terminology management focuses on terms rather than full sentences. A glossary can specify approved translations, terms that should remain in the source language, forbidden alternatives, client preferences, abbreviations, notes on audience and examples of correct usage. This prevents avoidable variation between translators, departments and markets.
Terminology control is particularly important in technical, legal, medical, financial, software and regulated content. A product component, warning phrase, defined legal term, medical device feature or interface label should not change from one document to another without a reason. Consistent terminology makes documentation easier to maintain and clearer for users, clients and internal teams.
When terminology resources should be created
Terminology resources should be planned early in the project, not corrected after several language versions have already been delivered. For large multilingual projects, agreeing key terms before translation begins can prevent repeated queries and costly rework. This is especially relevant for product launches, website migrations, technical manuals, contract templates, medical device files, software platforms and international campaigns.
Where the client already has previous translations, style guides or glossaries, we review them before work begins. If no resources exist, we can build a basic glossary during the first project and expand it over time.
Workflow and quality checks
The process begins with file analysis. During translation, the linguist works in a CAT environment where memory matches and approved terms are visible. The reviewer then checks meaning, terminology, numbers, names, formatting and suitability for the intended reader. Where the service is contracted under an ISO 17100 workflow, bilingual revision by a second qualified linguist can be included.
The project manager coordinates file preparation, terminology updates, delivery format and client instructions. For recurring clients, approved terminology and memories are updated as products, departments, services or legal wording evolve.
Related services
Translation memory and terminology management often supports technical translation services, legal translation services, website translation services, software translation services, translation project management and sector-specific translation services. It is also useful for full post-editing projects where approved terminology must be enforced.
How to request a quote
Send the source files, target languages, deadline, intended use and any existing glossaries, translation memories, previous translations or style guides. If certain terms must be used or avoided, include that information. For multilingual projects, identify priority terms before translation starts.
Practical examples
A manufacturing company may want the same component name used in manuals, safety sheets, packaging and training slides. A law firm may need defined terms to remain identical across a framework agreement and later amendments. A university may need course titles and department names translated consistently across transcripts, websites and admissions material. A software company may need interface strings, support articles and release notes to use the same terminology.
Without terminology management, these small variations accumulate. Users may see different names for the same function, product or procedure, and internal teams may spend time correcting issues that could have been prevented before translation started.
Maintenance over time
Terminology resources should be maintained, not created once and forgotten. Products change, departments are renamed, legal wording is updated and preferred market terminology may evolve. For recurring accounts, the project manager can record approved changes so the next project starts from the latest agreed version rather than from an outdated glossary.
This continuity is one of the main commercial benefits of translation memory and terminology management. It supports faster quoting, fewer repeated queries and more consistent multilingual content over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a translation memory?
A translation memory is a bilingual database of previously translated segments. It helps translators reuse approved wording where the same or similar text appears again.
Is a glossary the same as a translation memory?
No. A glossary manages terms and preferred vocabulary. A translation memory stores full translated segments. In recurring projects, both resources work together.
Can old translations be converted into a memory?
Often, yes. Source and target files can sometimes be aligned to create a translation memory. The quality depends on file condition and the reliability of the previous translations.
Does terminology management reduce cost?
It can reduce rework and improve consistency. Translation memory matches may also reduce cost where repeated or previously approved content is present.
Who controls the approved terminology?
That depends on the agreement. For ongoing corporate projects, terminology is normally maintained with client input and updated as products, services or preferred wording change.
