Replacing Desktop CAT Processes with a Centralized TMS

A leading language service provider engaged LocServe to design, install, and implement an enterprise Translation Management System based on GlobalSight, replacing an existing desktop CAT-tool-centric localization process used across multiple clients.

The objective was to move from fragmented, file-based workflows to a centralized, automated TMS capable of supporting:

• multi-language, multi-vendor projects

• translation, review, and approval workflows

• translation memory and terminology management

• reporting, costing, and delivery at scale

The Challenge

The existing setup relied heavily on:

• standalone CAT tools

• manual file handoffs

• spreadsheet-based tracking

• limited workflow automation

This approach created friction as project volumes increased:

• inconsistent processes across teams

• limited visibility for project managers

• manual effort in TM updates, QA, and reporting

• growing operational risk as client requirements expanded

The LSP required a system that could:

• centralize localization workflows

• support multiple clients and content types

• integrate human and machine translation

• reduce PM overhead through automation

• scale reliably within an on-premise environment

The Solution

LocServe delivered a full GlobalSight implementation, covering infrastructure, configuration, workflow design, and internal enablement.

System Installation & Infrastructure

GlobalSight was deployed on the client’s in-house server environment, requiring close coordination with internal IT teams.

Key technical components included:

• Java-based GlobalSight application stack

• MySQL database backend

• RedHat JBoss application server

• secure internal networking and access control

The installation was planned to align with enterprise IT policies around:

• security

• performance

• data ownership

• long-term maintainability

Workflow Design & Configuration

Custom GlobalSight workflows were designed to replace desktop CAT-driven processes entirely.

This included:

• definition of translation, review, and approval stages

• configuration of language-pair-specific workflows

• integration of translation memory and terminology resources

• automated analysis, leveraging, and file generation

• support for both human translation and MT-assisted workflows

Workflows were templated to ensure consistency while remaining flexible enough to support different client requirements.

File Types, Standards, and Interoperability

The implementation supported a wide range of enterprise content types, including:

• Microsoft Office formats

• XML and HTML

• software resource files

• structured technical documentation

The system was configured to adhere to industry standards such as:

• TMX for translation memory exchange

• XLIFF for bilingual file handling

• SRX for segmentation consistency

This ensured interoperability with external CAT tools where required and avoided vendor lock-in.

Process Automation & QA Integration

Automation was introduced across traditionally manual steps, including:

• content extraction and filtering

• segmentation and TM leveraging

• automated handoffs between workflow stages

• TM updates on job completion

• generation of localized target files

• reporting and progress tracking

Quality assurance processes were embedded into workflows to reduce downstream issues and improve delivery consistency.

Training & Internal Enablement

A critical part of the engagement was hands-on training of internal teams.

This included:

• training project managers on workflow creation and monitoring

• enabling linguists and reviewers to work within the system

• explaining automation, reporting, and escalation paths

• supporting the transition away from desktop CAT dependency

Training focused on practical usage rather than theory, ensuring teams could operate independently after rollout.

The Result

The LSP successfully transitioned from a fragmented desktop-based localization process to a centralized, enterprise-grade TMS.

Key outcomes included:

• reduced manual PM effort

• improved consistency across projects and clients

• better visibility into workflow status and costs

• scalable support for multiple vendors and languages

• a foundation for future CMS and MT integrations

The GlobalSight platform became a core operational system supporting the LSP’s localization services.

Engineering-Led TMS Implementations

This project reflects a broader pattern in my work:

• deploying and configuring complex localization platforms

• aligning technology with real operational needs

• enabling teams through clear processes and training

• delivering systems that work in production, not just on paper

If you are considering a TMS implementation, migration, or replacement — particularly in enterprise or on-premise environments — LocServe provides hands-on expertise from installation through adoption.