Automation is revolutionizing industries, and the translation sector is no exception. In this article, we explore how automation is shaping Translation Management Systems (TMS), the key factors to consider, and how it can enhance business processes while still allowing for human oversight. Gabriel Fairman, CEO of Bureau Works, shares his insights on the true meaning of automation in this context.
What Does Real Automation Look Like?
According to Gabriel Fairman, automation in TMS should be a seamless process that runs from start to finish without human intervention.
“Automation means when you can run a process from A to Z, from the beginning to the end of that process, without human intervention,” he explains.
But not all systems live up to this ideal.
Key Features of Automation:
- Task Assignment: Assign tasks to translators without manual intervention.
- Quoting: Automatically generate quotes based on complex rules and settings.
- Governance and Control: Monitor the automation process to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
The Pitfalls of Overpromised Automation
Many TMS platforms claim to offer automation but fall short when closely examined. Fairman shares examples of systems that automate task assignment but still require human input at various stages.
He cautions against vague promises of automation, noting that real automation is often a marketing buzzword.
“It's become a marketing buzzword, right? We automate, they automate, we all automate.”
Common Pitfalls:
- Systems that require translators to manually search for tasks.
- Platforms that automate only parts of the process, leaving gaps for manual intervention.
- Automation that lacks scalability or proper governance mechanisms.
Balancing Automation with Business Goals
For Fairman, effective automation is about more than just streamlining tasks—it's about achieving real business value. He emphasizes the importance of governance, scalability, and understanding the role automation plays in specific business scenarios.
“Each of these decisions carries ramifications as far as to the business value that the software can ultimately deliver,” he says.
Questions to Ask When Implementing Automation:
- What specific processes are you automating?
- Can the automation scale as your business grows?
- How will automation impact quality and cost management?
The Human Element in Automation
While automation can drive efficiency, Fairman is clear that it shouldn’t completely replace human oversight.
“Real automation involves people, most likely, changing their roles, their understanding, even sometimes their identity of what it is that they do in the given organization,” he notes.
Automation should complement human decision-making, not replace it.
Conclusion: Automation Is a Tool, Not a Magic Bullet
Automation offers immense potential for improving efficiency in translation management systems, but only when applied thoughtfully. As Fairman points out, understanding the scope of automation, its governance, and its impact on human roles are crucial to unlocking its full potential.
In the end, automation is a tool that, when used correctly, can transform your business. But it's essential to ensure that it aligns with your goals and that you remain in control of the process.
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