Translation Technology for Remote Teams: Considerations

Is your enterprise now transitioning to a distributed workforce? If so, it’s time to consider the needs of remote employees who collaborate on global communications.
At this moment, it’s likely they’re wishing they had the best translation technology for remote teams like theirs.
The following information will help you decide on a better alternative to your company’s current translation software. We also give you a recommendation at the end of this article.
Desktop Translation Software isn’t Ideal for Remote Teams
This tip should remain top-of-mind when searching for translation technology for remote teams.
Here’s Why.
Desktop translation technology has its fair share of pitfalls for remote teams, let alone while in use at the office. When translating remotely on a desktop application, some of the issues encountered include the following:
Cumbersome interfaces
Many desktop translation interfaces lack thoughtful UX design. They often aren’t as intuitive as web-first applications. Additionally, their cumbersome toolbars use too much screen space.
What’s more, multiple clicks are usually required to complete just one action within desktop translation apps. Remote translators are likely using a laptop for their translation projects, amplifying the negative impact this will have on productivity.
Device licensing restrictions
If an employee needs to translate on a device other than what was originally licensed for their desktop software (due to working from home), your company will need to pay for another seat. Yes–for the same employee.
Or, they may have to uninstall it from the existing device and reinstall on the new one.
If a new team member suddenly needs access to the software, you will be required to pay for an additional seat. Cloud translation applications are more scalable and cost-effective.
Operating system bottlenecks
Let’s say you onboard a new team member remotely and the operating system on their personal device doesn’t support your existing desktop app. Unfortunately, it will require additional time and expense to set them up with a new computer or virtual machine.
Downtime & bugs
Another reason to search for better translation technology for working remotely is because IT managers will be inundated with tech support tickets for downtime and bugs. It’s a frequent complaint of desktop translation software used in-office as it is.
Pair this with a remote workforce and you’ll soon be remoting in to “fix” an issue, while the culprit is the software itself. Frequent bugs and the need for manual updates can cause extra alarm and frustration while an employee is doing remote work.
In effect, IT managers will be the ones absorbing that.
Local computer issues
Because desktop translation technology requires more resources from your employee’s system, local computer issues (e.g. memory) become more of a disruption to the translation workflow.
When your employee is working remotely, this can take you longer to resolve.
Extensive training & onboarding
The best translation technology for remote teams and workers won’t have a steep learning curve. Unfortunately, this eliminates most desktop translation software options.
In Summary
These issues can increase the workload of virtual IT support and scaling your remote workforce.
Remote Workers Value These Cloud-Based Translation Features
Knowing that desktop translation software isn’t ideal for remote teams, you might consider cloud-based alternatives. It will also help you get ahead of their temptation to use free online apps that pose security risks to your company’s data.
However, in order to get the most out a cloud-based translation application, you should consider software with the following collaborative and productivity features. These are particularly critical for remote workers:
Collaboration Features
- Slack-Like Instant Messaging
- Secure File Sharing
- Project Management
- Translation Tracking
- Edit History
- User Permission Controls
- Translation Memory Groups
- Bookmarking
- “Last Login” Information
- Strong Security
Productivity Features
- Gisting
- File Translator
- Batch File Translation
- Translation Alignment
- Dynamic Machine Learning
- Translation Memory
- Dynamic Spellcheck
- Terminology Management
- TermBase & Translation Memory Lookup
- Automatic File Formatting
Best Translation Technology for Working Remotely
Want the best translation software for working remotely (that comes with the above features)?
Try Pairaphrase. It’s a web-based translation management system for enterprises who value safer, smarter and faster translation.
Schedule a demo or request a free trial.

Creating Effective Termbase Glossaries for Machine Translation
Need to create a termbase glossary? Get our top 5 tips for creating effective termbase glossaries for machine translation.

Best English to Korean Document Translation Software
Looking for English to Korean translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.

DeepL Alternative for 2022 Onward
Explore various DeepL drawbacks and user-specific needs you might identify with. This way, you can conclude whether alternatives to DeepL could fill these gaps.

Most Accurate Translator: How to Get it
While a 100% accurate translator does not yet exist, this post will tell you how to get the most accurate translator tailored to your company’s words and phrases.

2022 Translation Industry Trends to Anticipate
Explore 2022 translation industry trends! Learn about 10 translation industry trends 2022 will bring, according to our predictions »

Secure Transcription Software That Translates Languages
Need secure transcription software that translates languages? Learn what features to look for and how Pairaphrase will benefit you.

Best English to Portuguese Document Translation Software
Looking for English to Portuguese translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.

Translation KPIs for Translation Management Success
Establishing translation KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)? Here are the 5 Most Important KPIs for translation management success.