How Articulate Localization Stacks Up to Your LSP or TMS

Translating courses? You probably use a Language Service Provider (LSP) or a Translation Management System (TMS) as part of your current process. But now that Articulate 360 has integrated localization features, you might be wondering how they compare. Let's take a look.  

Language Service Provider Localization Process: 12 Steps 

If you’re currently using a Language Service Provider (LSP) to localize your courses, the process probably looks something like this: 

1. Export your translation file(s) from your authoring tool or send the course file(s), depending on your level of service. 
2. Send a translation or course file to your LSP. 
3. Wait for the LSP to return the translated file. Depending on how many translations you need and their backlog of projects, this can take weeks.
4. Import each translated file into your authoring tool. The more languages you have, the longer this takes.
5. Publish the translated course(s).
6. Upload your translated course(s) to your server or LMS.
7. Send a link to your language validator(s) so they can view the translated course(s), along with a spreadsheet or review tool.
8. Apply their suggested changes manually via copy-and-paste.  
9. Send an updated version to the language validator for confirmation. Sometimes, when validators see the requested changes applied in context, they realize they’re not quite right and request further changes. This can happen multiple times, creating a feedback loop.
10. Apply any further changes manually. 
11. Publish your course. 
12. Upload your course to your LMS. 

Translation Management System Localization Process: 14 Steps

If you’re using a Translation Management System (TMS), your process might look more like this: 

1. Export your translation file(s) from your authoring tool. 
2. Upload the translation files to your TMS. 
3. Translate with AI or request human translation in the TMS, depending on the tool you’re using.
4. Wait for AI or human translation. AI translation could be almost instant, while human translation could take weeks.
5. Export the translated file from TMS. 
6. Import the translated file back into your authoring tool.
7. Publish the translated course(s). 
8. Upload your translated course(s) to your server or LMS.
9. Send a link to your language validator(s) so they can view the translated course(s), along with a spreadsheet or review tool.
10. Apply their suggested changes manually via copy-and-paste. 
11. Send an updated version to the language validator for confirmation. As described in the LSP section above, a feedback loop can happen at this stage.
12. Apply any further changes manually. 
13. Publish your course. 
14. Upload your course to your LMS. 

Articulate Localization Process: 5 Steps

Tired of managing a 12 to 14-step process every time you need to localize a course? Now, there’s an easier way. With Articulate Localization, you can translate, validate, and manage training for your global team—all without leaving Articulate 360. Here’s how it works.

1. Translate your course into 70+ languages, right in Rise and Storyline

No need to manage translation files. Once you’ve finished building a Rise or Storyline course, you can translate your training into 70+ languages in just a few clicks. 

Want to ensure specific words, phrases, and branded terms are translated the same way every time across your entire subscription? Simply upload a glossary before you hit translate. And if you’re translating into right-to-left languages, it’s easy to adapt your course layout for an optimal learning experience.

2. Request and manage language validation, right from Articulate 360 

Stop chasing down validators and tracking progress in spreadsheets. Simply publish your course to Review and submit a request to get started. Validators don’t even need a subscription—any old email address will do. You can even set a deadline and track their progress, right in Articulate 360.

3. Let language validators edit translations in context, so you can simply approve

Say goodbye to endless feedback loops. With Articulate Localization, language validators can view and edit your course translations, right in their browser. There’s no need to log in or download an app. Validators can just open the Review link and make real-time edits. And because they can also see the original text, validators can easily compare and make sure nothing’s gotten lost in translation. 

4. Review and import translation edits instantly

Skip copy-pasting and eliminate room for error. Simply review and import your validators’ edits individually or all at once, helping you deliver high-quality translations in record time.

5. Publish and distribute a multi-language course package 

No more juggling countless course versions. Publish and distribute every language as a single Rise or Storyline course using our frictionless, integrated LMS Reach in just a few clicks. Or if you prefer, you can publish and upload your multi-language course to your own LMS. 

Either way, you’ll have just one course instead of a separate version for every language—simplifying global training management and tracking.

The Bottom Line

By switching to Articulate Localization, you could localize your courses three times faster. And with shorter timelines, you can make sure your global employees get the training they need when they need it.

Already an Articulate 360 subscriber? Contact your admin about starting a free trial of Articulate Localization. And if you’re not, contact us to learn more.

Want to learn more about localization? Check out this helpful article series: All About E-Learning Localization. Join the discussion in our Localization group, and subscribe to our newsletter for more expert advice sent directly to your inbox.