Translation Memory: Why You Need It in Your SaaS Stack

You’ve probably heard of Translation Memory and Terminology, but few realize how powerful they are. Translation Memory, or “TM,” is one of the most important tools in modern localization. It saves time, reduces costs, and ensures consistency across all your projects. So how does it work, and why should it be part of your SaaS toolkit?

1. A Memory Inside the Memory

A Translation Memory is an automatically created database that stores your translations as you work. Each time you translate a project, the system records every translated segment, saving it for future use. These stored translations become part of your private TM, which can be reused in upcoming projects.

When you start a new project, all relevant TMs in the same language pair are automatically connected. You can even export or import TM files and share them with collaborators. The result is simple: the more you translate, the less work you have to repeat, and the more you save.

As your TM grows, it becomes a powerful asset that speeds up translation and cuts costs.

2. How Translation Memory Proposals Work

When translators work in the online editor or desktop app, TM proposals appear on the side of the screen. These suggestions come from your stored translations.

If there’s an exact match between a sentence and one already in your TM, the system automatically inserts it. If it’s similar but not identical, a similarity percentage appears, allowing the translator to edit and reuse it. This process keeps translations consistent and makes your workflow much more efficient.

3. It’s a Match! Understanding TM Match Types

Every new project is checked against your Translation Memory for matches. The system then classifies these matches by similarity:

1. Context Match – Sentences that perfectly match both content and context, including the surrounding sentences.
2. 100% Match – Segments that are exactly the same in both source and translation, including punctuation and formatting.
3. Fuzzy Match – Segments that are similar but not identical, often requiring light editing.

Tip: Tools like TextUnited can pre-translate perfect matches and identify fuzzy ones, giving you significant time and cost advantages. On average, you can expect around 40% cost savings when working with existing translations.

4. Managing Translation Memories in the App

If you use the TextUnited desktop app, managing TMs is easy. Under Workplace → Translation Memories, you can:

• Import or export TM files (.TMX format)
• Merge several TMs into one
• Control user access
• View translation segments directly

These features help maintain a clean, organized, and reliable translation memory database that saves time on every project.

5. Desktop vs. App: Terminology Proposals

Both translation memory and terminology suggestions appear in the editor, whether you use the Web App or Desktop App. Project managers can also run Quality Assurance (QA) checks to ensure the correct terms are used.

If you prefer using the Portal, you can review and edit terminology directly at TextUnited Terminology Search. There, you can approve or reject terms and add notes for clarity. The only limitation is that you can manage your own repository, not those shared with you.

6. Terminology Management in the App

In the app’s Terminology Repositories section, you can manage all glossaries in one place. Your master repository holds imported terms and automatically merges glossaries from finished projects.

You can create, copy, or delete repositories, import or export data, and grant user access. As a project manager, you can review and approve terms, edit descriptions, and even attach images. This ensures your content stays clear, accurate, and aligned with your brand voice.

7. Why Translation Memory Matters for SaaS Teams

For SaaS companies that update frequently and target multiple markets, Translation Memory offers clear benefits:

• Faster Delivery: Reusing existing translations shortens turnaround times.
• Lower Costs: You only pay for new or edited content.
• Better Consistency: All translations follow the same tone and terminology.
• Scalability: Easily manage larger volumes of content.
• Smarter Workflow: Teams collaborate efficiently across multiple projects.

In short, TM helps your team do more with less, improving efficiency and saving money while keeping content quality high.

Key Takeaways

• Translation Memory stores past translations for reuse in future projects.
• It reduces costs and boosts productivity by minimizing duplicate work.
• TM ensures consistency across all languages and projects.
• Integration with terminology management keeps translations accurate and brand-consistent.
• For SaaS companies, it’s an effective way to improve workflow and scale globally.