Getting Started with Terminology Management

To make your start truly successful, it’s important to proceed step by step and use the right tools.

Why It’s Worth Getting Started

Companies that invest early in structured terminology management and qualified terminology work benefit in the long run — through consistent communication, streamlined processes, and improved quality.

There's a reason the word work is part of terminology work. It requires precision, a systematic approach, and sometimes patience. Terms need to be carefully reviewed, aligned, and documented — often in close collaboration with various departments and target audiences. But it's exactly this work that helps prevent significant extra effort and misunderstandings down the line.

First Steps

• Start small: Begin with the most important terms – e.g., product names, core functions, safety-relevant terminology.
• Clear responsibilities: Who can submit terms, who approves them?
• Simple rules: How are terms named? How are synonyms handled?
• Select a tool: Software like flashterm supports you in structuring, maintaining, and accessing terminology.

What You Don’t Need

Getting started with terminology management doesn’t have to be a major project. On the contrary: those who plan too big and try to link multiple systems from the outset often make the start unnecessarily difficult. In the beginning, a few key terms, a simple set of rules, and a shared commitment within the team to create clarity are all you need. Everything else evolves step by step through practice.

flashterm Makes It Easy to Start

flashterm offers predefined data structures, simple user interfaces, and clear approval processes. Ideal for small teams and companies who want to begin terminology work professionally – without an IT project or months of onboarding.

Practical Example

A translation agency focused on medical technology starts terminology work using flashterm. After just three months, a consistent database with 300 terms is in place. Communication with clients and translators becomes noticeably more efficient.

What Exactly Is Terminology Management?

Terminology management refers to the systematic collection, maintenance, and provision of specialized terms in a defined application domain. The goal is to ensure linguistic consistency – whether in technical documentation, marketing, or translation. Clean terminology not only improves comprehensibility but also boosts efficiency in editorial and international workflows.

It’s not just about word lists: professional terminology management includes synonyms, abbreviations, definitions, examples, and even images – all in a structured database. flashterm helps you manage all of that.

Frequently Asked Questions When Getting Started

• How many terms do I need at the beginning?
  A small selection of relevant terms is enough to see initial results – e.g., 50 product names or frequently used technical terms.
• Do I need a dedicated editorial team?
  No. Even small teams or individuals can do terminology work – as long as the process is clearly defined.
• How much maintenance is required?
  With the right structure and a user-friendly tool like flashterm, maintenance can be easily integrated into existing workflows.

Application Areas for Terminology Management

In addition to technical writing, other departments also benefit: Sales and marketing avoid misunderstandings with consistent terminology, translators work faster and more accurately, and customer service can provide clear statements. Especially in regulated industries like medical technology or mechanical engineering, well-maintained terminology is a real competitive advantage.

Conclusion

Getting started with terminology management doesn’t have to be overwhelming – if you ask the right questions and have the right tool. flashterm makes it easy.