5 Project Management Myths in Translation

Project management in the translation industry often looks simple from the outside. A client sends a file, a translator does the job, and the final text is delivered back. What could possibly go wrong?
But anyone who has ever managed even a handful of translation projects knows the truth: the work of a project manager is full of hidden challenges, details, and decisions that directly influence the success of the entire agency. Unfortunately, the industry is still full of myths that distort the role of project managers and make their work undervalued or misunderstood.

1️⃣ Project managers only forward emails

It may look like they only pass files from clients to translators, but in reality, every email hides negotiations, clarifications, quality checks, deadline adjustments, and risk management.
A good PM doesn’t just “forward”—they protect the client from chaos and the vendor from unclear instructions. Without them, even a simple project quickly turns into a disaster.

2️⃣ Technology has replaced project managers

Yes, modern tools and automation can handle repetitive tasks, but software cannot replace human judgment.
No system can decide whether to trust a new vendor, how to communicate with a stressed client, or what to do when a translation memory breaks in the middle of the project.
Technology is a powerful helper, but it works best in the hands of skilled PMs.

3️⃣ Project management is easy — anyone can do it

Many small agency owners start by managing projects themselves, thinking it’s just about sending files and invoices.
Soon they discover that projects pile up, deadlines overlap, and quality starts to suffer.
Real project management requires training, experience, and the ability to balance speed, cost, and quality in every decision.

4️⃣ Project managers slow things down

In fact, they are the ones who keep things moving. Without proper coordination, translators miss deadlines, editors don’t receive the files in time, and clients get frustrated.
A skilled PM doesn’t create bureaucracy—they remove bottlenecks and ensure that the process flows smoothly from start to finish.

5️⃣ Project managers are just a cost

In reality, they are one of the biggest sources of value.
A good PM builds client loyalty, prevents costly mistakes, manages vendors efficiently, and allows the business to grow.
Without strong project management, agencies remain small and chaotic. With it, they gain stability, reputation, and scalability.

Summary

Project managers are the invisible backbone of translation agencies.
They rarely get credit for their role, but without them, even the best software and the most talented linguists cannot deliver consistent results.
It is time for the industry to leave these myths behind and recognize project management as one of the most critical parts of the translation process.

At Protemos, we believe that project managers deserve the right tools to do their work without drowning in spreadsheets and emails.
That’s why our system is designed to support PMs, not replace them.