Excerpted from the original post. Cf. : http://blog.omnitechtrans.com/2014/03/27/the-importance-of-glossaries/#
The Importance of Glossaries
When you are ready to start the translation process with your chosen LSP (Language Service Provider), make sure that you and your LSP know about the importance of glossaries. Glossaries are different from dictionaries or translation memory. Read on to learn more.Glossary Related Pitfalls to avoid:
1. All of sudden, you have giant project with a tight deadline. What you need is a team of translators that can work around the clock, while staying consistent with their translations. With a glossary available, this scenario doesn’t become an “OH NO!” moment. Instead, you’re relaxed knowing that all the important terms that have been added to your glossary will remain consistent throughout the project, despite various translators working on the same project in different time zones.
2. Months later, your project has several updates but the original translators are no longer available. You’re not worried because with your well-maintained glossary it’s a smooth transition. Terminology and quality are consistent and your chosen LSP is ready to tackle these and any future changes to your materials.
3. You have document that is littered with acronyms, some of which are even mysteries to you.Acronyms like Acute Pulmonary Edema (APE) make life simpler, but if you have a document that is littered with acronyms it can be a headache to keep track of what each means and their equivalent in 12 other languages without a glossary. A glossary of terms for all the acronyms can save you and your translator’s time.
4. You have materials that are going to different groups within the company, each with their own terminology for what are essentially the same things. The solution is simple. Glossaries can be made to use across several projects or just one, making them both flexible and accurate for your specific needs.
One Sec Translations di Chiara Bartolozzi 
