manuscript tracking system
nounPronunciation: /ˈmænjəskrɪpt ˈtrækɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/
Also written as: MTS
A digital platform that manages the entire submission and review workflow for academic journals. It tracks manuscripts from initial submission through publication decisions.
Full Definition
A manuscript tracking system is a comprehensive software platform that automates and manages the editorial workflow of academic journals from submission to publication. These systems handle author submissions, editor assignments, reviewer invitations and responses, revision tracking, and decision communications. They provide dashboards for monitoring progress, automated reminder systems, and detailed reporting capabilities. Modern systems integrate with databases, plagiarism detection tools, and publishing platforms to streamline the entire editorial process while maintaining audit trails and ensuring compliance with publishing standards.
Plain English
A computer program that helps journal editors keep track of research papers from the time they're submitted until they're published or rejected, making sure nothing gets lost in the process.
In Editorial Context
The central operational hub for editorial management, providing workflow automation, performance metrics, reviewer database management, and communication tools essential for maintaining editorial efficiency and transparency.
Etymology & History
Developed in the 1990s as academic publishing transitioned to digital workflows, replacing paper-based submission and review processes with online platforms that could handle increasing submission volumes.
Initially simple database systems, evolved into sophisticated platforms with AI-assisted reviewer matching, integrated plagiarism detection, and real-time analytics as publishing became increasingly digital.
Usage
"The journal's new manuscript tracking system reduced average review time by 30% through automated reviewer invitations and deadline reminders."
Usage note: Often used interchangeably with 'editorial management system' though MTS specifically emphasizes the tracking functionality.
Context: editorial workflow discussions, journal management, publisher technology evaluations
Region: international
Also known as
Contrasted with
Don't confuse with
Content management systems handle published content, while manuscript tracking systems manage the pre-publication editorial workflow