change file location

Do the translations display when the files are in the normal system location?

If so then probably your theme/plugin cannot use alternative file locations. See FAQ: https://localise.biz/wordpress/plugin/faqs/custom-folder

works in system and developer departments. does not work custom. is there a solution to this?

is there a solution to this?

Possible solutions are in the last paragraph of the FAQ I already posted: https://localise.biz/wordpress/plugin/faqs/custom-folder#end