Data migration is a straightforward process in principle – the term simply refers to the transfer of information from one location to another, or sometimes from one format to another. But the practice of data migration can be slightly more complicated to understand and implement, particularly in a corporate context.
This is clearly evidenced by research, which indicates that around 80% of data migration projects fail to run according to plan. They either overrun in terms of time, or they end up exceeding their initial budget. Such considerations are important when dealing with ERP systems, which are critical to the overall operation of many organisations.
Common Misconceptions about Data Migration
The failure to complete these projects optimally can primarily be attributed to misconceptions about the process. The seemingly simple nature of moving something from A to B means that organisations assume that this will be easy to implement with data. And they also often presume that their existing data will fit seamlessly into their new system.
This frequently leads organisations that wish to migrate data to conclude that they should literally migrate everything that they possess. But this is often a big mistake. The first rule of data migration should always be – only migrate what you actually need to migrate!
Cleaning your Data
Committing to a process of data migration is actually the ideal time to clean up your data, ridding yourself of any information that you simply don’t need any longer. It is advisable to go through this process diligently, and to actually be quite strict regarding the data that you want and need in your new system. Once you’ve created this more streamlined raft of data, the whole process of migration becomes more manageable.
So when we’re involved with any data migration project, the first thing that we will do with any client is demonstrate the new system to which data will be migrated, and walk them through three simple, but important, questions:
- What do you currently have in terms of data?
- Do you need everything that you have currently?
- How can you fit what you already have into the new system?
Logistical Problems
Failing to address and answer these questions is precisely why many data migration projects do not progress as intended. They become too difficult logistically, they don’t work properly, they are prohibitively expensive, or a combination of the three. That’s why we always choose to break the exercise down first, rather than leaping ahead without any consideration for the process, or how effective this process will be, if we simply unquestioningly implement what the client has suggested.
Our ethos is to take time to show the customer the new system, outline the benefits of this system and any important features, and ensure that they are fully familiar with what things will look like once the data they have chosen has been fully migrated. And this requires the customer to do something really important – log on to the new system, and familiarise themselves with its features.
Summary
Data migration always works best when you make proper preparations before beginning. At the heart of these preparations should be the principle of keeping the process as simple as possible. This means being honest with yourself about what is needed, and remembering to start small.
As certified NetSuite ERP Consultants, we know that investing this time in the process, and in familiarising yourself with the system before migration, can help ensure that your data migration project is completed as seamlessly as possible. This can save your organisation time, money, and energy, while alleviating a good deal of stress. And it can pave the way for an improved ERP system, which better serves the needs of your organisation.
Want to know more? Feel free to contact us.
