Data Migration

Data Migration is the transfer of data from one or more source systems to one or more target systems, and usually involves reformatting the data to fit the target. The technical process is referred to as ETL (Extract Transformation Load).

Data migration is required because systems change, which is typically driven by changes to the business. For example, a business needs to replace one or more legacy systems so they can increase functionality, or they want to consolidate business units and data needs to be integrated from multiple systems to streamline business processes or reduce costs. Any change like this will require data to be migrated from the ‘original’ system to the ‘new’ system, as part of a larger change to the business.

Data Migration projects often fail due to inadequate planning

In fact, only 16% of Data Migration projects complete on time and on budget. Like most things, it’s typically due to lack of planning, as the people involved don’t understand the complexities involved until they are partway through a project.

Other factors can impact the success of a data migration project such as the quality of data in the source systems and lack of business engagement. Even the quality of other project teams, for example, system development and configuration, testing and project management.

Our Proven Data Migration Framework helps reduce risks

We have a proven Data Migration Framework that outlines each step in a Data Migration project, which helps to effectively manage the many components associated with a Data Migration project. It covers:

• The initial phases of Data Migration – strategy, planning and setting up the architecture.

• Solution Delivery phase which delivers the ETL solution – the analysis, design, build, test and implementation tasks. This is an iterative process, with multiple iterations of these tasks during the course of the project, which feed back into the project planning.

• The final stages of the project are the dress rehearsal for the Cutover. There may be multiple dress rehearsals, which feed back into the planning and solution delivery tasks as issues are identified and may involve changes to the Data Migration solution and updating the project plan.

• The Framework covers client approval in preparation for the cutover, the cutover process itself, as well as the support of the new systems post cutover by the Data Migration team.

• It also covers the management of Data Quality issues, which are critical to the success of the project.

• The Framework recognises and helps to integrate any ‘Business As Usual’ tasks that need to be completed on legacy systems, as well as the impact of development that needs to take place on new systems as part of the wider program of work.