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Have you ever experienced delays in your technology implementation go-live date due to data migration challenges? Or perhaps you’ve had to address data quality issues post go-live? In our analysis of recent data migrations among some of our clients, we’ve identified critical factors that are essential for successful project implementation. Our insights cover a wide range of industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics, and encompass key areas like CRM, ERP and HR systems.
Data migrations are the cornerstone of numerous large-scale technology transformation programs, serving as a vital backbone of functional specifications. The critical importance of these migrations cannot be overstated, yet their significance is frequently underestimated. While a failed data migration can jeopardise an entire transformation program in the worst-case scenario, merely transferring data from legacy to target systems is not a guarantee for success. A truly successful outcome relies on a seamless process that benefits the business.
Set the foundation for success
Planning and setup
Before starting a data migration project, you must establish a solid foundation for successful execution by meticulously defining the overarching approach. The choice between a staggered go-live or a ‘big-bang’ (a single, comprehensive go-live) for data migration depends on the framework of the underlying technology transformation. While each approach offers distinct advantages, it must be seamlessly integrated with the overall project structure, bearing in mind function-specific, geographic and other considerations related to the business. Additionally, this decision significantly impacts cutover and transition efforts within the project and, if not managed carefully, can become a major disruptor.
Timeline
After establishing the fundamental characteristics of the project, it’s essential to set clear guidelines regarding the timeline. This involves creating stability by freezing design phases before progressing to the build phase. Additionally, adopting short load cycles can mitigate the risk of protracted, unproductive discussions, thereby embodying a truly agile approach. Despite this, some of our clients still continue to adopt a waterfall approach, which, given the ambiguous nature of data migrations, runs the risk of creating bottlenecks. Embracing agility in data migration not only streamlines the process but also alleviates the administrative workload, such as status tracking, which – in large-scale transformation programs – can tie up a significant amount of the key stakeholders’ time.
Resources
Resource planning constitutes another critical aspect that’s especially pertinent for programs with multiple go-live dates, the engagement of stakeholders in day-to-day business operations and their extended involvement in transformation initiatives beyond data migration. Besides considering the availability of individual stakeholders, a comprehensive approach to resource planning is also important. This approach not only reduces siloed work but also minimises delays caused by redundant alignment tasks.
In conclusion, a successful data migration depends on a thoroughly comprehensive plan that encompasses all critical factors. These include the chosen approach, precise timing, a stable design phase, resource planning and robust cross-functional collaboration.
Change and governance
Successful data migration goes beyond technical execution – it also requires people involvement and engagement. Managing change within the program is essential. Securing stakeholder buy-in at all levels is key and can be enhanced through clear expectations and by appointing skilled individuals as well as accurate communication during the migration and other change measures that are identified.
Data migration governance framework
Data migrations typically require highly specialised knowledge and a variety of resources that extend beyond the internal capacities of most companies. As a result, collaboration between internal teams and external entities – including contractors, vendors and third-party service providers – is indispensable. One of the main advantages of a well-defined governance framework during a data migration is the establishment of structured processes for decision-making. This is crucial for resolving issues, making timely decisions and ensuring that the migration stays on track and within scope. Additionally, it’s important for managing the varying interests of different parties involved in the program, such as the distribution of responsibilities for data migration between business units and IT departments. It also supports effective tracking and progress monitoring. By summarising a governance framework, this ensures that the data migration is conducted efficiently, effectively and in line with organisational goals, which significantly increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Make it right!
Technology and synergies
True success is measured by the absence of business disruption and the accurate migration of all data in scope without any loss, corruption or alteration. The migration is completed within the allocated time frame, according to acceptable performance benchmarks, with minimal downtime and disruption to business operations and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Simply moving data from a legacy system to the target system doesn’t equate to a successful data migration.
Data quality
In the course of a data migration, addressing data quality issues is important to minimise the volume of data being transferred and to ensure a successful future data setup. Although we’ve observed that some clients may defer addressing data quality issues until post go-live due to resource constraints, we strongly advise against this practice. Postponing these critical measures can lead to time-consuming and costly rectifications, ultimately causing the outcomes of a data migration project to deviate from the initial expectations.
Testing
The success of a data migration is also contingent on comprehensive testing. To ensure effective testing, we believe it’s crucial to closely align the testing setup, including the data, with the conditions anticipated during the productive load. What’s more, it’s important to bear in mind that the sign-off process following a data load shouldn’t be viewed as a mere formality (even in industries that aren’t highly regulated). Instead, it represents a critical opportunity to identify and address issues, thereby facilitating the success of the load.
Scalability and efficiency
Finally, we want to highlight the significance of scalability and efficiency, especially in the context of large data migrations. Companies have the opportunity to substantially reduce their investments and achieve a truly successful data migration by strategically considering synergies in their planning and use of technology. Key strategies include the appropriate branching of code across individual deployments and the automation of labour-intensive tasks like data cleansing and data validation. In our blog post next month, we’ll take a close look at harnessing the potential of automation to gain a strategic advantage in your data migration projects.
If the success of your data migration is jeopardised or you’re looking to get your data migration right from the very beginning, get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to hear about your project and share what we’ve learned from previous data migrations.
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