7 Necessary Steps in a Data Migration Plan

Data Migration Plan April 08, 2021

Lauren Christiansen

Writer

7 Steps to Include in a Data Migration Plan

Businesses frequently need to replace one system, upgrade a server, or perform general maintenance in a data warehouse. Moving data out of a source system and placing it into target systems is a normal part of business operations and data management. When this occurs, engineers can utilize a migration plan to streamline this time-consuming and labor-intensive process.

Companies that fail to plan out a migration project lose money due to excessive downtime, data loss, or compatibility concerns. A thorough migration strategy and a set of best practices will ensure a successful and smooth migration process. Here are the top 7 steps to include in a successful data migration project

1. Determine the Format, Location, and Sensitivity of Source Data

Teams should codify all of the process data they will transfer into a new system before they embark on a data migration project. This includes the data's format, which source-target it exists in, and the format it needs to be in after the data migration process.

Teams should use this best practice to gain a deeper understanding of migration data throughout the project. It's normal to pinpoint potential problems in data quality, data integrity, and security during this stage. Engineers use the pre-planning stage to eliminate potential mistakes when they move data in real-time.

2. Map Out the Size and Scope of the Data Migration Plan

When engineers understand all of the migrating data, they can determine the size and scope of the data migration projects. They will need to create a budget and identify required resources to prevent waste when they go live. They should also assess the original storage system and new data storage location and check for requirements.

Organizations prefer a realistic timeline whether teams use the big bang or trickle migration strategy. Engineers should use this phase to determine how long the project will take and when they will need to do it. Most businesses prefer to transfer data on the weekends or on a holiday when users need minimal access to the systems data.

3. Data Backup

Teams need to backup all of their data to prevent data loss before they carry out the data migration plan. If they notice any duplicate information or corrupt files when they migrate data, they can restore the information to its original format to correct the problem.

While it isn't required to perform a backup, not doing so can cause many problems later. Sensitive data can be lost or damaged in a worst-case scenario. Most businesses prefer to perform cloud-based backups because it is safer and more secure.

4. Identify Team Members and the Type of Migration Tool

Data migrations are complicated tasks, particularly when teams move large quantities of big data or sensitive company information. Teams need to consider the size and scope of the project to consider and answer the following -

Does the team have the expertise to perform successful data migration, or do they need outside assistance?
Does the team have the budget and resources to complete a project within a specific timeline?
Does the team need any type of migration tool to carry out the data migration strategy? Which vendor can provide this type of software? Will the software align with the company's data integration requirements?

5. Execute Data Migration Plan

Teams can use the data migration plan as a guide to optimize the extract transform load process. They should utilize the correct ETL tools to thoroughly cleanse the data migrating into the target system. Then, they can transform the original data into properly formatted new data so it is acceptable to transfer.

The team will upload all of the cleansed and reformatted information into the target system. They must utilize the data mapping plans, correct migration tools, and rules when they carry out this process. The engineers should also monitor the entire migration process to resolve any potential problems before they turn into larger problems.

6. Test Data Migration Plan Outcome

After the team finishes the migration process, they should make sure there aren't any connection problems between the source and target databases. Successful data transfers are secure, properly situated, and accurate. Teams can verify this information when they test data accuracy and perform batch application tests on each data source in the new system.

7. Continue to Monitor Outcome of Data Migration Plan

Even after the team performs a test, there is always the chance that a migration error occurred. They should conduct an audit of data integrity in the new system to make sure all information is accurate once the migration is finished. If they see any problems or incomplete information, they can reinstate all of the files from the data backup.

Key Takeaways of Data Migration Plan

In conclusion, here is what to know about a data migration plan -

First, teams should review all of the original data and check for quality, current formatting, and requirements for future formats. Then, they should map out the size and scope of the entire migration process.
Engineers should perform a data backup to ensure all information is secure in case a problem occurs during the migration project. They should also determine whether they will need any outside assistance or migration tools to complete the project.
Engineers can then execute the data migration plan and utilize the information available from steps 1-4. They will extract, transform, and load all information from the original database into a new system.
The team can test the outcome of the project after it is complete. Batch application tests are typically the most common form of testing. Finally, they should continue to monitor the quality and integrity of data after the migration process is finished. If there are any problems, they can reinstate the files from the backup.