Data Migration Checklist

Data Migration is often a Big Part of the Cutover!

Below is a checklist to help you set up your DM Workstream and ensure you’re on the right path. For every step, It is crucial to keep the final Cutover in Mind, and to keep notes along the way to facilitate the Cutover Planning at the end! 📢 Success is in the Detail

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Data Migration Checklist

1. Understand Your Data

▪️ Assess Data Quality: Analyse your existing data to identify inconsistencies, duplicates, and gaps
▪️ Categorise Data: Distinguish between Master Data (critical for operations) and other types of data (transactional, historical, etc.).
▪️ Define Requirements: Understand how the data will be used post-migration and document specific business rules

2. Plan for Trials and Testing

▪️ Set Up Several Trial Runs: Perform multiple test migrations to validate processes and detect issues
▪️ Use a Replica Environment: Create a staging environment that mirrors your production system
▪️ Test for Data Integrity: Ensure data remains accurate and usable after each trial

    3. Establish a Clear Data Reconciliation Process

    ▪️ Define Metrics: Establish clear criteria to measure success
    ▪️ Validate Data Post-Migration: Confirm data in the target system matches expectations.
    ▪️ Document Discrepancies: Track and resolve issues systematically

    4. Foster Collaboration Between Teams

    ▪️ Engage Key Stakeholders: Include representatives from technical and business teams
    ▪️ Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Define task ownership
    ▪️ Facilitate Regular Communication: Hold cross-functional meetings to review progress

      5. Optimise and Monitor Data Migration Flows

      ▪️ Track Each Flow: Monitor progress for every migration stream
      ▪️ Identify Bottlenecks: Pinpoint steps that are taking longer and address them
      ▪️ Engage a DBA to Optimise database performance
      ▪️ Monitor System Performance: Check that the target system operates as expected.

      6. Estimate Downtime Effectively

      ▪️ Analyse Migration Duration: Use trial data to calculate how long each migration flow will take.
      ▪️ Plan for a Clean Cut: Identify the exact point for system downtime.

      Minimise Business Impact: Schedule downtime during low-impact windows.

      7. Strategise Around Different Data Types

      ▪️ Master Data: Prioritise this as it’s often critical for operational continuity and impacts downtime.
      ▪️ Transactional Data: Determine what needs to be migrated upfront versus post-go-live.
      ▪️ Historical Data: Assess whether this should be migrated upfront, post-go-live, or archived.

      8. Prepare for Cutover 

      ▪️ Define Cutover Steps: Outline actions leading up to, during, and after the cutover.
      ▪️ Communicate the Plan: Ensure all teams understand their roles for the switchover.
      ▪️ Conduct a Dry Run: Test the entire cutover process to validate readiness.
      ▪️ Collect Feedback: Gather input from end-users to identify any overlooked issues.

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