Data Migrations: A Minefield or a Slick Pit Stop?

Data migrations. The phrase alone can send shivers down the spine. Like moving house, they're often a logistical nightmare: stressful, costly, and excessively time-consuming. We've all been there.

BUT imagine the efficiency of an F1 pit crew, or the seamless execution of a major concert. They're specialised, systemised, and slick because they do it all the time. While you hopefully won't be migrating tech often, you absolutely cannot afford to do it badly. There's no amount of willpower, brute force, or a shiny project plan that will navigate you efficiently through this minefield.

Only those who have passed through many times before can help you avoid getting blown up!

So, why do people trip up? It's not something people do often. It's often left too late. The desire to get it over quickly. The "We'll do that after we are Live" mentality. Getting caught up in the dream of new, shiny systems. Generic, fast-paced migrations focused on getting you in/across rather than tailored to your needs, missing valuable opportunities from day one. Over-reliance on AI to advise them (without human expertise).

How do you get it right?

Craft a Realistic Plan: Where do you truly want to be? What high-level steps are needed to get there, and what's a realistic timeline?

Achieve Crystal Clarity on 'Why': Document and prioritise your requirements. Understand why you need them, for what specific outcome, and define measurable success metrics.

Explore All Solutions & Suppliers Confidently: Select based on how they fit your sanitised and prioritised requirements, not just who "WOWed" you in a demo or promises their platform "DOES IT ALL!"

Don't Rush or Take Shortcuts: Your data and efficient processes are valuable. Give them the care and attention needed to maximise their value in the new systems.

Understand the New Ecosystem: Discover what the new system and its broader ecosystem can do. Incorporate this into your plan — it doesn't have to be for day one, but don't leave it to chance or good intentions.

I hope this post gives anyone considering migrations and integrations significant PAUSE.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all roadmap to navigate this minefield; there are simply too many variables. This is precisely why I urge you to do your homework, seek outside opinions, and speak to experts.

Yes, this is a pitch, but honestly, on this topic, I'd challenge anyone to say it's not worth investing in advice and skills from people who do this day in and day out. It's a massively important project and a critical stage in your business lifecycle; it just has to be DONE RIGHT!