As companies begin to employ more advanced data management solutions the challenges have also become more advanced.
Data migration is a challenge that every company will eventually face. Information systems get retired and replaced with newer, more functional systems. This doesn’t mean existing data is scrapped or forgotten. This information must be migrated to the new system. For many managers and system administrators this can be viewed as nothing short of disastrous. Database schema’s are different, characters in field text can become “illegal,” and unavoidably some existing data and relationships will simply be erroneous.
The good news is that through the use of best practices, current technology, and extensive experience, the task of data migration can be successful. The process of migrating data can be broken down into a series of tasks, metrics, and procedures that reduce costs and time to completion, eliminating error and business managers’ headaches.
Three Keys to Successful Data Migration.
1. Comprehensive Mapping. Every data field that is going to be migrated from the source system to the target system must be defined and examined to ensure compliance with field lengths, data types, system rules, and other possible issues. A detailed data map is essential.
2. Validation. Data in a legacy system can contain problems or be unknowingly incorrect from many causes. Validation rules that can be utilized to locate and fix these problems should be performed on the first-pass data extract. Data validation and cleanup is an essential portion of a good migration plan.
3. Quality Transformation. Data extracted from the source system and transformed—or translated—into a format that the target system can import and understand. This transformation will not only perform the defined data mappings, but will also execute any underlying business logic functions that may be essential to populating more complex data structures.
Domain Systems is an Oracle Gold Partner, specializing in Agile PLM (Product Life-cycle Management integration, adapters, process extensions and accelerators. Domain System also provides data migration services. To contact Domain Systems call (801) 447 – 5723.



