Why Is Data Migration Important?
Data migration is a crucial aspect of software/tool implementation as the database a business has built over all those operational years is the foundation of everything. Customer databases provide sales opportunities, while employee data helps in retention and human resource management. In the absence of data, the modern tool won’t be able to help the business as it is supposed to.
Diligent data migration is essential because:
- It ensures the current and crucial database reaches new tool/technology in the safe and sound stage
- It leads a business to an updated database as data gets sorted during the process
- It increases data accessibility as when data is moved to cloud-based tools; your team is allowed to access it from anywhere
When your data migration process is related to NetSuite, you must know that the tool offers a built-in tool that helps in data mapping. The problem with this tool is that it only handles structure or pre-sorted data.
You have to invest efforts in getting rid of duplicate data and filtering it. You have to ensure that you only have data that fits well with the structure and fields compatible with NetSuite.
CSV is a highly compatible file format for NetSuite. It will make the entire day migration process smooth and flawless as it maps the columns without any errors. Hench, appropriate data mapping in NetSuite can be achieved with CSV.
Action Plan For Smooth Data Migration
NetSuite data migration goes smoothly if the below-mentioned steps are followed by all means.
-
Understand the stakeholders who are going to the part of that process
For a smooth NetSuite migration, your first step should understand the key people who are going to be a part of the process, as the process will revolve around them. Decide how many people are going to use the tool, set the authorization for them, and find out where they stand in terms of organizational hierarchy.
You must decide how much time the process should take. It’s often observed that some data migration processes continue for months, hindering the workflow. Based on the database size, you need to set a period within which the entire process should be completed.
-
Keep data integrity at the pivot
Data shouldn’t lose its integrity while moving from one source to another. To make it happen, you must understand the dataset structure. The dataset must have the same tags and categories, pre and post-migration.
-
Pick NetSuite’s Default Fields
Unless you need custom fields, you must stick to NetSuite’s default fields. This brings counter-productive results with less effort.
-
Start with a small database
Don’t go with the big database at first. Always start with a small database and test the data after each successful dataset upload. This approach helps in fixing any errors, if there are any. It prevents major loopholes.
Before beginning any data migration, you must take a back-up of your data. Data back-up saves from losing any data forever if any data gets lost in the data migration process.