Data migration is one of the critical processes for businesses moving data between systems, be it upgrading software, consolidating platforms, or transitioning to the cloud platforms. Likewise, a data migration can also present significant challenges, including data loss, downtime, corruption, compatibility issues, and security risks.
This blog will cover common data migration problems and their fixes by following industry best practices.
So, Common Problems? These might be more common than you’ve heard.
1. Data Loss: A Nightmare
Data loss can occur when files, metadata (creation, modified dates/time), or permissions don’t transfer correctly to the destined platform. This results in leading to missing or incomplete records in the new system.
The Solution:
- Pre-Migration Backup: Always create a full backup before initiating migration. This helps in ensuring recovery in case of data loss.
- Use Migration Tools with Verification Features: Choose tools that provide validation reports, and logs to confirm successful data transfer.
- Test with a Pilot Migration: Always perform a smaller-scale test migration to detect potential data gaps before executing your full migration.
2. Downtime and Business Disruptions
It is not uncommon for migrations to cause system downtime which might result in leading to productivity loss and operational disruptions.
The Solution:
- Schedule Migrations During Off-Peak Hours: Plan the migration outside of business/work hours, this way you can avoid any interruptions.
- Incremental Migration: Transfer data in stages/phases instead of all at once.
3. Data Corruption and Inconsistencies
Data corruption or inconsistencies occur when files become unreadable, metadata (timestamps, author details, file versions) is lost, or relationships between data elements break.
The Solution:
- Use a Reliable Migration Tool: Choose a migration tool that will ensure data integrity, maintains metadata, and supports error handling.
- Validate Data Post-Migration: Conduct post-migration verification from your side to check data accuracy and completeness.
4. Compatibility Issues Between Systems
Please note that not all platforms handle data the same way. If your new platform is not compatible it results in causing issues when moving files, metadata, or folder structures from one system to another.
The Solution:
- Check System Compatibility: Assess source and destination system compatibility, including supported file formats and metadata structures.
- Data Transformation Tools: Choose the service providers that support mapping (user mapping, value mapping, property mapping) and restructuring data to match the target system’s requirements.
Additional Best Practices for Zero-Issue Data Migration
🔹 Thorough Planning: Develop a data migration strategy that includes pre-migration assessment, risk mitigation, and rollback plans.
🔹 User Training: If you are a big organization, provide employee training on the new system adoption and prevent post-migration inefficiencies.
🔹 Post-Migration Monitoring: Continuously monitor performance, security, and system behavior after migration to detect and resolve issues proactively.
Conclusion
A zero-issue data migration is possible with careful planning, the right tools, and adherence to best practices. By addressing common challenges such as data loss, downtime, corruption, compatibility issues, you can make your data migration to Sharepoint successful.
For a well-done Sharepoint data migration solution, Contact us directly
