ERP System Migration
From OrgChart.net
Overview
The ultimate success of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation is data migration. Data migration is the process of moving/copying and restructuring data from an existing legacy system to the new ERP system. Migration is critical to implementation success and requires a considerable amount of planning. Since it is one of the final activities prior to production phase, it often receives insufficient attention.
The following steps can structure migration planning:
- Identify data to be migrated
- Determine migration timing
- Generate data templates
- Freeze on the toolset
- Decide on migration-related setups
- Define data archiving policies and procedures
Strategies for a Successful ERP System Migration
It is a challenge for any global organization to carefully manage and conduct the migration challenge. This challenge involves keeping different parts of the systems in the organization, and working together effectively across multiple “go-live” dates and phased transitions. It also involves a great deal of planning and following some strategies, mentioned below:
- Never the “All Migration” – In order to efficiently complete data migration, it is necessary to begin the process early and not to populate the system with legacy data. To get a lean and streamlined system, it is imperative to decide what to leave behind before you transition to the new system. Wholesale migration is riskier, especially for a mid-sized company of about 50 to 1000 employees, wherein if the implementation does not execute successfully, then the company stands to lose a considerable amount of money, apart from the entire business operation being in jeopardy. Hence, it is essential to identify the crucial function that needs to be upgraded first and then spread out the entire migration in phases as the risk involved is less.
- Migrating to the Cloud offers Subtle Benefits - The key to a successful ERP system migration is to find a good cloud service provider. ERP applications run on a hosted basis are responsible for the hardware, software, upgrades etc. This is beneficial for organizations, especially mid-sized enterprises, as it eliminates the need for any additional IT and upgradation costs. Cloud applications integrate in a seamless manner making implementation easier and successful. ERP system migration on a hosted application model can save 25 to 30 percent of costs and is an enticing option utilized by most enterprises today.
- Involve the Right People – It is necessary to get the right team of people involved in the implementation of data migration who will be 100% committed to the project and who can spearhead the migration. Ideally, direction should come from the highest hierarchy levels such as the Chief Operations Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or even the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Such people, along with users of the system should be involved when the new ERP goes into production so that, at a minimum, all employees must be able to perform their jobs.
- Minimum Customizations – For a successful ERP migration, keep customizations to a minimum. Too many customizations are a cause of busted ERP system migrations. Most organizations try to customize the application to fit their company’s specific business processes and tend to go overboard. Most of the functionalities are often available in the vanilla versions.
- Document Each Transition – ERP migrations are further complicated by the fact that most managers are unaware of certain facts like versions of software currently installed or modifications that have taken place or what patches have been installed. Furthermore, such facts are lost, if employees who have been involved in these stages are no longer with the organization. Hence, it is important to document each and every detail so that data migration and implementation of ERP system can be successful.
For a successful ERP system migration, it is important to be attentive and to address and iron out any concerns in the nascent stage, rather than turning it into a full blown unmanageable situation.
