In the last decade, newer ERP systems have evolved to support most business functions. Oracle ERP, for example, now automates back office processes, including HR, accounting, manufacturing, and procurement but also front office functions such as marketing (CRM) and sales.
ERP automation creates multiple user benefits that facilitate better collaboration, access to information, and boosted productivity. All in all, companies rely on ERP systems to streamline and automate their redundant processes and save costs.
ERP migration is the process of transferring existing data from an old management software to a new one. During digital transformation, it’s also known as data migration. Given the sheer volume of information within an ERP, the execution of your migration project is essential to limit disruptions in business productivity and its overall success. ERP is often labelled the “central nervous system of an enterprise”, but transitioning to a newer version can be difficult.
In this article, we’ll look explore the importance of data migration when moving to a new ERP system.
ERP data migration: what is it?
ERP data migration is the act of transferring existing data from an old management software to a new one. The task can be complex, considering the volume of information being processed from a variety of sources. The execution of your migration project is vital to ensuring a smooth transition to your newly acquired ERP software. This will help to reduce interruptions to company productivity due to missing or erroneous data.
The challenges of ERP migration
ERP migration projects pose multiple challenges, the first of many being data integrity and redundancy. It’s vital to ensure the information transferred to your new tool is not corrupted or duplicated to avoid a longer migration process. The second issue to consider during an ERP migration project is the cost of the operation.
Hiring the assistance of an ERP integrator that specializes in bringing together software and hardware is essential to the data migration process. The longer the migration takes, the higher the cost of the ERP integrator’s services. It’s also important to consider the losses made by your company due to the temporary interruption of business activities.
The next challenge is to mobilize all internal departments of the company to make the migration a success. Their collaboration is vital to ensuring the smooth transfer of data, but also the adoption of the new ERP–that’s where change management comes in. The objective here is to avoid uncertainty or conflict between the different departments that could negatively impact the ERP migration project.
The last issue related to data migration is compliance with regulatory procedures. In some companies, rules and standards need to be respected when handling data. The migration of this information to a new ERP tool must then respect these principles.
Data identification and analysis
Successful execution of your ERP migration project involves recording the information present in the legacy system, and classifying it according to three types of data.
- Repository data: brings together information relating to all the elements that interact with the company: customers, prospects, suppliers, etc.
- Structure data: is mainly used to analyze and organize the existing information on the legacy system.
- Management data: includes information essential to the day-to-day operation of the company. The analysis phase also makes it possible to judiciously select the relevant information for the migration, then to get rid of those which are obsolete or useless. This work will be done in agreement with the competent services of the company and makes it possible to lighten the data transfer.
ERP migration
At this stage, the ERP migration can be carried out. It should take place gradually, starting with the structured data, followed respectively by the repository and management data. Data conversion may be necessary when the information structures between the old system and the new one are different. The mapping of information from the legacy ERP with that of the new tool is also carried out during the data migration.
Good data migration should be based on a well-organized strategy. For this, it’s necessary to choose a project manager who will ensure that the new ERP is implemented according to these guidelines. This can include the retirement of data with a 10 or more year life span or information that is specific to a particular department within the company. This ensures that the ERP project is executed in a structured and coordinated manner.
ERP adoption
Now the final and most important step is user adoption of the new ERP. Like all digital transformation projects, with new systems come new end-user challenges. The solution? A digital adoption platform.
🍋 With the Lemon Learning digital adoption platform, you can provide end-users with onboarding, training, and support inside the ERP
Integrating the Lemon Learning solution into your new ERP allows you to measure qualitative and quantitative end-user interactions, including:
- User journey
- Usability of training workflows
- Preferred content formats
- Onboarding documentation
- Time to value of users
The result? A sustainable ERP, thanks to training you can track and optimize, based on real time end-user data. Are you managing an ERP digital transformation project? Get in touch and our experts will contact you shortly!
