Data migration has been a core part of enterprise transformation for decades. Over that time, it has been learned that while the concept may seem straightforward, the execution is anything but. Data migration is a complex, iterative process that presents a range of challenges, especially when working with robust systems like IFS. In this article, we’ll explore three of the most common challenges and how we’ve developed solutions to overcome them.
1. Complex structures
IFS is a feature-rich platform with deep, interconnected datasets. This complexity means that nearly every data set we handle includes intricate parent/child relationships and dependencies. Ensuring that all data is migrated with the correct structure and relationships intact is one of the most difficult aspects of the process.
To address this, we’ve developed a suite of accelerators that simplify and streamline the migration of complex structures:
Solution-driven migration routines
These routines are tailored to IFS and help automate the creation of migration logic
Template documentation
Automatically generated templates break down complex structures into understandable formats
Table structure definitions
These include all fields, data types, List of Values (LOV) values, field lengths and DB values, providing clarity and reducing guesswork
Sample data
Realistic examples help contextualize the schema and guide data entry
Extraction support
A dynamic layer assists in pulling data from legacy systems in the correct format, saving time and reducing errors
2. Execution time
Speed is critical during data migration, especially during test cycles and go-live events. The faster the data loads, the sooner validation and operational testing can begin. Long execution times can delay projects and increase costs.
Our Rapid Execution Engine significantly reduces execution time by focusing on four key areas:
Bulk job execution
Launch all data set jobs with a single click, eliminating manual effort
Define load order
Ensures that child records follow their parent records in the correct sequence
Error detail retrieval
Centralized error reporting allows for quick analysis and resolution
Parallel execution
A multi-threaded architecture runs over 10 jobs simultaneously, limited only by your network bandwidth
These enhancements lead to faster data deployment and smoother cutovers.
3. Document migration
Often overlooked, document migration is one of the most technically challenging aspects of data migration. Unlike structured records, documents come in a wide variety of binary file types and formats. Migrating them into an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system like IFS in a way that preserves their value and usability is no small feat.
We recognize the value that resides in existing documents and build their migration into our process, ensuring that documents are systematically and meaningfully integrated into the ERP environment.
The iterative nature of data migration
Data migration isn’t a one-and-done task; it’s an iterative workstream. Each cycle improves data quality and reduces errors. Early loads may be minimal and nontransactable, but with each iteration, the data becomes more complete and reliable. This continuous improvement supports key testing phases like Conference Room Pilots(CRP) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
It's never too early to start data migration. Starting early allows for more iterations, better data quality and a smoother implementation overall.
Accurate, well-organized data is essential for the success of any ERP implementation. Adopting a “data-first” mindset ensures a strong foundation for the project while also whole unlocking long-term value through better analytics. ERP implementations are complex and postponing data governance until after go-live can often lead to costly setbacks. A data-first approach means prioritizing data quality and governance from the outset. This involves proactively setting up the necessary frameworks, assigning clear roles and implementing tools to ensure that clean and reliable data enters the new system.
Baker Tilly is an IFS reseller and system integrator, delivering strategic IFS Cloud implementations through deep digital expertise, robust resources and transformative capabilities.
