Deliverables
- Implemented a successful and transparent organisation-wide ERP data migration
- Managed the data migration strategy and implementation of the framework
- Mitigated the risk of sensitive data spillage and inaccuracy by 100%
- Enriched the data quality by introducing supplementary sources and establishing new capture processes
- Led and staffed the data migration team over 20 months
The challenge
The implementation of a new ERP required data migration from finance, procurement and HR functions using a new extract, transform and load (ETL) tool. This was a huge task to undertake and the client needed additional technical resources to support their in-house team and execute the strategy effectively.
The migration was further complicated by poor, inconsistent and unreliable data, as well as a lack of facilities to extract data from legacy systems. Additionally, the migration team would have to work with production data that was constantly changing while also moving from a decentralised to centralised business processing structure for the first time.
The solution
The client needed an auditable, agile, and repeatable framework for their new ETL tool. With their expertise in the relevant ETL platform, Optivia were brought on board to map and implement the data migration process.
“Optivia helped with the technical part of the strategy, as well as building the actual operations process and documentation for the data migration,” explained the Business Process & Data Project Lead.
This included working with the source system and business subject matter experts to determine the fit of the current data with the requirements of the new ERP, and develop mapping specifications for the migration.
The migration process itself involved extracting data from spreadsheets, databases and other sources, creating transformation rules in collaboration with the business analysts, and generating final load files that could be imported into the new ERP. Optivia also oversaw the technical team throughout the project, including both in-house staff and Optivia consultants.
“There was a lot of cleaning up of files and reconciliation was critical throughout the process. Lasith built out reconciliation points for each stage that ensured the process was doing what it was meant to and everything was approved.”
“The Optivia team were a trusted set of hands throughout the process.”
The outcome
Optivia played a critical role in leading and staffing the data migration project for the client across a period of 20 months. Thanks to high quality data governance and a strategic approach, the team was able to mitigate the risk of sensitive data spillage and inaccuracy by 100%.
“The Optivia team were a trusted set of hands throughout the process,” said the Business Process & Data Project Lead.
“They took a lot of ownership of their role and didn’t sit back. They made suggestions, got involved and worked with us to help execute the strategy. Having Lasith running the technical team was also important.”
“They took a lot of ownership of their role and worked with us to help execute the strategy.”