What is the difference between data migration and data integration?

The two terms data migration and data integration are closely related and are sometimes even used interchangeably or without much definition. It is worth taking a closer look. After all, data migration and data integration are two different processes that often occur - in parallel - in IT projects, but pursue different goals: Data Migration: Data migration refers to the process of transferring data from one system, storage location or format to another. The main goal is to move (migrate) data to a new system. This is often done in connection with system upgrades, mergers or the introduction of new technologies. Example: data migration to SAP S/4HANA using the greenfield approach. Data Integration: Data integration refers to the continuous merging and harmonization of data from different sources to provide a unified view of the data, for example based on golden records. The main aim is to combine and synchronize data from different systems in order to make it usable for analyses and business decisions, for example. Example: Merging customer data from different departments (e.g. sales, marketing, support) in a central data hub. Data migration therefore focuses on the movement of data from one location to another. This is possible with the Data Migration Hub. Data integration is about bringing together data from different sources. This is what the Master Data Hub does.

What do I have to do to ensure that valid data is migrated during data migration?

It is important to follow the correct mental sequence for data migration: first the data, then the process, then the system. With this approach, the data automatically takes center stage. That is crucial. The next step is to work through these steps: Data Analysis and Cleansing: Check data quality: before data migration, check the data for key criteria such as completeness, accuracy, timeliness and uniqueness. Data cleansing: cleanse the data by removing incorrect or irrelevant data. Ensure that the remaining data meets the requirements of the target system, especially the data model. Tools and Technologies : Select suitable tools: use proven tools such as the Data Migration Hub from Uniserv. It has all the necessary technologies and data quality tools on board that are important for data validation and data cleansing. Testing and Validation: Testing: run a data migration as a test to a) check the process and b) ensure that the data is migrated correctly. Validation: check the migrated data for completeness and accuracy. Post Data Migration: Anti-aging: ensure that your migrated data remains up-to-date. Regularly update changes, e.g. from relocations or weddings or street and city renaming. Periodic cleansing: carry out recurring cleansing to keep your data up to date even after data migration.

What goals do companies usually pursue with data migration?

A data migration usually goes hand in hand with a system change. This means switching to a new CRM system or a new ERP system, for example. As such data migrations are often quite complex, you could make the world easy for yourself and leave everything as it is. But there are external drivers. A system is no longer supported. Digitization requires new technologies. Then there is no getting around data migration. Companies therefore usually pursue several goals at the same time, including: Modernization of the IT infrastructure : outdated systems are to be replaced by modern, more powerful technologies. Cost Savings : reducing operating costs by consolidating data and systems for more efficient use of resources. Improving Data Quality: cleansing and standardizing data for data migration, better analysis, business decisions or personalized market communication. Increasing Data Security : implementing modern security standards and techniques, for example to better protect sensitive data and prevent data loss. Compliance and Legal Requirements : complying with current legal and regulatory requirements, such as data protection and money laundering, to prevent legal consequences. Optimization of Business Processes : identification and optimization of inefficient processes or implementation of new processes, e.g. for rolling out new, digital business models. Integration of New Technologies : Introduction of new technologies such as cloud computing, big data or artificial intelligence/machine learning for greater innovative strength and competitiveness. Improving Business Continuity : ensuring that critical company data is available securely and reliably.

Data Migration

The perfect consolidation of your customer data is the decisive success factor for your migration project.

When introducing a new system, existing data is often a major challenge. The goal is to ensure that all departments are provided with the required, complete and correct data after the migration. We support you pragmatically and goal-oriented.

Your challenges when introducing new systems

Are you facing the challenge of introducing a new CRM, ERP, marketing automation tool or similar? Processes and IT architecture are intensively fine-tuned, but data is often neglected in the project. As a "sideline", all existing data, often from different systems, has to be translated to the new data model. This is an elementary building block for the success of your project. Uniserv therefore supports you in the various project steps, especially in the migration and consolidation of your stock data.

Technical setup of a new system
Definition and implementation of processes
Migration & consolidation of existing data
Acceptance in the specialist departments

Content

„The migration project ran smoothly. The open and honest communication on the part of Uniserv was the right mindset for us to be able to manage such a time-critical project together.“

Sabeel Rana Asghar, Team Lead People and Organization Strategy, LucaNet AG

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„The migration project ran smoothly. The open and honest communication on the part of Uniserv was the right mindset for us to be able to manage such a time-critical project together.“

Sabeel Rana Asghar, Team Lead People and Organization Strategy, LucaNet AG

Read success story