Data Migration Team Expectations

I just had a chat with a frustrated group of functional consultants working with a data team that believes their only responsibility is to deliver a load file - unacceptable!

Here's a list of 10 things you should expect from your data migration team.

1. Deliver a data strategy document within the first 30 days of the project.
2. Produce a project plan that is in sync with the over-all project. Deliverables should be clearly defined for design, build, test, deploy and go-live support.
3. Leverage automated tools for data extraction.
4. Use a mapping tool that can document the transformation process and keep up with rapid changes; as well as, provide a detailed audit report of the entire transformation process.
5. Demand an integrated approach for collecting missing data elements - not a spreadsheet!
6. Run reports that predict load failures based on target system configuration and business rules prior to loading.
7. Create validation reports for all loads with record counts, key fields and financial fields reconciled to the penny.
8. Orchestrate a repeatable and predictable end-to-end process.
9. Bring a blend of expertise to the team; but, at at least one migration expert.
10. Own the outcome. The data team should be partnering with the business to provide data that is business ready. There are some data companies that will even guarantee the outcome.

Don't settle for a migration team that does not deliver anything less than all of the above. You can do better!