3 Lessons for a Successful Data Migration Project

The numbers are staggering: some reports say that a third of all data migration projects fail.

Others cite surveys where respondents said about 80-90% of their data migration projects have not been successful.

These large data and analytics projects can be managed by the biggest consultants in the world – and still, fail.

Where are companies going wrong?

How can we avoid investing significantly, in both time and money?

How can we actually see success from data and analytics projects?

Over the past 11 years, Gensquared has successfully completed data and analytics projects for a multitude of enterprise-sized clients, spanning various industries and verticals.

Most recently, we’ve successfully completed the two largest Snowflake migrations in Canada to date.

These successful data and analytics projects have taught us the top 3 things you need to set up your data migration for success.

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Bonus: We’ve put together a ton of resources for you on everything you need to know about undergoing a successful data migration – so make sure to check it out (& grab some helpful downloadable resources too)

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3 Lessons for a Successful Data Migration Project

1. Technology is Not the Most Important Part of your Data Migration Project.

The Gensquared team is composed of senior consultants with strong knowledge and delivery experience with:

• Cloud
• ETL
• Data management
• BI & analytics technologies – just to name a few

Out of all the various projects we’ve managed and lead, there is one consistent theme…

Our team knows that the technology platform is not the determining factor for a successful data migration.

Many data and analytics projects fail as they are treated as technology projects and not business projects.

When Gensquared defines project outcomes, we align these outcomes to solving tangible business outcomes and deliver iteratively to drive value quickly.

We’re in the business of delivering technology solutions, but we understand that these services do not provide value unless they are solving specific business problems for your organization.

That’s why we don’t just deliver a technological solution.

We first understand your business:

• Goals
• Objectives
• Processes
• Environment
• Pain points (for today and tomorrow)

2. A Data-driven Culture is a Priority for a Successful Data Migration Project

There’s more to being a data-driven company than going through a data migration.

It starts by building a culture that is data-driven.

A data-driven culture is one where decisions are made based on the data, not just what people hear, see or think.

It’s one in which data-driven decision-making occurs from the top  – all the way throughout every department in the organization.

Building a data-driven culture throughout your entire organization will ensure that your data migration project is a success.

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Think you have a data-driven culture?

Check out our data migration services hub and download our checklist to find out.

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Our “data team on-demand” approach makes sure you have:

• The right skills needed to embark on a data migration
• We leave you the knowledge to help you develop your own data-driven culture

3. Find the Right Tools and Partners for your Data Migration Project

Gensquared is very selective about the technologies we partner and work with.

We work with you to understand your business priorities and make sure they are achieved.

Once your business goals are identified, we then look at our vast partner network that aligns with your needs.

Since we’re partner-agnostic and work with many different partners, it ensures your migration will be with partners that best suit your needs.

3 Lessons for a Successful Data Migration Project – Next Steps

Those are three of our top lessons learned from successfully leading data migration projects.

1. Technology is not the most important part of your data migration project

2. Building a data-driven culture is imperative for your success

3. Having the right tools and partners is a must

Want to Set Up Your Data Migration Project for Success?

To make it easy for you we’ve put together a ton of resources, best practices and case studies to guide you for your next data platform migration.

Access the resources here – and set up your migration for success to avoid a costly migration failure.

Related Data Migration Project Resources:

• Data Migration Services & Solutions
• Are You a Data-Driven Company?
• How a ‘Data Team as a Service’ Model Works
• Roadblocks to Building a Data-Driven Culture (& How to Solve)