Data Readiness Before Migrating to a New System

The first question is not how to move data, but which data operations need on day one. Active customers, open items, balances, and current orders are usually more valuable than years of history with inconsistent definitions.

Create a field dictionary that defines meaning, type, source, and reviewing owner. Customer name, code, tax number, currency, and credit limit are not just columns; they are rules that affect sales, invoicing, and collection.

Find duplicates and conflicts. A customer may appear under several names, an item under several units, and a supplier with missing information. Consolidation needs a business decision, not only an Excel formula.

Run a trial migration on a sample that includes straightforward and difficult cases. Reconcile record counts, balances, and relationships, then ask users to execute a real scenario using migrated data.

Define freeze and cutover. Decide what stops in the old system, when final balances are taken, and who records transactions between trial and launch.

Keep a report showing what moved, what was excluded, and what was changed. Reviewability is more valuable than claiming everything moved because it lets the team understand and correct differences.