Data migration may sound simple, but it’s often one of the biggest hang-ups when upgrading or installing new CMMS software.
Your maintenance data is your most important asset, so now is the time to get it right. The seven implementation mistakes that derail rollouts, and how to avoid each one, are covered in seven costly implementation mistakes.
Migration Checklist
Use this checklist to make your data migration a success. See also: CMMS Implementation: Best Practices for Success.
▢ Understand What Your Organization Needs: You’re not the only one who needs information from your maintenance data. As a result, you’ll need to understand your organization’s needs. Communicate with key stakeholders, from IT to Finance to Compliance departments.
▢ Export Current Data: Older software was not designed to get data out easily. However, more current programs can export data in various file types, typically a CSV file. Often you can do this task yourself or enlist the help of a power user or an internal IT specialist. But if that’s not the case, hire some help.
▢ Decide What to Keep: If you’ve decided to migrate to new software, it’s usually because key needs aren’t being met by your current system. Now is the time to make decisions about what you really need to keep. Or, another alternative is to simply start fresh. Your legacy data and old work orders can remain where they are for historical reference, and you simply add assets, parts, and preventive maintenance schedules to the new system.
▢ Map Out the Fields: Data fields aren’t necessarily the same from one system to another. So you need to map field names, sizes, and types from one system to the other. We recommend using your vendor’s services to help with this process. They know their software best. Use them.
▢ Clean Up Your Old Data: Don’t underestimate the time it takes for data clean up. You may do this step before mapping fields, but sometimes customers need to see what the data looks like in the new system before they find issues. Look closely to find outdated information, incorrectly formatted data, or missing data. Clean data pays off in accurate reporting later.
▢ Import and Test: Once your data is complete and clean, your CMMS software vendor will import it into your software. Next, run some tests to make sure the right data is in the right place before “go live” day. Verify if all field names are correct; the correct data is in the correct fields; assets lists are complete; parts and inventory lists are complete; scheduled tasks have transferred correctly; and key historical data is available. Here again, your vendor can help.
MPulse Can Help with Data Migration
Be smart about your CMMS data migration. MPulse can help. Make the most of our experience and knowledgeable staff. We’re not just a software vendor. We’re your partner in CMMS success.
Have questions? Call us. We’re here for you.
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