Data Conversion

The Data Conversion Process

During an ERP project, the team should document data conversion requirements as part of the current state review and the development of the future state process. Data as well as process need to be documented and understood.

From this review of processes and data, the team can identify all of the databases that will need to be converted. The documentation of the databases becomes a requirement that vendors need to address in the vendor evaluation phase.

Immediately upon commencement of the ERP Implementation project the project management and the team, assisted by the vendor need to map out a strategy to convert the databases to the new system. At this time process owners need to take ownership of the successful version of the data.

The ERP project plan should include tasks and responsibilities. Ultra clients usually employ their IT resources to prepare the data for conversion. They know the source of the data and are usually best suited to this task.

The process owner that works with IT will own the data and is responsible for insuring the data is converted and cleansed for the new system. Data conversion issues are often encountered in the testing process.

The project team needs to develop a conversion strategy for the following types of data

• Static files – master data such as customer
• Dynamic files – transaction data such as open Purchase orders
• History – transaction history

Ultra Consultants often help the client process owners with the conversion, data cleansing, and data verification.

Poor Data Conversion is a Cause of Many Failed ERP Projects

Data conversion is one of the major reasons for an ERP project missing its on-time objective. Planning and execution in this phase are critical.

Ultra Technical Services Consultants are data base experts and have extensive experience in ERP conversions.

Ultra can supplement your IT staff in the following activities:

• Project management
• Data conversion planning
• Data mapping: current system to the new system
• Data migration: exporting and importing
• Managing data cleansing activities
• Quality assurance

Ultra Consultants have had experience with various database systems:

• Oracle
• Microsoft SQL
• Informix
• Progress
• AS/400 DB
• OS2

Ultra can supplement your IT staff, work with your ERP vendors and provide the needed expertise to insure that data conversion does not become an obstacle to an on-time ERP implementation.