Successful Data Migration with aiFind

Data migration is not just a technical task—it’s a strategic move meant to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your recruitment processes by adopting a new system. Transferring your data from an old to a new system demands not only technical expertise but also a smart strategy.

Switching systems isn’t done just for the sake of change. It’s about optimizing your processes, eliminating bottlenecks, and enhancing quality. With the right partner, migration doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. This process offers a chance to improve and enhance the quality of your existing data.

Types of Data Migration

Generally, we differentiate between two types of data migration:

1. Database Migration: This involves transferring your entire database, including links and files, to a new system. Usually, your provider will give you a database file, which is something your trusted service provider can effectively use.
2. Data Import: Essentially a smaller scale of database migration. Fewer links are needed, focusing on primary data such as candidates, clients, and contacts. Resumes and similar data are considered, as long as there’s a link to them. Data from, for example, a CSV file can be read without issues.

Why Migrate?

Here are some scenarios where data migration could be beneficial. It’s crucial to consider the specific needs and goals of your organization to make the right decision. There can be several reasons for a migration.

1. Data Cleansing: Use migration to clean and update an inaccurate, outdated, or flawed database.
2. Cloud Transition: If you’re moving data to the cloud for scalable and flexible infrastructure benefits, a migration is necessary.
3. Compliance: If legal requirements on data management change, migration ensures your data meets current regulations.
4. Performance: To address slow database performance, migrating to a more efficient platform can help.
5. Missing Features: If your current system lacks essential functions, processes, or automation, migration can be a strategic solution.

The Migration Process

• Planning and Scope Determination
• Execution
• Quality Assurance (QA)

Pre-Migration: Planning is Essential

Are you about to undertake the exciting phase of data migration? The key is thoughtful planning with ample lead time. That’s the ideal, but not always reality. Try your best regardless. Analyze your database and, as a team, identify the timeframe and data relevance. The younger the data, the less effort needed—this is our first best practice. Older data might lack information already present in newer sets—think mandatory fields. Besides timelines, define which database tables (entities) are relevant for the target system, extending from necessary tables like candidates and clients to lists and saved searches.

Checklist:

• What year should data be migrated up to?
• What tables? Define the scope.
• Does your provider give you a database file (dump), CSV, etc.?

Your provider will create a detailed action plan including costs. Transparency is crucial now; hidden costs and efforts are unwelcome at this stage. After comprehensive planning, you can relax, trusting in a professional migration that considers all details.

Migration: The Process Begins

With planning complete, the data migration begins. Your provider first accesses your database to understand its structure. You’ll be contacted for clarifications. Then, the data import and mapping start, making the data visible in the target system, restoring its significance.

Want to improve your data’s quality? Your provider can fill empty fields and use tools to verify data like email validity. Utilize this opportunity—the benefits outweigh the extra costs.

After creating the migration script and quality assurance, your data is presented in a test system for feedback. This feedback ensures the migration aligns with your expectations. Adjustments are made as necessary, varying by migration complexity.

Following approval on the test system, the exciting transition phase begins. Migration moves to the live system after your approval, making it ready for use.

It’s nearly impossible for one system to seamlessly replace another during a database migration due to data rechecks. This bolsters consultant acceptance and provides security—critical for accepting the new system. Suitable providers will offer training to maintain acceptance during change management.

Facing Challenges? aiFind Has You Covered

If you encounter a seemingly unsolvable issue during planning or any migration phase, aiFind, your choice provider, will help you swiftly and effortlessly. We offer solutions to keep you on schedule because agile working is our specialty.