Blog

Data Migration Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them

Migrating data between systems is a critical—but risky—part of any digital transformation. Done wrong, it can lead to data loss, system downtime, or even compliance issues. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for—and how to avoid them.

🔻 1. Poor Data Quality

The Problem: Old, duplicate, or inconsistent data gets transferred, polluting your new system.
Avoid It: Run a full data audit and clean-up before migration. Use tools to validate and standardize formats.

🔻 2. Lack of a Clear Migration Plan

The Problem: Migration efforts stall due to unclear timelines, roles, or scope.
Avoid It: Create a detailed migration roadmap with phases, owners, risks, and rollback plans.

🔻 3. Underestimating Complexity

The Problem: You assume it’s “just a copy-paste,” but legacy systems often require data transformation or mapping.
Avoid It: Invest in ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools and involve data architects early.

🔻 4. Downtime & Business Disruption

The Problem: Live systems become unavailable during migration.
Avoid It: Use incremental migration and schedule cutovers during off-peak hours. Always test in a staging environment.

🔻 5. Security & Compliance Oversights

The Problem: Sensitive data is exposed or moved without compliance checks.
Avoid It: Ensure data encryption, access control, and align with standards like GDPR or HIPAA.