Successful industrial manufacturing relies on a strong foundation of data management and organization.
In many ways, data is a form of currency – fueling innovation and driving progress. According to the Harvard Business School, data-driven organizations are, “23 times more likely to outperform competitors in customer acquisition, nine times more likely to retain customers, and up to 19 times more profitable.”
The smartest and most successful industrial manufacturing organizations recognize the value of data – whether it’s CAD designs, product files, or other critical project management documentation. They take innovative approaches to document management, and look for any opportunity to streamline success.
However, as technology advances and the world spins on, legacy data systems can become cumbersome and outdated. Think about it another way: you’re not still using a typewriter, are you? Still, legacy data remains the backbone of industrial operation. Taking the typewriter analogy further, you no longer use a typewriter, but you still need to know the skill of typing.
Organizations must figure out how to move valuable information into new data systems to access it more efficiently – a concept not too dissimilar to how automation technology is helping bridge gaps in the manufacturing talent shortage.
At Hagerman, one of the areas we specialize in is Engineering Document Management (EDM), helping companies navigate the challenges and opportunities that legacy data migration presents. In this article, we break down three key strategies to help industrial manufacturers prepare for a successful legacy data migration.
Like any project, before you kick off the process of legacy data migration, it’s essential to conduct an evaluation of your current systems. This evaluation serves as the foundation upon which your migration strategy will be built. It provides you with a clear understanding of your current data landscape. Keep the following points in mind:
Do you have an understanding of your existing data and system dependencies? In order to ensure a smooth and successful migration, it’s important to take time to check through your existing situation. Plus, it’s an opportunity to evaluate if your organization needs an upgraded electronic document management system.
An audit also helps you maintain essential workflows and avoid disruptions. These are important actions for how to properly audit:
Data is almost currency, right? Obviously, that currency is no good if it’s destroyed or damaged. One of the foundational pillars to a successful legacy data migration is ensuring your data integrity is not damaged or lost during migration.
At Hagerman, we recognize the paramount importance of data integrity during migration. Our experienced team has experience working with many forms of legacy data, including:
Further, we know how to import data to new systems through specific tools, both existing and customized for data migration. Some of our tools and services include (but are not limited to) the following:
The duration of the migration process can vary depending on its complexity and scale. It could take a couple of weeks to a few months, but thorough planning and data integrity measures will ensure a smooth transition.
Once the data migration is complete, it’s common for manufacturing plants to face some challenges. But don’t worry, this is where Hagerman’s post-go-live support comes into play, such as the following actions:
Want tutorials on how to boost your EDM efficiency?
Check out our free document management training webcast modules!
Data migration is not simply a technical process. Instead, it should be viewed as a strategic business move that can propel your organization forward, helping you establish yourself as a leader in the field.
In other words, don’t be held back by the past but rather think of the future. How can you change what you’re doing today to be better tomorrow? Legacy data migration might seem intimidating or annoying, but tackling it now is a smart way to stay ahead.
At Hagerman, we offer expertise in Engineering Document Management and vow to make your legacy data migration journey a successful one. Our support doesn’t end with migration, as we help you and your team adjust to the new normal.
Contact us today and let’s build a better tomorrow, together.