Tips for a Successful CRM Migration

Many companies worry about losing valuable client data when they move to a new CRM system, especially when the legacy CRM system is non-standard, obsolete, or has dirty data. Following are typical issues associated with CRM migrations, and tips on dealing with them:

  1. If you’re moving from a contact-centric system to an account-centric one you will need to split the contact into account and contact. A tool with the ability to map and match on multiply entities is imperative if you’re transferring a lot of contacts.
  2. Although migration maps can automat data transfer, their effectiveness may be limited by non-standard fields and customizations. A tool with strong data transformation functions can help with any re-mapping needed.
  3. If dirty data is left unchecked it will lead to duplicates, errors and inconsistencies in the new system. Use a migration tool with strong data cleaning and transformation functions to make sure data is accurate.
  4. Be aware that moving attachments, emails, opportunities and history can be extremely difficult. Reliable, extensive migration maps are needed to transfer these types of information quickly and correctly.
  5. Moving pick-lists (or drop-down lists) can be a lot of work if they are setup differently in the new system. Refer to our blog on this subject for detailed instructions on migrating pick-lists.
  6. Make sure you haven’t forgotten about any data, for instance databases or files from another department, by involving all business units in the migration process.

A bad CRM migration costs time and money, and can result in lost opportunities. The key to success is having a thorough understanding of the quality and structure of data to be moved, and building this into a comprehensive migration plan.

Feel free to use our Migration Checklist and look at our Migration FAQ to get moving with your CRM migration. InaPlex is also happy to provide a one hour data assessment for no charge. Call to book this, or click here.