By preparing your data properly, you can ensure a smooth Oracle NetSuite ERP migration process. Migrating to a new ERP system is a major undertaking, and one of the biggest challenges is ensuring clean, accurate data. Poor data quality can cause errors, inefficiencies, and frustration post-migration.  

In this blog, we will discuss why preparing your data matters, steps you can take to prepare, and how to solve common data migration challenges. 

Why Data Preparation Matters in an Oracle NetSuite ERP Migration 

Your company has years (and likely, decades) of data in your current system.  It’s also likely you have data spread about across dozens of apps your team needs to do their jobs.  Not only is it possible that your data will need to be cleaned, but it’s almost guaranteed you will need to format your data differently prior to your move to NetSuite. 

Oracle NetSuite is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform that offers an array of modules, such as payroll, human resources (HR), customer relationship management (CRM), and e-commerce. Oracle NetSuite is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses simplify their day-to-day operations through data management.  

Preparing your data before migration is important because:  

  • It prevents costly errors caused by duplicate, outdated, or incorrect records in your old system. 
  • It Improves reporting accuracy in Oracle NetSuite for better business insights. 
  • It simplifies the process by ensuring the data is correctly formatted for the new system. 

Steps to Prepare Your Data for NetSuite ERP Migration 

1. Audit Your Existing Data 

Before migrating, conduct a thorough assessment of your current data. Identify inconsistencies, duplicate records, and outdated information.  

2. Clean and Standardize Data 

Remove old records that are no longer used (inactive items, salespeople, locations) and standardize data across subsidiaries and applications. 

3. Map Data to NetSuite Fields 

Every ERP system structures data differently. Work with your implementation team to map existing data fields to NetSuite’s structure. Ensure that each data point aligns with NetSuite’s format to avoid discrepancies. 

4. Test Data Migration in a Sandbox Environment 

Before the full migration, run a test migration in a sandbox environment. This allows you to: 

  • Identify any data mismatches or missing fields. 
  • Verify the accuracy of reports and transactions. 
  • Fix errors before they impact business operations. 

5. Backup Your Data 

Always backup before migration. If anything goes wrong, having a backup ensures you can restore critical information without disruptions. 

6. Train Your Team on Data Entry Best Practices 

Post-migration success depends on maintaining data integrity. Train employees on: 

  • Proper data entry procedures. 
  • How to avoid duplicate records. 
  • Maintaining clean and accurate information moving forward. 

Common Data Migration Challenges (and How to Overcome Them) 

Challenge: Handling Historical Data 

  • Solution: Popdock’s data lake strategy keeps historical data accessible without clogging your ERP—view and use old records in real time, no migration needed.  

Challenge: Data Duplication and Inconsistencies 

  • Solution: Use data cleansing tools or Excel (let’s add at least one example of a data cleansing tool here) and set up validation rules to remove duplicates before migration. 

Challenge: Missing or Incomplete Data 

  • Solution: Identify gaps in the audit phase and fill in missing information before transferring records. 

Challenge: Integration Issues with Other Systems 

  • Solution: Ensure all integrated apps are properly mapped to NetSuite before finalizing the migration. We can help with this. 

Challenge: Handling Historical Transactional Data 

  • Solution: Instead of importing all historical data into the new system, data is archived externally in a customer’s own Data Lake. After the data is archived, users can access the historical data directly from NetSuite without switching applications. 

A successful NetSuite ERP migration starts with well-prepared data. By cleaning, standardizing, and testing your data beforehand, you can minimize disruptions and maximize the benefits of your new ERP system. 

Need expert assistance with your NetSuite ERP data migration? Contact us today to ensure an easy transition!