Considerations before you begin Data Migration project

As experienced SAP data migration consultants, we have learned that successful projects are built on careful planning and foresight. The insights we share here come not only from our practical experience but also from the research and recommendations of SAP experts in the field. Let’s review some critical factors to consider before starting your data migration journey:

1. Regulatory Compliance and Worker Agreements: Involving relevant stakeholders like works councils, trade unions, and authorities is essential when planning any implementation project. Issues such as night shifts, weekend work, or overtime need prior approval or registration with the appropriate bodies. These processes take time and cannot be expedited. Without proper coordination, you may struggle to find employees available for key tasks, especially during critical periods like go-live weekends.

   
   

2. Public Holidays, Time Zones, and Regional Work Patterns: Different countries have unique holiday schedules and work periods that can impact project timelines. For example, in Germany, May and June are often difficult for project work due to public holidays. Similarly, in France, the summer months see a significant reduction in available workforce, while the US experiences a lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In China, key periods like Chinese New Year and Golden Week need to be accounted for. It's vital to avoid scheduling major work, testing, or go-lives during or immediately after these times.

   
   

For cross-time-zone data migrations, time differences must be carefully incorporated into the plan. Starting a migration at 10 a.m. CET could mean team members in San Francisco are needed in the middle of the night. You also need to consider varying daylight-saving times and standard times across countries to prevent scheduling conflicts.

1. Differences in Calendar Week Calculations: Another important factor is the variation in how countries calculate calendar weeks. For example, in Europe, ISO 8601 defines the first week of the year as the one with at least four days in the new year. However, in the US, the week containing January 1st is considered the first week, which can lead to differences in scheduling. Misalignment in calendar weeks can disrupt deadlines and overall project schedules. Ensuring clarity around deadlines based on local definitions is crucial to staying on track.

   
   

In summary, these considerations, though seemingly minor, can make or break a project’s success. Drawing from extensive research and years of experience, our goal is to help you anticipate potential pitfalls and guide your data migration project to a smooth and timely completion.