Businesses looking to upgrade their eCommerce solutions may find themselves having to migrate significant amounts of information. Whether you're moving from one SaaS solution to another or moving from on-premise solutions to the cloud, you'll need to have a plan. Here's how to take the first steps towards your next software solution from a B2B eCommerce SaaS software supplier.
What Type Of Migration Are You Interested In?
There are three types of migration that are popular. Under one type of migration, all data is transferred over in a single package, and all employees immediately begin using the newest solution. This has the advantage of simplicity, but it doesn't work for larger systems, as it's not possible to transfer over all data at once.
Under another type of migration, the migration is done in "chunks." Employees are moved over in groups, transferring from one system to another, during scheduled intervals. This tends to be less disruptive but more complex.
Under a final type of migration, both systems are used concurrently for some time. Data is transferred from one system to another as the company goes. This is usually better for smaller companies.
How Will You Validate Your Data?
It's not enough to migrate your data from system to system, you also need a validation system in place. If you move forward with corrupted data, you could encounter unpredictable issues later on, such as problems with your billing.
When Will You Complete Your Migration?
It's best to complete a migration during a slow season and during the slowest times, such as during the weekend or at night. If your migration has to happen over the course of a few days, however, you may need to plan on your business being down for some time.
How Will You Notify Your Clients?
Clients and vendors should be made aware of any major upgrades, so they know that they may have limited functionality during this time. Keeping your clients and vendors notified of major changes is important for customer service: they will be far more willing to work with you if they know the situation ahead of time. In addition to notifying them, you should also give them a point-of-contact that they can talk to if they have any questions.
Upgrading can be a difficult process, but ultimately you'll be rewarded in a more efficient, effective package. Upgrading your software solutions often shows significant yields in terms of both productivity and customer care.
Share