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Data & cloud

Data migration for mid-sized companies

Move data off legacy systems in a planned, validated way, with a rollback plan.

In short

Ki4data plans and delivers data migrations for mid-sized companies: from inventory through mapping and validation to cutover with a rollback plan. Typical triggers are replacing a legacy database, building a new data warehouse or consolidating several sources. A validation report proves that the data arrived in the target system completely and correctly.

What is a data migration?

A data migration moves data from an existing system into a new target system, for example from an on-premises database to a cloud data platform. It covers the inventory, field-level mapping of source to target, transformation, checks for completeness and correctness, and the planned cutover.

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Typical starting points

  • A legacy database or system is being retired, but its dependencies are only partly documented.
  • Existing data needs to move into a new data warehouse or cloud data platform.
  • Several sources with different structures need to be consolidated into one target system.
  • Earlier migration attempts failed on data quality, missing checks or cutover windows that were too long.

What you receive

Data inventory

Which tables, files and interfaces exist, who uses them and which systems depend on them.

Source-to-target mapping

Field-level mapping with transformation rules, keys and the handling of legacy data and history.

Migration pipeline

Repeatable, versioned transfer that can be tested several times before cutover.

Validation report

Record reconciliations, business metrics and documented deviations as the basis for acceptance.

Cutover and rollback plan

Sequence, responsibilities, cutover window and criteria for when and how to roll back.

How we work

  1. 01

    Map dependencies

    Capture sources, users, interfaces and downstream reports.

  2. 02

    Define the target

    Agree target model, mapping and transformation rules with the business.

  3. 03

    Run a pilot

    Migrate a representative slice and measure run times and errors.

  4. 04

    Validate quality

    Prove completeness and business correctness against agreed criteria.

  5. 05

    Cut over

    Switch over in the agreed window, with clear abort and rollback criteria.

  6. 06

    Hand over

    Documentation, operational handover and closing open items.

How acceptance is measured

  • Agreed record reconciliations between source and target are met.
  • Business metrics match between source and target.
  • Errors and deviations are documented and resolved.
  • The cutover stays within the permitted window.

Prerequisites and limits

A good fit when …

  • A target system is set or should be selected together during the project.
  • Business teams can name metrics and checks for acceptance.
  • The migration needs to be repeatable and verifiable, not just run once.

Another solution fits better when …

  • Only a few tables need a one-off copy without validation; built-in database tools are often enough.
  • The real question is which target platform to choose; then the project starts with an architecture decision.

Relevant technologies

SnowflakeMicrosoft FabricdbtPythonSQL
See our technology focus

What drives effort and cost

Every project is scoped individually. These factors influence the effort most:

  • Number and type of source systems and how well they are documented
  • Data volume, history and complexity of transformations
  • Scope of business validation and acceptance
  • Permitted cutover window and parallel-run requirements

Frequently asked questions

How do we verify the migration is complete?

With record reconciliations per object, checksums on key fields and business metrics that must match in source and target. We agree these criteria before migrating, so acceptance is not negotiated after the fact.

How much downtime should we expect?

That depends on data volume, change rate and the target system. The pilot gives measured run times; from there we plan a cutover window or, where needed, a phased switch with delta loads.

How are legacy data and history handled?

The mapping defines which history is migrated, archived or deliberately left behind. Retention obligations and future reporting needs feed into that decision.

How much does a data migration cost?

It depends mainly on the number of source systems and how well they are documented, data volume and history, the scope of business validation and the permitted cutover window. After the inventory you receive an estimate that shows these factors instead of a flat price.