Making the choice to adopt new legal technology means you’re also making the choice to commit to the data migration process. Data migration means taking *all* your existing data and transferring it to your new system or tech solution.
While you’ve likely heard horror stories of data migration gone bad, smart preparation leading up to your data move and a professional tech partner who can take the lead on the process will help ensure your success. Here are some other things to keep in mind as you prepare for a smooth data migration at your law firm.
Developing Your Law Firm’s Data Migration Plan
Every firm’s data migration experience will be unique, but the general process will have many commonalities. To ensure a smooth start to finish, consider these guidelines.
- Pick the right tech partner – An experienced professional and one who works specifically with Apple-using law firms will be in the strongest position to help you create and execute a strategic data migration plan.
- Name an internal data migration lead – Too many cooks in the kitchen can muddy the waters and slow down the process. Identify a main point of contact who can serve as the internal data migration lead at your firm. They should have the time and resources to assist your tech partner.
- Create your data migration plan – A big part of preparing for a data migration is understanding your existing data, its format, sources, etc. Conduct a data audit so you know what you have, where it’s located, and what you need to move.
- Develop your timeline and go-live date – Once you know the extent of your data, it’s time to create a timeline. This will vary depending on your firm’s size and the amount of data you have to filter through. Consider copying the data on a Friday with a go live a week from Monday. That way you have time for validation, testing, or correcting. The delta of a weeks’ time between copying the data and going live will generate a relatively small batch of catchup transactions that can then teach you and your team how to use the system.
- Back up everything – Lost data can be disastrous. Before moving a single file, back up your data in the cloud.
- Prepare for go-time – When the day comes to begin migration, be ready to monitor the process in real-time so you can catch any glitches if they happen.
- Schedule training sessions – Training on the new technology, though not directly related to data migration, should also be included in your plan. Ensuring your staff is well-versed on the new technology will help prevent resistance to adoption.
Ensuring a smooth data migration takes planning and time, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Not only will your systems run smoother and faster, but your data will also be more secure. For help assessing your technology needs, give our team at Honeycrisp a call. We work solely with Apple-loving law firms and are standing by to help your firm.
