ERP Data Migration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which data migration strategy involves running the old and new ERP systems simultaneously for a period to compare outputs?
- Big bang migration
- Parallel running (Correct answer)
- Phased migration
- Pilot migration
Correct answer: Parallel running
Parallel running operates both systems concurrently so results can be compared and discrepancies resolved before the legacy system is decommissioned.
Question 2: What is a 'data freeze' in the context of ERP data migration?
- Encrypting data before transfer
- Halting updates to source data before cutover (Correct answer)
- Archiving historical records permanently
- Preventing users from accessing the new system
Correct answer: Halting updates to source data before cutover
A data freeze stops changes to the legacy system's data a set time before cutover to ensure a clean, consistent snapshot for migration.
Question 3: In ERP data migration, what does ETL stand for?
- Export, Transfer, Load
- Extract, Transform, Load (Correct answer)
- Evaluate, Test, Launch
- Edit, Translate, Link
Correct answer: Extract, Transform, Load
ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) is the core process of pulling data from source systems, converting it to the target format, and loading it into the ERP.
Question 4: Which type of data is typically the MOST complex to migrate into a new ERP system?
- Employee contact information
- Open transactional data such as open purchase orders (Correct answer)
- Vendor master records
- Chart of accounts
Correct answer: Open transactional data such as open purchase orders
Open transactional data like open POs and outstanding invoices requires careful balance verification and is prone to errors if balances don't reconcile at cutover.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a data reconciliation report during ERP migration?
- Documenting user training progress
- Confirming record counts and totals match between source and target (Correct answer)
- Scheduling the cutover weekend
- Identifying customization requirements
Correct answer: Confirming record counts and totals match between source and target
Reconciliation reports verify that the number of records and financial totals in the new ERP match the legacy system to confirm migration completeness.
Question 6: During ERP data migration, which stakeholder is typically responsible for signing off on data quality before go-live?
- ERP software vendor
- IT infrastructure team
- Business data owners (Correct answer)
- External auditors
Correct answer: Business data owners
Business data owners are accountable for the accuracy and completeness of their domain's data and must formally accept the migrated data before go-live.
Question 7: What risk does migrating 'dirty' legacy data into a new ERP system pose?
- Slowing the hardware procurement process
- Perpetuating data quality problems in the new system (Correct answer)
- Increasing software licensing costs
- Delaying vendor contract negotiations
Correct answer: Perpetuating data quality problems in the new system
Migrating uncleansed data carries existing errors and inconsistencies into the new ERP, undermining the value of the implementation from day one.
ERP Data Migration 2
Which data migration strategy involves running the old and new ERP systems simultaneously for a period to compare outputs?