Once a final vendor is selected and the implementation has begun, current and historical data needs to be migrated from your existing application(s) to the newly selected system(s).
The problems with exporting data
Typically the new system vendor has a published import specification while the current system vendor has either a published export specification or worse yet, no export capabilities at all. The fact is, even if there are existing export specification and export programs on your current system, the import specifications of the new system rarely resembles those export specifications from the existing system.
CharlesRiver Advisors’ SMART Conversion service bridges the gap between an existing implementation and a new implementation by offering a complete line of data extraction and conversion services. This service can be tailored to your needs and can range from high-level project management to detailed design and programming of extraction and conversion software necessary to accomplish the transition.
SMART data conversion
Our involvement during the data extraction and conversion process brings with it a broad range of experience that can streamline the process during the implementation phase.
The following specific services are available with the SMART Conversion:
- Data conversion project management with progress status reporting
- Site specific development and documentation of the data conversion process including responsibilities and time-lines
- Complete data extraction of files from the current system
- Creation of complete file specifications
- Conversion programming
- Assistance in mapping data between current and new system
- Conversion of current data to meet new vendor specifications
- “Sample” and “Mock” conversions performed to allow the site to validate the data prior to go-live
- Analyze extracted data against specifications/user requirements and identify potential file problems
- Archiving of data from the current system that is not needed or cannot be used in the new system
