Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for a CRM Migration

Without a doubt, there’s a lot to consider when moving to a new CRM system.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of questions and answers that we – and our Partners – are frequently asked by companies looking at a CRM migration.

Let’s be clear, though – this is just the start. Data assessments, workflow maps, project plans and resource allocation guides are just some of the key areas that you’ll need to address before moving any data. You can learn more from our Guide to a CRM Migration and our Migration Checklist, and speak with your CRM Partner or InaPlex to explore your migration options further.

CRM Migration FAQs

We want to move from on-premise to the cloud. Is that feasible?

The process of moving from on-premise to the cloud is similar to moving from one on-premise system to another, so it is entirely feasible although there are some issues to consider. In particular, moving bulk data to cloud based systems can be considerably slower than non-cloud migrations. It’s important that these issues are identified and managed as part of the project plan.

Will I be able to move everything from the old CRM system?

The first step is to clarify exactly what you need to bring across to the new system, and any problems associated with this data. You can then decide on the most cost-effective way of transferring it. Depending on the migration approach it should be feasible to transfer everything across to the new CRM system.

We have a lot of duplicates and inconsistent data. Is that a problem?

You will definitely want to clean up your data before moving it across, as well as catch any duplicates; as they say, rubbish in – rubbish out! There are several tools available for data cleaning; it’s suggested you select one that can also help with the migration process.

How much does a CRM migration usually cost?

If you start with a pre-migration data assessment (recommended) you will gain an understanding of the scale of your migration and any major problems. This in turn will give you a feel for the types of resources you’ll need and a rough cost.  Final costs will depend on the structure of your project, including any additional software you purchase. This should all be quantified as part of the final project plan.

 How useful are migration tools?

There are many migration tools on the market, as well as several that are tailored for CRM systems. They normally save a lot of time and result in a cleaner migration. If you have multiple requirements – duplicate checking, data cleansing and ongoing integration for instance – try to get a tool that will handle it all. Strong audit and testing functions are also imperative.

Can I automate the entire migration process?

Many CRM migration tools have maps that can automate a chunk of the migration process however the amount of automation varies according to the data involved. Generally, the more customized the CRM systems, or if systems are old or obsolete, the less automation you will get. Always check exactly what can be transferred automatically and what would be involved in moving the rest of the data.

What are the biggest problems with a CRM migration?

Every migration is different, however these are some of the areas that often cause the most grief: moving pick lists / drop downs; moving attachments such as documents and history; moving from contact-centric to company-centric; dealing with inconsistent and dirty data; deciding how the current data fits with the new workflows in the new system.

Can I use my IT team for the CRM migration?

Your IT team knows your data and environment well, but might not be familiar with migrating between CRM systems. Investing in good migration tools can help overcome this. You may also want to consider using migration specialists to do part or all of the migration.

Can I get a fixed price quote if I use external services?

If your data assessment is thorough and all parameters agreed, a fixed price quote is entirely feasible. Be aware, however, that delays, deviations and inaccuracies on your company’s part could result in additional costs.

How long does a typical CRM migration take?

Understanding the data, cleaning it, mapping the data and refining criteria with test runs all take a lot of time. Delays getting data and information to the technical team can hold things up further. The actual migration itself can take anything from minutes to days. Realistic times will come from trial migration runs, however make sure plenty of time is reserved for the final live run. Many companies run the migration over a weekend to avoid disrupting normal business hours.

What if the migration goes wrong and corrupts our live data?

Thorough preparation and a cycle of safe testing and refining will protect your data during migration. As for all companies, however, professional backup and restore procedures should always be in place to protect your valuable business data.

Can we use the old CRM system alongside the new CRM system?

As soon as your old data is migrated it’s strongly recommended that an immediate switch be made to the new CRM system or there is a risk of fresh data duplication and confusion. This means you’ll have to have all personnel trained up on the new system and ready to go, ideally with support on hand to assist in the first days/weeks of operation.

Please contact InaPlex or your CRM Partner to discuss your requirements with a migration specialist, or click here to book a free preliminary migration assessment.

Inaport, from InaPlex, delivers CRM integration and data migration solutions for leading CRM systems including Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Sage CRM, Infor CRM (previously Saleslogix), GoldMine and ACT. It has a range of connectors and maps for quick results, and its straightforward approach provides a wealth of powerful functions. To learn more please book a free webinar, download a free 30 day evaluation license, or visit the InaPlex website.