Data conversion testing strategy

Why a Data Migration Strategy is Important
Contents:
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  2. The 7 Phases of Data Migration
  3. Data Migration Services & Database Migration Solutions | PRITNA
  4. Phase I: Strategic Research

This can happen even when source data is fully usable and adequate. A complete data migration strategy prevents a subpar experience that ends up creating more problems than it solves. Aside from missing deadlines and exceeding budgets, incomplete plans can cause migration projects to fail altogether. In planning and strategizing the work, teams need to give migrations their full attention, rather than making them subordinate to another project with a large scope.

In addition to a structured, step-by-step procedure, a data migration plan should include a process for bringing on the right software and tools for the project. Watch Now. There is more than one way to build a data migration strategy. In a big bang data migration, the full transfer is completed within a limited window of time.


  1. Data Migration: Strategy and Best Practices - Talend.
  2. Data Migration Services.
  3. Types of data migration.

Live systems experience downtime while data goes through ETL processing and transitions to the new database. The draw of this method is, of course, that it all happens in one time-boxed event, requiring relatively little time to complete. The pressure, though, can be intense, as the business operates with one of its resources offline. This risks a compromised implementation. If the big bang approach makes the most sense for your business, consider running through the migration process before the actual event.

Trickle migrations, in contrast, complete the migration process in phases. During implementation, the old system and the new are run in parallel, which eliminates downtime or operational interruptions.

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Processes running in real-time can keep data continuously migrating. Compared to the big bang approach, these implementations can be fairly complex in design. However, the added complexity — if done right — usually reduces risks, rather than adding them. Regardless of which implementation method you follow, there are some best practices to keep in mind:. Identify the test cycles that need to be included for each test year, e. Compile a list of scenario types, which are representative of an entity for the business, e.

The objective of using scenario types is to increase the effectiveness of the scenarios by using one representative scenario type, instead of a multitude of identical work situations.

Data Migration Test Automation

For example, scenario types for a government pension application might be a pension applicant new record for old age or disability benefits, or a pension recipient converted record for old age or disability benefits. The scenario types must be further refined to include a business event. For example, a pension applicant for disability benefits who is not eligible, or a recipient of old age benefits who has earned income.

Compile a list of the possible scenario types to ensure typical business situations are represented in the testing. Assign a unique identifier, e. Compile a list of the scenario identifiers and types. Compile a list of the tests also known as test cases that need to be conducted to determine whether the system is operating correctly. The test cases are the tests that need to be conducted to determine if the renovation grouping is working properly. When determining the tests, consider the conversion strategy that is being used, e.

Data conversion test cases are those that involve data that has been changed by a conversion program, such as date formats. An example of a data conversion test case is the prorated amount of a benefit for the first month of eligibility remains the same before and after conversion. Ideally, use existing regression test cases, if available. For example, if a person is older than 65, the person is age eligible for old age assistance. If a person is 65, the person is age eligible for old age assistance. If a person is less than 65 years old, the person is not eligible for old age assistance.

The Data Compliance Impact Analysis Report can assist with the identification of the expected failure date for various functions. The failure date can be used for boundary value analysis through the use of the date before, the date equal, and the date after.

Use black box testing to keep the number of test cases limited to the most effective minimum amount. Using the government pension example, one test for a converted record, with a recipient of old age assistance, would be a recipient born prior to remains age eligible. Define test cases in a manner that supports a one-to-one relationship between test case and scenario.

The 7 Phases of Data Migration

Read about how we use cookies in our Privacy Policy. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. Phase I: Strategic Research The first step in any project is always research. For conversion testing, this includes things like: Analytics Data Mining Determine baseline traffic volumes, top landing pages, bounce rates, exit rates and traffic sources.

Data Migration Services & Database Migration Solutions | PRITNA

Understand current conversion rates for the site. Competitive Data Mining Examine other sites in the same competitive niche, and see what elements are missing from your site. Are you competitive with other sites in terms of offerings and pricing? Are your competitors taking the right action for their audience? Do competitors follow best practices?

Phase I: Strategic Research

Establishing a Sales Funnel Create a map of the overall sales funnel based on the outcomes of the above two steps. This will be used as a reference document throughout the testing process. Some sites may have multiple goals for their visitors. In those cases, it would be appropriate to have multiple different Funnels.

Determining Target Page and Testing Method Based on the outcome of all steps mentioned above, determine the best page to target for testing. Traffic is split randomly, but equally between the difference recipes, and visitor actions are recorded. Low volume of traffic is required on the targeted page due to low recipe count.

For Multivariate Testing Develop a series of redesign recipes for specific elements on the targeted page, taking into consideration how elements may interact with each other. Traffic users shown all possible combinations of targeted elements randomly but equally, and visitor actions are recorded. High volume of traffic required on the targeted page due to high recipe count. For multivariate tests on larger scale sites that will require an excess of 50, recipes, some of these options may be suitable solutions: License more robust software from a third party e.

Creative Development Tactics: Navigation Outlined below are a few steps that can be taken to quickly test navigation elements, should the need exist on a particular page: Heat Mapping Site overlay feature in Google Analytics can provide insight as to where people are clicking. Use software to predict visual attention patterns without the need for an actual sample demographic.

For example, a heat mapping type of software like HotJar or eye-tracking program such as Attention Insight can help you analyze behavior on a page. Flow Charts These can help to identify areas that are cumbersome within navigation: Outline all current possible navigation steps aka, task analysis.

Simplify the task flow, on paper, wherever possible.