Do you really need all that historical data?
A question I'll often get from my clients as they're making the transition from one AMS to another is "How much historical data do we need to convert?"
My preferred answer is always "None." The easiest data conversions are those with the least amount of data.
But the more accurate answer is another question: "What will you actually DO with that historical data, if it's converted to your new system?" In my experience, the overwhelming majority of data is never used beyond its original transaction. That suggests that most historical data probably doesn't need to be converted.
Yes, there are some significant exceptions, e.g., certification data. But most historical data probably doesn't need to be converted. Just ask yourself: "If I have that data in the new system, how will I use it?" If you have to think about that before you answer, you probably don't need to convert that data.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Ratio of Data to Errors
Ratio of Data to Errors One of the elements of a good data governance plan […]
Back to basics
Back to basics Over the past couple of years I’ve noticed that some AMS vendors […]
Your people matter
Your people matter I’ve written many times about how people, process, and technology have to […]
We remember moments…
We remember moments… “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese Another […]
Acknowledging problems is part of managing expectations
Acknowledging problems is part of managing expectations Research was done some time ago that suggested […]
Need data? Consider third-party sources
Need data? Consider third-party sources I always tell my clients, only collect data that you’re […]
Action must follow the decision
Action must follow the decision When I work with my clients on their projects (whether […]
Everything should be focused on improving user adoption
Everything should be focused on improving user adoption Your AMS is a tool, and a […]
Needs change over time, and that’s OK
Needs change over time, and that’s OK I was speaking with a couple of association […]
The vaguer the question, the vaguer the answer
The vaguer the question, the vaguer the answer As the old saying goes, the devil […]