My Work

What I do

As a data migration specialist, I help clients transition their data from a source system to a target system efficiently and securely. Every migration is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet each client’s specific requirements, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime. Below is the data migration life cycle that is used through my work.

Assessing

The first step in any migration is selecting the right approach. I assess the source and target environments, identify potential risks, and choose the best tools and strategies to facilitate a smooth transition.

Planning

Before migration, I perform a comprehensive assessment of the client's existing data environment, focusing on:

  • Understanding the source and target systems
  • Identifying data structures and dependencies
  • Defining mapping specifications for transformation
  • Analysing workload patterns and performance requirements
  • Planning budgets, timelines, and resource allocation

Schema and Code Migration

I manage schema and code migrations, ensuring that database objects, SQL scripts, ETL processes, and business logic are accurately converted to the target system. Automated tools assist in the conversion, but I always review and validate the output to maintain functionality.

Data Migration and Synchronisation

Once the schema is in place, I migrate the data while ensuring consistency and integrity. Test Loads are run within a sandbox environment to allow clients to visualise their data in a staging area before executing the full migration.

The migration strategy depends on:

  • Database size and complexity
  • Rate of data change
  • Allowed downtime and business constraints

Testing & Updating

During this stage of the migration lifecycle, communication with the client is essential. Even after the Test Load, updates and fixes are implemented to help achieve a closer alignment with the client’s vision for their production system. Multiple test loads can be performed depending on the complexity of the client’s data and specific requirements.

I also provide assistance to the client with using the new system by providing insights and knowledge.

Go Live & Ongoing Support

Once the testing stage is complete, the migration to the production system begins. This phase involves executing the final data load, performing integrity checks, and ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption to business operations.

After the migration, I provide ongoing support to address any post-migration issues, assist users in adapting to the new system, and ensure data consistency. Any necessary refinements or additional data adjustments are made to align with evolving business needs.

My Responsibilities

In my role, I manage multiple complex tasks—from analysing client data to determine migration scope, to supporting strategic decision-making around data mapping and transformation. I play an active part in team alignment through regular status updates and daily internal standups, ensuring transparency across all stakeholders.

I adapt quickly to new technologies, with recent hands-on experience in cloud-based infrastructure and APIs to meet evolving client needs. I also focus on post-project process improvement, identifying opportunities to convert bespoke scripts into automated stored procedures or external programs. This not only sharpens our technical skillset but also helps reduce the time and cost of future projects.