Ten Tips for a Smoother Legacy DMS to iManage Work Data Migration

An important part of SeeUnity is creating webinars to help both our customers and partners better understand our products. One of the most popular webinars has been the “Tips and Tricks for Migrating to iManage” which includes a lot of information about what goes into the migration process, including ways to combat issues that could arise, and how to ensure user satisfaction. We have created a ten point list that highlights the key considerations for migrating to iManage (on-premise or iManage Cloud) from a legacy system.

1. First and foremost, migrating to a new system means a new, more efficient layout. Take advantage of the modernized features and workspace-centric design. Do not allow a resistance to change have a negative impact on planning.

2. It is important to remember there is no “magic wand” for migration, so be wary of “push button” solutions. Instead utilize proven products and certified ECM resources to minimize the overall effort and cost.

3. Remember the decision to migrate is one that requires a lot of time and resources. A successful migration needs proper planning, as well as a balance between budget and design.

4. Over time the source environment has changed. This means the data structures may have shifted since the initial implementation and the source system could have many imports and integrations. Also, remember that users may not have used the old system as intended, creating the need to evaluate the state and location of all content.

5. Utilizing the iManage Team’s expertise is a good idea when it comes to migrating. It is also important to assemble a cross-functional team, and to consider seeking additional outside resources.

6. With any migration there is always a chance for breakage or loss, but having a plan in place can combat any negative effects of incompatible features or corrupt data.

7. Ultimately, user buy-in is crucial for a successful migration. Conducting user interviews or employing a business process expert are both ways to increase satisfaction in the end.

8. While user feedback is important, there is always a chance for biased opinions. Filter out responses that are motivated by reluctance to change, and instead focus on educating users in order to later create new system advocates.

9. Migrating can be a disruptive process. Proper communication and planning can minimize the disruptions and have a lesser impact on users overall.

10. Lastly, migration is a one-way trip, so before decommissioning the source system be sure to perform a post-migration assessment. This, as well as selecting the proper tools will help with the validation process and allow for the synchronization of user changes.

While these are not the only ways to have successful migration to iManage, they are some of the most common considerations for anyone planning a future migration. We are always creating new content to provide our users with the most up to date information, so make sure to check out our Tips and Tricks for migrating to iManage white paper and our migration success stories: eDOCS to iManage – Thompson Coe or NetDocuments to iManage – Burford Capital.