dataflytt

Dataflytt is a term used in Norwegian and Swedish to describe data migration, the process of transferring data between storage locations, formats, or systems. It includes planning, extraction, transformation, loading, and validation to preserve data usability after the move.

Common scenarios include upgrading systems, consolidating databases, moving to cloud environments, or replacing applications. The aim is to maintain data integrity while minimizing downtime and disruption to business operations.

Key activities are discovery and assessment, data mapping and cleansing, designing ETL or ELT processes, selecting migration tools, and developing a testing and cutover plan. Data quality, metadata management, and governance are essential throughout the project.

Migration approaches can be big bang, with a single cutover, or phased, using incremental replication and staged switchover. Challenges include schema compatibility, data quality issues, large volumes, performance, security and privacy compliance, and the risk of data loss. A rollback plan is advised.

Successful dataflytt initiatives rely on clear ownership, transparent data lineage, automated testing, continuous monitoring, and post-migration validation to ensure the target system contains complete, accurate data ready for use.

See also: data integration, ETL, ELT, cloud migration, data governance.