I’m currently building a custom application for a new client. Part of the process is data conversion, which is moving the data into the new system from the old system. This particular conversion is pulling data from a DOS application. Theoretically, it’s a simple process. You just need to create a “map†to link the fields from the old application to the fields in the new application. Practically, it can be difficult. Limitations in the old app can cause users to enter invalid data. For example, users have entered 02/02/1902 in this DOS application to denote a transaction was taken in an abnormal location. This results in bad data, which is difficult to translate into useful information. (In the new application, a location can be specified for all transactions.)
Some software providers will tempt you to “throw away†your existing customer information. It makes it much easier for them. Don’t do it. You’ve spent years developing relationships with your customers, and this information is vital to analyzing your business trends.
Ninety percent of the time, your data can be converted. I generally create rules that cover the bulk of data, and handle the exceptions by hand.
Contact us to learn more about the possibilities of converting your data into useful information.
Stephen Tuttle
DS Technologies, Inc
Wow! What an amazing graphic on your home page.
Can you refer me to your graphics guy?
He creates graphics “only a Mother could love”!