Ensuring Data Integrity: A Strategic Approach to Reconciliation in Data Migration Projects

In today’s corporate landscape, mergers are increasingly prevalent, driven by various factors such as strategic expansion, cost efficiency, and technological innovation. However, post-merger, the migration of data from disparate systems becomes imperative to consolidate information and establish an efficient operational model. Despite the prominence of data migration projects, reconciliation often takes a backseat to ingestion and loading processes. This article emphasizes the critical importance of upfront consideration for reconciliation strategies, drawing from practical experience and research. Neglecting this phase can lead to chaotic testing processes and unnecessary iterations, hindering the migration process. Through this article, we present a comprehensive strategy for designing and implementing reconciliation processes, from proactive planning to meticulous execution. By prioritizing reconciliation upfront, organizations can mitigate risks and streamline their data migration endeavors for enhanced success. Our approach includes unmasking encrypted Personally Identifiable Information (PII), reconciling it with source data, and implementing a metadata-driven audit framework enriched with extensive log information. This ensures thorough oversight and accountability, safeguarding data integrity throughout the migration journey.