VANKPA
The decision
A first data import needs field mapping, validation, ownership, and reconciliation. Treat it as a controlled migration rather than a file upload. Preserve a recoverable source and define which records belong in the first release.
In practice
An organization moving client records should resolve inconsistent identifiers and duplicate entries before importing them. Decide how missing fields and historic records are handled. The application may enforce rules that older spreadsheets never required.
- Run a small rehearsal with representative data and review rejected rows.
- Compare source counts, totals where meaningful, and relationships after import.
- Document exceptions and obtain business approval before the full migration, then retain a recovery path until the result is accepted.
When to take the next step
Plan the import when a new system's records must support existing work on day one. Start with a small source sample containing normal records and difficult exceptions.
Questions clients ask
Should we import every historic record?
Only when the business has a defined use and a suitable retention basis for keeping it.
What proves the import worked?
Reconciled records, validated relationships, reviewed exceptions, and successful real tasks in the new app.