Do you really need all that historical data?
A question I'll often get from my clients as they're making the transition from one AMS to another is "How much historical data do we need to convert?"
My preferred answer is always "None." The easiest data conversions are those with the least amount of data.
But the more accurate answer is another question: "What will you actually DO with that historical data, if it's converted to your new system?" In my experience, the overwhelming majority of data is never used beyond its original transaction. That suggests that most historical data probably doesn't need to be converted.
Yes, there are some significant exceptions, e.g., certification data. But most historical data probably doesn't need to be converted. Just ask yourself: "If I have that data in the new system, how will I use it?" If you have to think about that before you answer, you probably don't need to convert that data.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Data integrity reports
Data integrity reports I speak and write a lot about data integrity reports. So I […]
The most important training tip
The most important training tip I’ve been sitting in a lot of database training sessions […]
Be careful about getting tangled
Be careful about getting tangled “We had done a lot to tangle ourselves up.” – […]
Discipline. Always discipline.
Discipline. Always discipline. I’ve been producing a newsletter in some form for over 25 years […]
Simpler is better
Simpler is better Recently, a client of mine was discussing how they manage membership reinstatements. […]
Baby steps
Baby Steps A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You have […]
Sometimes what you’re using IS the best option
Sometimes what you’re using IS the best option I love technology and I’m inherently lazy, […]
Do they hate the system?
Do they hate the system? When an association asks me for help finding a new […]
Artificial Intelligence is the next revolution in data management
Artificial Intelligence is the next revolution in data management I’ve been in the data management […]
There’s always gonna be something
There’s always gonna be something I’ve been consulting for 26 years now and I’m still […]