The Cloud Migration Roadmap Guide

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, cloud migration has become not just a trend but a strategic imperative. As finance decision-makers contemplate the transition, it’s crucial to approach cloud adoption with a nuanced perspective. According to Gartner Research, a staggering 85% of organizations are slated to embrace a cloud-first strategy by 2025, underlining the widespread recognition of its benefits.

While the advantages of cloud deployments, such as heightened business agility and a fourfold increase in return on investment (ROI), are well-documented, the decision-making process is far from binary. For businesses not “born” in the cloud, embarking on a digital transformation journey demands a steadfast commitment to change and cultivating diverse skillsets within the organization.

If you’re currently shifting to a cloud solution or thinking about it for the future, the value you will get out of it will depend on you aligning with your business needs. To ensure a successful transition, meticulous planning is essential. Consider factors such as costs, timelines, and anticipated outcomes when creating a plan.

Here, we present a guide featuring ten strategic tips for financial decision-makers looking to migrate their financial management systems, including ERP, to the cloud.

Building the Right Team

In the realm of cloud projects, success hinges on having the right people on board. Designate a project lead with cross-functional relationships, enlist an executive sponsor to underscore project significance, and provide incentives for team participation, acknowledging the additional workload.

Crafting a Robust Plan

Crafting a robust project plan for your cloud migration is paramount for clarity and accountability. Realistic commitments, considering potential interruptions like vacations, holidays, and unforeseen disruptions, ensure smoother implementation. Regular engagement with service providers is key to task definition and adherence to timelines.

 

Avoiding Replication in the Cloud

Explore the full potential of your new software by understanding its capabilities. Avoid replicating outdated processes, and assess alternative applications for seamless integration. Planning for integration should be phased, recognizing that not all integrations are essential at the go-live stage.

Designing Backward for Optimal Outcomes

Prioritize reporting needs and design backward, providing samples to align data design with reporting requirements. This ensures your new system is tailored to generate reports crucial to your business operations after cloud migration.

Checking the numbers.

Essentials Only Optimizing Data 

Streamline data conversion by focusing on essential data. Optimize data for the new system, eliminating redundancies and irrelevant records. Remember ETL:

  • Extract the data out of your legacy system;
  • Transform it for the new system; and
  • Load into the new system.

Delay the incorporation of nice-to-have data until after go-live, ensuring a quicker realization of benefits. Unless there are specific rules or business needs, you might not need all the old data in your new system. Usually, historical research is a rare occurrence, so keeping a lot of old information may not be necessary. However, depending on your old system, you can still keep a copy of the data for reference, even if it’s not actively used in the new system.

  • Safeguarding Sensitive Information in the Cloud

    Prioritize data security by encrypting sensitive information. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), strong passwords, and role-based access. Collaborate with your service provider to limit access and ensure secure data handling.

  • A Singular Shift to the New System

    Opt for a decisive shift to the new system at go-live. Avoiding simultaneous use of old and new systems accelerates user adoption and ensures early returns on investment.

  • Navigating Challenges for Ongoing Success

    Post-go-live, engage with your service provider to navigate the initial challenges users may encounter. A 45-day post-go-live assessment optimally completes the project, allowing for a seamless transition to routine activities.

  • It’s a Journey, Not a Project

    Acknowledge that implementing sophisticated software is an ongoing process. Cultivate a collaborative partnership with your service provider and software vendor during cloud migration for continuous improvement.

  • Strategic Vendor Selection

    Invest in expertise for a one-time service that can shape the trajectory of your business for years. Choose a service provider with a proven cloud implementation methodology, ensuring a seamless transition and long-term success.

The journey toward financial management systems cloud migration is a multifaceted process that demands careful planning, strategic decision-making, and collaboration with qualified service providers. As finance decision-makers navigate the complexities of this digital transformation, embracing a cloud-first strategy becomes not only a trend but a strategic imperative for long-term success.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and similarly, the path to effective cloud implementation requires diligence, expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement. If you’re ready to discuss your digital transformation, schedule a free discovery call with our team to get started.