Creating a strategy and planning is the main foundation of the whole data migration journey. So, let’s dig a bit deeper into this process.
Assessing Current Data
The first thing you need to do when you’re moving data, especially to a solid platform like Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), is to really take a good look at what you’ve got.
As Donnia Tabor-Hanson says in “Expert Elites Discuss Autodesk Construction Cloud,” it’s vital to find out exactly where all your data is coming from, what format it’s in and how much data you’re dealing with.
Are you dealing with lots of spreadsheets, CAD files, or a mix of both? Knowing this helps us work out where we might run into problems later on.
So, we need to do a proper data audit. This audit isn’t just about knowing what you have.
It’s also about spotting inconsistencies, redundancies and any data quality issues that could cause problems when you move it all over.
If you don’t have consistent file naming or clean data, it’ll cause problems later on.
On top of that, if you don’t assess the data properly, it might not translate well into the ACC environment, which could mean losing important information.
So, cleaning up your data before you move it isn’t just a good idea – it’s essential.
Setting Migration Goals
Once you’ve got a handle on your data, it’s time to set some clear goals for your migration.
These goals should reflect the technical aspects of the migration, but they should also line up with the company’s broader business objectives.
For instance, one of the main goals might be to improve collaboration across teams by putting all the data in one place, which should cut down on the time spent on document management by quite a lot.
As Sheryl Yang and Manu Venugopal said in their article “Data, Reporting, and Analytics in Autodesk Construction Cloud,” ACC’s analytics tools can help you reach these goals.
The ACC’s analytics tools give you real-time data insights that help you make better decisions and get better results on your projects.
In setting these goals, you must think about the short-term and long-term benefits of the migration when you’re setting these goals.
In the short term, the goal is to get the data transferred seamlessly with as little disruption to ongoing projects as possible.
Meanwhile, in the long term, we could use ACC’s advanced analytics to improve how we forecast projects and reduce risks.
Additionally, setting phased goals can help manage the complexity of the migration process.
For example, you could start with the migration of non-critical data, which would allow teams to refine their processes before moving on to more sensitive or critical data.
This phased approach helps to reduce risks and makes sure that each stage of the migration is a success before moving on to the next one.
Stakeholder Involvement
Migrating your data to the cloud isn’t just an IT project, it affects everyone in the company. So it is important for you to involve a number of stakeholders in creating a data migration strategy and plan.
These stakeholders, including IT staff, project managers, and end-users, have a lot to offer in terms of how data is used and what is needed to make the transition as smooth as possible.
And keeping stakeholders in the loop is the best way to keep them involved.
Keeping everyone up to date with regular updates and making sure there are clear channels of communication in place helps to keep everyone informed and engaged.
That way, you can be sure they’re happy with the new system and can use all its features. This makes the transition go more smoothly and gets the full benefit of ACC for everyone who uses it.
If stakeholders see how ACC can help them work more efficiently and get better results, they’re more likely to back the move and contribute to making it a success.
Choosing the Right Tools & Technologies
When it comes to data migration, choosing the right tools and technologies is important. They can make or break the process.
That’s why we at Interscale use BIM 360 and ACC on every kind of AEC project.
ACC has a whole range of tools and APIs to help you move your data from where it is now to the cloud.
One useful tool in this process is Autodesk Docs, which acts as the Common Data Environment (CDE) within ACC.
This platform is designed to help teams organise, distribute and share files, so everyone has access to the latest information.
There are over 30 types of reports you can get with Autodesk Docs, including ones that show you the details of any issues and the costs involved.
This means that project teams can keep all their information in one place.
This tool is really useful in situations where lots of people need to access the same data at the same time, like on big construction projects.
On top of that, the Data Connector is another key tool, especially for companies that need to link ACC with their existing enterprise systems or do some serious data analysis.
As Yang explains, the Data Connector lets you pull project data at the project and account levels, with schedules you can adjust for data updates.
The Data Connector lets firms automatically sync critical project data with external data warehouses or BI tools. That way, decision-makers always have access to the most accurate and up-to-date info.
To help make your choice, read the guide about How to Choose Data Migration Tools and Technologies in Australia AEC.
Developing a Migration Plan
Once you’ve got your tools sorted, it’s time to put together a plan for the migration. The first thing you need to do is decide what you want to achieve with your migration plan.
This means figuring out which data you’re going to migrate, deciding on the order you’ll do it in, and setting milestones for each stage.
Next, you need to decide which data is less important and migrate that first.
This phased approach lets teams test the migration process and fix any issues before moving on to more sensitive or critical data.
You’ll also need to test thoroughly at each stage of the migration.
Before you move data into ACC, it’s a good idea to check everything’s been transferred correctly and that all the workflows are working as they should.
This might mean running the new system alongside the old one for a while to see how it compares and make sure it does everything we need it to.
If you’re using ACC, you can use tools like Autodesk Build and BIM Collaborate to simulate real project conditions.
That way, your teams can spot and fix any problems before they affect real projects.
Additionally, Donnia Tabor-Hanson says it’s important to have comprehensive training as part of the migration plan.
It’s a good idea to schedule training sessions as part of the migration timeline, with follow-up sessions to address any ongoing challenges.
Risk Management
Even if you plan everything down to the last detail, there’s still a chance something could go wrong during a data migration.
That’s why it’s so important to manage risks. It’s all about being prepared.
Do you have a solid backup and recovery plan in place? Have you picked a time for the migration that will cause the least disruption?
Have you given users enough training and support to help them adapt to the new system?
If you plan ahead and have a Plan B, you can avoid any hiccups turning into major disasters.
Now, Make the Data Migration Process More Effective
As with any big change, there are lots of different things to think about.
Let’s say, you’re looking to make your workflows more efficient, give your team better access to data, and make sure you’re following all the local rules.
And yes, every stakeholder wants to do those without disrupting what you’re already working on.
That’s why our Autodesk experts are there with you every step of the way, from data mapping and transformation to validation.
We get rid of the technical hurdles which often make migrations tricky, so your team can concentrate on what they do best – delivering top-quality construction projects.
On top of that, our flexible contracts and predictable costs make it easier for you to transition, giving you financial stability and peace of mind throughout the process.
So, to get a taste of how we can help, please do not hesitate to visit our Interscale Managed IT Services web page for more details.
Alternatively, we would be happy to discuss any concerns or obstacles you may have. We’ve got great coffee beans and warm croissants ready for you whenever you’re ready to meet.
Alright, Let’s Wrap This Up
So, you need to assess your data, get everyone on board, pick the right tools, plan for any bumps in the road, and choose Interscale as a support system.
If you do it right, your move to ACC will set you up for success as the industry keeps going digital.
Because at the end of the day, ACC helps you bring all the pieces of construction management together, so you can build better and smarter.
