Historical data migration in ERP platforms is the process of moving a company’s past financial and operational transactions from legacy systems into a new ERP platform so the ERP solution includes data created before go-live.
In other words, it determines whether your ERP system starts with your full business history or only begins tracking activity from the day it’s turned on.
What Does Historical Data Migration Include?
How much historical data is migrated can vary by implementation. Some ERP projects include several years of prior transactions, while others focus on a defined historical period. The decision is influenced by data volume, data quality, reporting needs, and how the ERP platform will be used after go-live. Because of this variability, historical data migration is typically planned deliberately rather than assumed.
Historical data migration typically involves records created prior to ERP system go-live, such as:
- General ledger transactions
- Invoices and payments
- Customer and vendor history
- Inventory transactions
- Purchase and sales records
The specific data included depends on how the migration is scoped and executed.
How Is Historical Data Migration Different From Opening Balance Migration?
Historical data migration is not the same as opening balance migration.
Opening balance migration brings over summary totals only, such as account balances at a specific start date. Historical data migration brings the transactions themselves, preserving the activity that created those balances.
This distinction affects how much past information is available inside the ERP system after go-live.
Why the Definition of Historical Data Migration Matters
Many companies assume historical data migration is automatic. In reality, it is a deliberate decision that determines how much past context the ERP system contains.
Understanding what historical data migration means helps buyers ask clearer questions before implementation and avoid confusion later.
Frequently Asked Question About Historical Data Migration
Is historical data migration automatic in ERP implementations?
No. Historical data migration is typically a scoped decision and varies by ERP partner and implementation approach.