7 ways to overcome the fear in product data migration

Are you evaluating a new feed management solution, yet feeling uncertain about where to begin? We know that product data migration might look intimidating as 83% of product data migration projects either fail or exceed their budgets and schedules.

Don’t worry though as this stat doesn’t necessarily mean that all software migration is doomed to fail. It covers server migration, importation of new data into existing software programs, and many more. However, it also means that migrating data requires specific care to ensure an efficient transition.

The good news is that the best practices are pretty well known. This article presents seven proven methods for product data migration to help you achieve a smoother transition while reducing risks and enhancing operational efficiency.

1. Identify the reasons behind tool replacement

Which elements force you to seek an alternative to your existing feed management solution? Is your product visibility restricted? Your goal is to improve marketplace integration capabilities and to reduce order management time or enhance analytics capabilities.

State your purpose with clarity to your team members. The initial alignment of all team members creates momentum while maintaining a focused and intentional product data migration process.

2. Define your success goals

This step enables you to base your provider comparisons on facts while preventing you from being misled by attractive features that do not deliver results.

What are your needs, and what would a successful migration look like? Take stock of your current technical challenges and pinpoint which features in a new tool could address them.

Examples:

• Challenge: Update delays, scattered order flows, channel-specific headaches
• Need: A feed management solution with built-in API connections to sync products in real-time.
• Goal: Fully automated product updates, instant error alerts, and centralized order processing

Your requirements should be clearly defined to evaluate each tool effectively, whether you use recommendations or your checklist.

Each provider’s website and core features should be examined to determine their alignment with your needs. The solution should be able to manage product feeds and PPC campaigns and marketplaces through a single interface. Also consider how easy it is to make the switch; what transition options are available, and how much support does the provider offer during migration?

When you have a few potential solutions in mind, we recommend that you check sites Trustpilot, Shopify App Store, Capterra, and G2 to validate your initial thoughts through actual user feedback.

3. Align your timelines

The timing of your product data migration is critical; it directly impacts day-to-day operations. Your transition plan needs to be carefully coordinated to avoid any disruptions.

Create a detailed migration schedule that all participants should receive. Every person must understand the sequence of operations and their particular duties.

Pro tip: A short overlap between your old subscription end and new subscription start is essential for preventing downtime, according to our experience. The dual access period enables a seamless transition which maintains feed operations without interruptions.

Remember to schedule testing periods and adjustments in advance, since this will save you time in the future.

4. Build a channel-specific strategy

Each channel operates with its unique terminology, so you should refrain from implementing a universal product data migration strategy. Every platform maintains its own set of technical specifications, as well as its approval durations and specific operational characteristics.

We recommend structuring your migration in phases by channel type. Marketplaces often demand more time and effort to manage compared to comparison engines or ad platforms.

Begin your process with basic channels to establish confidence before moving toward more complicated ones. The methodical process structure enables both your team and your project to maintain focus and work efficiently.

For example, the Channable platform enables users to add new feeds through a two-step process:

• Step 1: Add a new feed, choose your shop or project as a starting point. To start adding a new feed, navigate to the left menu, select “Feeds”, then select “Add new feed”.
• Step 2: Set feed parameters, users need to establish their feed parameters through the definition of name and country of destination, and export feed type and target marketplace selection. You can proceed to the next step by clicking “Continue” after completing the setup.

A well-structured rollout process helps you stay in control of your product data migration while minimizing the impact on your team’s workload and campaign performance.

5. Evaluate your feed requirements

Let’s talk formats. The successful product data migration requires your new provider to support the feed formats needed by your main marketing channels.

We've often seen teams rely on workarounds when imported files didn’t match the formatting rules of various marketing platforms. This is a good moment to streamline your data and choose a tool that adapts to your needs, rather than the other way around.

There are two main ways to transfer product data between systems: classic data feeds and APIs.

• Using a standard data feed: Your system or provider generates an XML or CSV file containing all product details. The file gets periodic updates that trigger the destination platform to fetch the information according to its scheduled retrieval schedule.
  Standard data feed technology allows you to reach millions of users each day through platforms including Google Shopping and Beslist and Facebook and Kelkoo, and LeGuide.

• Using an API: Real-time data transmission occurs through API functionality. The system does not require users to generate complete files that require reloading. Updates are transmitted through automated systems that operate on a need-to-send basis.
  APIs provide quick and efficient data transmission services to major platforms that include Google Ads, eBay, or Amazon.
  The usage of APIs continues to expand because they provide faster operations and greater adaptability to different requirements. The selection of a tool that supports both formats will provide you with future-proof product data migration capabilities.

6. Test the new solution

Will this new platform work? Is it user-friendly? Is the product data migration really worth the effort? It’s okay to feel unsure.

Most providers offer a free trial; take full advantage of it. Treat it like a real test: run a live implementation and get your team actively involved.

Set up feed connections while sticking to your regular workflows; this lets you compare the new tool with your current setup. Does it feel more streamlined? Easier to use? Does it help you work more efficiently?

Hands-on testing often turns hesitation into confidence, since you can quickly assess whether the solution is a good fit, without any long-term commitment.

7. Keep your partners in the loop

Your product data migration process occurs independently of all other activities. The partners you work with, including external platforms and marketplaces and agencies, and fulfillment providers, need to understand the upcoming changes.

Give them a heads-up before the switch. This approach enables all stakeholders to stay on the same page and prevents unexpected disruptions to your feed delivery process.

A straightforward action will create a significant impact. When partners receive advance information, they can prepare for the transition and provide better assistance throughout the process.

Wrapping up your product data migration plan

Getting everyone on the same page is only part of the equation. As we saw in this article, you indeed need a provider that can support you through the technical side of product data migration at every step.

At Channable, we recognize that transferring product data between tools creates significant challenges. Our product feed management tool should never cause operational difficulties during implementation; that is why the main priority at Channable remains to ensure your migration process runs without interruptions and results in operational improvements. And we support users through every stage of product data migration.

You can register for free through Channable’s platform to experience its features without limitations while still conducting research. If you prefer hands-on guidance, our experts will lead you through a personalized demo session.

This article is available in FR, NL, DE, ES, IT languages.

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