What options are there to better manage legacy data?
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023
Join us as we delve into the world of legacy data. Proceed’s managing director and subject matter expert, Robert Reuben will explore the different options for managing legacy data and the best available tools. We unpack best practices, real-world results, and the invaluable lessons learned from those who have successfully offloaded their legacy systems. Take a listen to the full episode for a deeper exploration and to uncover all the essential details. Let’s now delve into the key aspects of the podcast…
What do we mean by legacy?
Legacy, in the context of data management, refers to systems that an organisation used in the past but has since replaced with newer ones. These legacy systems are often kept for the sole purpose of storing the data that they hold, which needs to be kept for various reasons.
Why do businesses need to keep access to legacy data?
Businesses have various reasons to keep legacy data. It could be for historical business purposes, legal obligations, audits, or industry regulations. This data may not always be migrated to new systems, calling for the need to maintain the legacy system to access this information.
The reasons businesses accumulate legacy systems
Digital transformation is one reason, but other factors include mergers, acquisitions, or the need to maintain specific systems for historical data. Organisations may end up with numerous legacy systems – presenting a significant challenge that not all are equipped to handle.
The challenges and risks of keeping legacy systems
Challenges include high maintenance costs, running on outdated hardware and software, potential cybersecurity risks, or due to concerns about compliance.
Which industries are inclined to maintain legacy systems?
Industries with stringent regulations, like pharmaceuticals or aviation, often need to retain data for extended periods. However, legacy systems are generally prevalent across various industries and organisations.
What can businesses do about legacy data?
Decommissioning is an option, but there are alternatives. In fact, organisations don’t have to get rid of legacy systems, these can be maintained, but this comes at a cost. Therefore, organisations explore solutions like virtualisation, archiving reports, or utilising specialised solutions like SAP ILM or in-house options like Proceed Cella.
Legacy data solutions
SAP ILM is a widely used solution, specifically designed for legacy data, offering storing and reporting capabilities. Proceed Cella, developed in-house, complements SAP ILM, offering a modern, cloud-ready solution with a user-friendly interface.
Key steps to a successful legacy data management project
Firstly, it’s much more than a technical implementation.
Involving stakeholders who understand data requirements, legal considerations, and business needs is crucial.
The key is balancing technical implementation with the expertise to define data needs, from extraction to user acceptance testing.
The key to a successful legacy data management project is balancing technical implementation with the expertise to define data needs.
Robert Reuben, Managing Director of Proceed Group
Further reading
[Case study] Dutch Rail – Driving digital transformation
[On-demand webinar] Are your legacy systems weighing down your transformation strategy?
[Video] Legacy system decommissioning
You may be interested in
SAP data compliance, did you get it right?
Delve into the complexities of data compliance with Christopher Burfitt, where the focus extends beyond rule adherence: learn why being compliant involves a delicate balance between legal requirements and optimising data usage. Discover the critical considerations, challenges, and essential tools that shape an effective data compliance strategy.
Read more
Should businesses manage data before or after S/4HANA?
With firsthand insights and customer examples, Nick sheds light on the pivotal question: Should SAP customers address data management before or after their migration? Tune in as we unpack best practices, real-world results, and the invaluable lessons learned from those who have embarked on the journey to S/4HANA.
Read more
Express SAP data management for year-end impact
Whether you’re aiming to improve your SAP system or preparing for transitions like S/4HANA, RISE, or a cloud journey, our express solutions offer quick wins for immediate impact. Optimise your SAP system through targeted database reduction and a clear path to compliance. Take action now for a streamlined transition into 2024.
Read more