Business Goal

Two of the largest real estate organisations, who operate in the industrial & logistics space, merged to create a leading UK industrial and logistics real estate company. The business goal was to migrate data from MRI Qube to Microsoft Dynamics system. This ensured operational efficiency, data integrity, seamless integration, and minimal disruption to ongoing business operations.

Client’s Challenge

• Delivery: Ability to deliver the project within 6 months and have zero disruption to the business.

• System Compatibility: Qube and Microsoft Dynamics have distinct data structures, necessitating a comprehensive approach to ensure compatibility and accurate mapping of data.

• Data Volume and Complexity: Database contained a large volume of financial and property data, including transactional records, lease agreements, and property portfolios. Migrating this data without loss or duplication was critical.

• Data Quality: Inconsistent or outdated data in the Qube system required significant cleaning and validation before migration to ensure accuracy in the new system.

• Operational Continuity: The integration process needed to minimise downtime and disruption for stakeholders reliant on real-time data access for decision-making and operations.

The Approach

Comprehensive Planning

• Conducted a thorough analysis of both Qube and Microsoft Dynamics to identify data fields, structure discrepancies, and compatibility issues.

• Developed a detailed migration strategy, including timelines, roles, and responsibilities.

Data Cleaning and Preparation

• Performed a full audit of the Qube database to identify and rectify inconsistencies, missing information, and duplicate records.

• Standardized data formats to align with Microsoft Dynamics requirements.

Custom Mapping and Transformation

• Created a custom data mapping framework to translate Qube’s data structure into a format compatible with Microsoft Dynamics.

• Utilised ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools to automate data extraction, transformation, and loading processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Testing and Validation

• Conducted rigorous testing in a sandbox environment to identify and resolve potential issues before full migration.

• Implemented iterative validation checks to ensure data accuracy and completeness at each stage.

Phased Migration

• Adopted a phased approach, migrating data in manageable batches to reduce risk and allow for ongoing issue resolution.

• Established clear communication channels to provide updates and address concerns promptly.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Regularly engaged with stakeholders across departments to ensure alignment, gather feedback, and address operational needs.

• Provided training and support to staff transitioning to Microsoft Dynamics.

Training New Staff

• Designed and delivered tailored training programs to help TUPE staff adapt to the Microsoft Dynamics system.

• Included hands-on workshops, user guides, and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition.

• Addressed role-specific needs to equip employees with the skills required to leverage the new system effectively.

Client Benefits

• Unified Data Platform: The successful migration resulted in a single, cohesive system for finance and property data, streamlining operations and reducing complexity.

• Improved Data Accuracy: Enhanced data quality and consistency enabled better reporting and decision-making capabilities.

• Operational Efficiency: Automating data migration processes minimized downtime and ensured continuity of critical business functions.

• Scalability and Integration: The Microsoft Dynamics platform’s scalability supports future growth and additional integrations as needed.

• Enhanced User Experience: Stakeholders benefited from improved data accessibility, user-friendly interfaces, and comprehensive training.

• Empowered Workforce: TUPE staff quickly adapted to the new system, enhancing productivity and confidence in using Microsoft Dynamics.