ETL (Extract, Transform, Load)
The three-stage process of extracting data from a source system, transforming it to match the target system's data model, and loading it into the destination.
ETL describes the technical process at the core of every data migration. Extract: pull data out of the source system (Tally, SAP, Salesforce, legacy databases) in a readable format, typically CSV, Excel, or via API. Transform: clean, deduplicate, reformat, and map the data to match the target system's schema. A 'Company' in Salesforce becomes an 'Account' in Zoho CRM with different field names, required fields, and lookup relationships. Load: import the transformed data into the target system in the correct order (parent records before child records, accounts before contacts, contacts before deals).
The transform step is where most migration projects fail or slow down. Source data is rarely clean: duplicate records, inconsistent date formats, missing required fields, broken relationships, and values that do not map to valid options in the target system. A thorough data audit before migration begins is non-negotiable.
For financial migrations (Tally to Zoho Books, QuickBooks to NetSuite), the extract phase must capture opening balances, aged receivables and payables, and inventory valuations at the cutover date. A parallel run period, where both systems operate simultaneously, is standard practice to verify that the new system produces matching figures before the old one is retired.
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