Data Migration at Global Entertainment Company – Consumer Goods Division

Data migration of digital assets for a large media company was inevitable. A kill-date was approaching, and the Division was responsible for migrating design files for consumer products. This included a variety of branded content and Intellectual Property for consumer products: apparel and T-shirts and pajamas, as well as logos, photographs, and designs for umbrellas, towels, beach balls, and more.

 A First Attempt

The Division managed 150,000 assets dating from 1997-2012. They selected a Content Management System (ECMS) that promised to provide access to internal users and external partners around the globe. They knew users would search and access brand content and would use design files, but they didn’t know how. Consequently, the Consumer Goods department was eager, albeit scared, to migrate its assets.

A first attempt to migrate was unsuccessful. IT professionals and staff were not familiar with the content, and the needs, so they missed a large number of errors. For example, the creation date metadata for many assets changed. As a result, a second attempt was needed.  With limited time and funds, the network would address the challenge quickly and effectively.

Successful Attempt

A Digital Archivist met with stakeholders to define needs and determine requirements.  He worked with staff members including designers and Brand managers to identify content types and campaigns, to identify patterns, articulate problems and to propose solutions. Then, a cross-departmental team worked collaboratively to develop and implement a plan and create timelines with milestones and delivery dates.

The team completed the migration successfully a few weeks later and provided training  to additional stakeholders. These sessions also helped identify a point-person to assist with oversight.  The team set up sessions and trained dozens of users across all levels around the globe.