Data verification is a process in which different types of data are checked for accuracy and inconsistencies after data migration is done.[1] It helps to determine whether data was accurately translated when data is transferred from one source to another, is complete, and supports processes in the new system. During verification, there may be a need for a parallel run of both systems to identify areas of disparity and forestall erroneous data loss. (Wikipedia contributors. "Data verification." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 23 Oct. 2017. Web. 26 Jul. 2018.)
To verify your data, you must first know and understand your data. A side-by-side comparison of reports is a good way, albeit time consuming way, to verify data which has been migrated from one platform to another. Start with a trusted, verified source document that uses the same criteria for comparison, and ask these questions:
- Is the report complete? Does it contain all the same column (field) names and formats? (Please note: some field names may vary slightly from database to database.)
- If the report is formatted the same, does the recreated report contain the same number of columns and rows (records)?
- Do the columns in the migrated report contain data appropriate to the headings?
- Am I able to see matching numbers in key fields, especially where calculations may be involved?
- Do subtotals and grand totals match? For information on totaling in Excel, follow these instructions for Creating Subtotals in Excel and Creating Pivot Tables.
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