If your business is still using an Access database as your CRM system, then your staff will probably be working in the dark ages of software.

Access is outdated, limited, and prone to errors and crashes..often.

So, you decide to upgrade to the latest Enterprise CRM system; but how do you plan and execute a successful migration from Access to CRM? Here are three ways NOT to do it:

Way 1: Place a job on a freelancer site

Surely the easiest and safest way to migrate from Access to CRM is to hire a professional from one of the many freelancer sites?

Right?

They will have the experience and can probably analyse your current system; however, that is where the you may find it all goes wrong. As it is a custom solution, you need to be sure the security and operation of the platform is well tested. This requires your freelancer to have factored in time and contingencies for all outcomes. It also requires them to be good at testing their own software which is very unlikely.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that some of these sites have over 2 million freelancers. That is impressive however many of them can turn out to be inexperienced, unskilled, or dishonest. Will you blindly trust them with your sensitive and valuable data, and hope that they don’t mess up or run away with it?

Way 2: Do it yourself with some online tutorials and tools

The cheapest and fastest way to migrate from Access to CRM is to do it yourself with some online tutorials and tools. You can find plenty of resources on the internet that can teach you how to migrate from Access to CRM step by step. You can also use some free or low-cost tools that can help you automate some of the tasks, such as data extraction, conversion, and migration. You can also use some trial or demo versions of CRM platforms that can let you test and evaluate their features and functionalities.

Of course, this way is also the most risky and challenging way. You’ll have to learn a lot of new skills and technologies, deal with a lot of technical issues and errors, and spend a lot of time and effort on the project. You’ll also have to take full responsibility for the outcome and quality of the project and face the consequences if something goes wrong or fails.

Way 3: Just wing it and hope for the best

The most fun and adventurous way to migrate from Access to CRM is to just wing it and hope for the best. You don’t need to plan or prepare anything, just jump right into the action and figure things out as you go along. You don’t need to follow any rules or guidelines, just do whatever you feel like doing and see what happens. You don’t need to worry about anything, just enjoy the thrill and excitement of the unknown and the unexpected.

Of course, this way is also the most foolish and reckless way. You’ll have to face a lot of problems and surprises, such as data loss, corruption, or breach, system malfunction, crash, or outage, user dissatisfaction, frustration, or complaint, and project failure, delay, or cancellation. You’ll also have to deal with a lot of stress, anxiety, and anger, from yourself, your users, your stakeholders, and your boss.