FOR A SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT AND A SMOOTH MIGRATION PROCESS
No matter how well your security systems are protected, there will come a time when parts of your systems become outdated or reach end-of-life. Even though they may still seem to function well, it is important to replace them before any issues arise. End-of-life systems, for example, are no longer compatible with the latest (management) software. There’s a real chance that a system or component reaching end-of-life or becoming outdated will fail soon. This could lead to serious problems. Are you hesitant about replacing your systems? Thanks to the six tips in this article, you won’t need to worry about the migration process. Manufacturers of security systems and components are continuously innovating. They constantly develop new, better, or faster products based on the latest technology, which they must do to remain competitive. When a new version of a product is introduced, the older version typically reaches end-of-life. This has consequences for the users of those systems or components.
- No more support is provided, even if the system fails;
- The end-of-life system and components are no longer compatible with the latest (management) software;
- System expansions are no longer possible.
Fortunately, most suppliers or system integrators notify their customers in a timely manner when a system is approaching end-of-life. If your security system is outdated or nearing end-of-life, you need to make decisions. Will you leave the outdated system in place, with all the associated risks? Or are the risks too great, and you decide to replace it? Fortunately, most organizations are aware of the risks of keeping old systems in place. They rightfully choose to replace these outdated systems. By a newer system from the same supplier or a system from a different brand. Depending on the system’s role in an organization and its complexity, a system migration can be quite involved. Mactwin has a lot of experience in replacing end-of-life systems. We’ve analyzed these experiences and identified the critical success factors in migration projects. We’ve translated these into 6 tips to ensure that your migration process runs smoothly and guarantees a sustainable investment.
1. Risk assessment
Since you’re already replacing your system, take this opportunity to review your risks and desired security level. New risks may have emerged over time, or previously identified risks may no longer be relevant. Is your security still adequate, or does it need to be adjusted to match the new risk profile?
2. Inventory and reuse of existing components and cabling
Determine the exact scope of your current installation to clarify the migration project’s scope. Collaborate with your system integrator to evaluate which existing components and cabling can potentially be reused. If necessary after they have been refurbished. Reusing well-functioning parts in the new system can help reduce costs. However, these components must be compatible with the new systems (and software) and comply with current standards.
3. Selection of future-proof system
Choose a new system that meets current requirements, is compatible with the latest technology, and complies with the relevant laws and regulations. Also, ensure that the system is future-proof, meaning it’s flexible enough to be adapted to future needs, requirements, and circumstances.
4. Risks in the migration process
Identify potential risks during the migration process and consider how to minimize them. For example, there’s a risk that (part of) your organization may be insufficiently secured temporarily. This can be addressed by deploying (extra) security personnel, (additional) camera surveillance, or other temporary security measures.
At Mactwin, we often choose to keep the outdated or end-of-life system operational during the implementation of the new system. We do this until all databases have been transferred and any initial issues are resolved. This allows us to quickly revert to the old system in case of an emergency. During long-term (phased) projects, we keep the removed but still functional system components in stock. If a part of the old system fails during the migration, we can (temporarily) replace it. Typically, new parts for outdated systems are no longer available, so we create our own stock of spare parts, ensuring your business continuity is safeguarded, even if you haven’t fully transitioned to the new system yet.
5. Migration plan
Ensure your security system integrator creates a comprehensive migration plan, answering the following questions:
- How can the project be divided into phases?
- What are the milestones, and what is the total project timeline?
- What measures will be taken to minimize risks (see tip 4)?
- What will be done to minimize any inconvenience caused by the work?
For large projects with multiple locations, phasing the migration is often unavoidable. Locations are transitioned to the new system one by one, while the old system continues to operate at the other locations.
6. Internal communication
Keep your organization’s employees and other stakeholders informed about the (planning of the) work, the potential unavailability of systems, or any inconvenience caused. Don’t forget to highlight the importance of the migration and the benefits of the new system for its users.
Need advice?
Are you dealing with a system that is outdated or reaching end-of-life? Feel free to contact us to discuss how we can plan your migration process.