The Demystification of the eTapestry Data Conversion

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When joining eTapestry you likely have gone through (or will go through) an eTapestry data conversion with one of eTapestry’s Technical Consultants. Quite simply, the conversion process is the first step in replacing your old system by transferring your current records into eTapestry. However, it is important to not take the name “data conversion” literally. It is not just the data that is being “converted”, but your organizations’ information, knowledge, and wisdom as well.

An eTapestry conversion is the process of developing a customized migration utility and experience to integrate your constituents into the eTapestry framework.

While any transition is stressful, we hope to make the conversion process a bit less mysterious. Let’s step through that definition, piece by piece. An eTapestry conversion is…

…the process…

Your conversion will be comprised of a data mapping/migration phase, testing/revisions phase, and completion/implementation phase. We’ll explain these phases as we continue the demystification process :)

…of developing a customized…

When all is said and done, our goal is to create as seamless of a transition from your previous software into eTapestry as possible; however, every conversion is unique and presents its own set of opportunities. During the mapping/migration phase, you and your Technical Consultant will merge his or her many years of experience with other organizations’ transitions into eTapestry with your in-depth understanding of your data. This process will expose you to methodologies that may not have been afforded to you with your previous database, and will help the Technical Consultant fine-tune their approach towards the conversion for your unique case.

…migration utility and experience…

While much of the conversion is focused around the data, it’s important not to lose sight of how this conversion impacts the user and accompanying processes. The experience is similar to moving your family into a new home; the people and most of the ‘things’ are the same, but it will take a while to get acclimated to the new environment. The testing/revisions phase is a two-way street, in that it will give you the opportunity to investigate how your data came over within the context of eTapestry, as well as explore and learn about eTapestry within the context of your data, in a hands-on manner. If any changes need to be made, you’ll simply pass those on to the consultant. Finally, in the completion/implementation phase, you simply confirm that you accept the database you and your consultant have been working on, and move towards setting up any additional modules.

…to integrate your constituents…

This move is not all about you. While there are many overt changes to how you will be processing data moving forward, there are also changes to how you manage the constituents in your database. It is easy to lose sight of the person behind the record in your database; but there is a person there wanting to help your organization prosper. The goal then becomes to foster an environment best able to nurture your constituents and fuel your mission by integrating existing and proven methodologies from your organizations procedures with your Technical Consultant’s experience and background.

…into the eTapestry framework.

Your passion is our purpose. We work with you to make informed, robust decisions to integrate your organization, data, and constituents into the best online fundraising solution for nonprofits worldwide. If you have been through a conversion, we hope we were able to make your transition into a new software solution an easy one. If you have yet to convert and have more questions, please feel free to post them in the comments, or contact us at conversions@etapestry.com.

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