Introduction
Diagram: Data Migration FlowPaper/Data Sources → Digitization → Structuring → ELN
Data migration is one of the most technically and operationally challenging aspects of implementing an Electronic Lab Notebook. While selecting and configuring the system are critical steps, the success of the implementation ultimately depends on how effectively existing data is transitioned into the new environment.
In academic research, data exists in many forms—paper notebooks, spreadsheets, instrument files, shared drives, and cloud storage platforms. This diversity makes migration complex. Institutions must decide not only how to move data, but also what data should be migrated, how it should be structured, and how it will be used going forward.
A thoughtful approach to data migration ensures that valuable historical data is preserved while laying the foundation for consistent, high-quality data management in the future.