Data Migration from Navision to Business Central Using Azure
Katie Tran
Project Manager
Business Analyst
Data Analyst
Azure
Azure SQL Database
Microsoft Power BI
**Objective:**
To facilitate the seamless migration and consolidation of data from Navision (on-premise) to Business Central (cloud) into a unified Azure SQL database. This database will serve as the single source of truth for reporting, with data visualization provided by Power BI for real-time insights.
**Project Overview:**
This project involves developing APIs for data extraction, performing data transformation and consolidation using Azure Synapse, and creating a comprehensive reporting solution with Power BI. The project will ensure accurate data mapping and transformation, providing the client with a robust and efficient data migration and reporting framework.
**Key Steps and Deliverables:**
1. **Develop APIs for Both Databases:**
- Create APIs to facilitate data extraction from Navision and Business Central.
- Ensure secure and efficient data transfer mechanisms.
- Validate API functionality and performance to handle large volumes of data.
2. **Extract Data to Azure SQL Database:**
- Use the developed APIs to extract data from both Navision and Business Central.
- Load the extracted data into an interim staging area in Azure SQL database for initial processing.
- Ensure data integrity and consistency during the extraction process.
3. **Communicate Closely with Client for Data Mapping:**
- Engage with the client to understand the data structure and schema of both systems.
- Develop a detailed data mapping document that outlines how data fields from Navision map to corresponding fields in Business Central.
- Obtain client approval on the data mapping to ensure alignment with business requirements.
4. **Transform Data Using Data Pipelines and Scripts:**
- Design and implement data transformation pipelines using Azure Synapse.
- Write scripts to cleanse, normalize, and transform the data according to the mapping document.
- Address any data quality issues and ensure that transformed data meets the required standards.
5. **Consolidate Data:**
- Merge the transformed data from both Navision and Business Central into a single, consolidated database in Azure SQL.
- Ensure that the consolidated data is accurate, complete, and ready for reporting.
- Perform rigorous testing to validate the integrity and consistency of the consolidated data.
6. **Connect Final Database in Azure SQL to Power BI:**
- Set up a live connection between the consolidated Azure SQL database and Power BI.
- Ensure that the connection supports real-time data updates for up-to-date reporting.
7. **Create Master Data Model:**
- Develop a comprehensive master data model in Power BI that integrates data from the consolidated database.
- Define key metrics, dimensions, and hierarchies to support business reporting needs.
- Optimize the data model for performance and ease of use.
8. **Visualize Data Using Power BI with Live Connection:**
- Create interactive and dynamic Power BI dashboards and reports that provide real-time insights.
- Customize visualizations to meet the specific reporting requirements of different stakeholders.
- Ensure the dashboards are intuitive and provide valuable business insights.
**Expected Outcomes:**
- A fully integrated and consolidated Azure SQL database containing data from both Navision and Business Central.
- Accurate and comprehensive data mapping and transformation processes.
- Real-time data visualization and reporting capabilities using Power BI.
- Enhanced decision-making through accessible and reliable data insights.
**Conclusion:**
This project will leverage Azure Synapse and Power BI to provide a seamless and efficient data migration and reporting solution. By consolidating data from Navision and Business Central into a unified Azure SQL database, the project will enable the client to gain real-time, actionable insights, driving better business outcomes and strategic decision-making.
