Migrating to SharePoint is a crucial step for many businesses looking to modernise their IT infrastructure, improve collaboration, and enhance document management. However, the process can be complex, involving data transfers, security considerations, and compatibility challenges. Without proper planning and expertise, businesses may face downtime, data loss, or compliance issues.
This is where a SharePoint consultancy in London, such as Adepteq, comes into play. These experts help organisations plan, execute, and optimise SharePoint migrations efficiently. Whether transitioning from SharePoint On-Premises, Google Drive, or another cloud platform, working with professionals ensures a seamless and secure migration.
Understanding SharePoint Migration
What is SharePoint Migration?
SharePoint migration refers to the process of moving data, documents, and workflows from one system to another within the SharePoint environment. This could be:
- Migrating from SharePoint On-Premises to SharePoint Online
- Moving from another cloud storage solution like Google Drive or Dropbox to SharePoint
- Transferring data from legacy systems and file servers to SharePoint Online
A SharePoint migration isn’t just about moving files—it involves restructuring data, improving security, and optimising workflows to get the best out of SharePoint.
Why Businesses Migrate to SharePoint
There are several reasons why organisations choose to migrate to SharePoint:
- Enhanced collaboration – SharePoint enables real-time document sharing, version control, and team communication.
- Improved security – Microsoft provides enterprise-level security and compliance features.
- Integration with Microsoft 365 – Seamlessly works with Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and Power Automate.
- Scalability – Businesses can expand storage and features as they grow.
- Cost savings – Moving to SharePoint Online eliminates on-premises server maintenance costs.
Common Challenges in SharePoint Migration
Despite its benefits, SharePoint migration presents several challenges. Without proper planning, organisations may encounter data loss, compatibility issues, or downtime. Here are some of the most common challenges:
1. Data Complexity and Volume
Many businesses store vast amounts of data, including:
- Duplicate files
- Outdated documents
- Unstructured data with no categorisation
Without proper data cleansing and organisation, migration can lead to cluttered SharePoint environments, making it harder for employees to find what they need.
2. Compatibility Issues
Older systems or third-party applications may not integrate smoothly with SharePoint Online. Businesses need to assess whether their current applications and workflows will continue to function after migration.
3. Security and Compliance Risks
Data migration involves moving sensitive business information. Failure to implement proper security measures can lead to:
- Data breaches
- Non-compliance with GDPR and industry regulations
- Loss of critical information during transfer
4. User Adoption and Training
Employees may resist the change if they are unfamiliar with SharePoint. Without proper training and user engagement, businesses may struggle with low adoption rates and underutilised SharePoint features.
5. Business Downtime
If the migration process is not well planned, businesses risk significant downtime, affecting operations and productivity.
How a SharePoint Consultancy in London Can Help
A SharePoint consultancy in London, like Adepteq, provides expert guidance and structured migration strategies to overcome these challenges. Their services ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption.
1. Pre-Migration Assessment and Planning
A consultancy begins with a thorough assessment of your existing system:
- Analysing your current data, document structures, and workflows
- Identifying redundant and outdated files
- Evaluating security risks and compliance requirements
- Mapping out third-party integrations and their compatibility with SharePoint
This step ensures no data is lost, security is maintained, and the new environment is optimised for efficiency.
2. Choosing the Right Migration Approach
Every business has unique migration needs. A SharePoint consultancy helps select the best migration strategy, such as:
- Lift-and-Shift Migration – Moves data as is without restructuring. Best for businesses that want minimal changes.
- Reorganised Migration – Cleans, restructures, and optimises data before moving it to SharePoint. Ideal for maximising efficiency.
- Hybrid Migration – Keeps some data on-premises while moving critical files to SharePoint Online. Best for businesses with sensitive data that must stay local.
3. Data Cleansing and Optimisation
Before migrating, the consultancy team will:
- Remove duplicate files
- Classify and tag documents properly
- Implement metadata and folder structures for easy retrieval
- Ensure document version control is maintained
This step prevents clutter and improves searchability in SharePoint.
4. Security and Compliance Implementation
Consultants help set up:
- User permissions to control access to sensitive files
- Data encryption and security protocols
- Automated compliance checks to ensure GDPR compliance
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure logins
These measures protect business data and prevent unauthorised access.
5. Minimising Downtime and Business Disruption
A SharePoint consultancy ensures a seamless migration with minimal impact on daily operations by:
- Using advanced migration tools like ShareGate, Microsoft Migration Manager, and third-party solutions
- Testing the migration process on small data batches before full-scale migration
- Creating a rollback plan in case of unexpected issues
6. Customising SharePoint for Your Business Needs
Beyond migration, Adepteq helps customise SharePoint for your organisation’s unique needs. This includes:
- Developing automated workflows to streamline document approvals and notifications
- Integrating SharePoint with Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive
- Creating user-friendly dashboards for easy access to files and tools
7. Employee Training and Adoption Strategies
A successful migration requires employee engagement and training. Consultants provide:
- Training workshops and user guides
- Live support for troubleshooting
- Best practices for using SharePoint efficiently
The Role of Adepteq in SharePoint Migration
As a leading SharePoint consultancy in London, Adepteq provides tailored migration solutions, including:
- Full migration planning and execution
- Security and compliance auditing
- Post-migration support and optimisation
- Employee training to ensure smooth adoption
With years of expertise, Adepteq ensures that businesses experience a smooth and stress-free migration.
Post-Migration Best Practices
Once the migration is complete, businesses must follow best practices to maintain an optimised SharePoint environment:
Regular Performance Monitoring
Monitor SharePoint usage and identify performance bottlenecks. Use Microsoft 365 admin tools to track:
- Storage consumption
- File access patterns
- User activity logs
Governance and Policy Implementation
Define clear governance policies to ensure consistency and compliance. This includes:
- Document retention and archiving policies
- User access management
- Regular security audits
Ongoing Training and Support
Encourage employees to stay updated on new SharePoint features by providing ongoing training and resources.
Continuous Optimisation
Periodically assess SharePoint to:
- Remove unused files
- Optimise storage space
- Improve folder structures for better navigation
Conclusion
Migrating to SharePoint can be complex, but working with a SharePoint consultancy in London, such as Adepteq, ensures a smooth and successful transition. From planning and execution to security compliance and user training, professional support can maximise the benefits of SharePoint while minimising risks.
Whether you’re moving from an on-premises setup or another cloud storage platform, Adepteq’s expert services can help you unlock the full potential of SharePoint.Would you like to explore SharePoint migration for your business? Contact Adepteq today for expert guidance and tailored SharePoint solutions.