Start with a read-only source position.
Preserve the source company files and backup state before extraction. Migration preparation should not write back into Peachtree or Sage 50.
Separate active opening data from historical archive.
Customers, suppliers, chart of accounts, open receivables, payables, bank positions, inventory and fixed assets may need different treatment. Closed historical detail should be moved only when there is a clear reporting or operating reason.
Stage and map before loading production.
Accounts, parties, dates, references, taxes and opening structures need mapping and exception review. Duplicates or inconsistent source records should be resolved in staging rather than hidden during import.
Let the accountant sign off the opening.
Trial balance, receivables, payables, bank, tax, stock and other in-scope positions should reconcile to agreed source reports. Final loading should follow named approval, not an automatic posting shortcut.
Migration is also a chance to simplify.
Old codes, inactive records and workarounds that no longer serve the business should not automatically become permanent parts of the new ERP.