Migrating Database to Microsoft SharePoint Online

Overview

Our client a  Boutique Builders required a cloud based platform that could host their existing database, preserve all group policies, and support future expansion without locking the company into a single vendor.

Solution Overview

• Governance Planning - Convened workshops with board members to define data ownership roles, retention schedules, and compliance checkpoints (GDPR, ISO 27001). Drafted a Data Governance Charter. Sets clear expectations and reduces legal risk.

• SharePoint Architecture - Built a SharePoint Online tenant under the company’s microsoft 365 account. Created site collections for each business unit with unique permission levels. Enabled Content Types and Managed Metadata to enforce naming conventions. Provides granular control while leveraging Microsoft’s native compliance features.

• Data Migration - Used Microsoft Power Automate + ShareGate to map relational tables into list structures, preserving relationships via lookup columns. Implemented incremental sync for real time updates during the transition window. Minimises downtime and ensures data integrity.

• Future Proofing - Deployed a PowerApps front end for custom forms, integrated with Microsoft Power BI for reporting, and set up a SharePoint Framework (SPFx) web part to preview large datasets directly in the browser. Gives stakeholders immediate insight while keeping the platform extensible.

Outcome

• 99.7 % of records migrated with zero corruption.

• The firm now enjoys automated backups, audit logs, and compliance reporting built into SharePoint.

• Board members confirmed that the solution aligns with their strategic roadmap for digital transformation.