At a glance
| Timeline | 4 weeks typical; 2 weeks minimum, 8+ weeks for complex multi-system |
| Your time | 2–4 hours per week (we’ll tell you upfront if yours is more) |
| Cutover window | 4–8 hours (typically a weekend) |
| You’re in control | You decide when to go live |
| Your data | Fully backed up throughout |
What we can migrate from
We can migrate data from most scientific platforms, including LIMS, ELN, QMS, eBR/MES, and document management systems—as well as spreadsheets, databases, and paper-based processes. During the assessment phase, we evaluate your source system and confirm we can extract the data you need.How it works
1
Assessment (1 week)
We evaluate your source system and profile your data. We’ll meet with you to walk through what will be migrated, how it will map to Seal, and what the end result will look like. After this phase, you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re getting—and a fixed timeline to get there.
2
Test migration (1–2 weeks)
We run a complete test migration into a Seal test environment. This is a full dry run—we migrate everything and run all validation checks. You continue using your current system normally—no disruption.
3
You verify (1–2 weeks)
Your team reviews the migrated data in the test environment. We resolve any issues you find. Only once you’re satisfied do we proceed.
4
Final migration and go-live (4–8 hours)
We capture any new data entered since the initial extraction, run final validation, and switch you over. Your previous system remains available read-only for 1–2 weeks.
What we migrate
Records and fields
All records with their complete field values, exactly as stored in your source system.
Relationships
Links between records are preserved—sample to study, result to sample, document to batch.
Audit trails
Complete change history with timestamps, users, and previous values for every modification.
Electronic signatures
Signer identity, timestamp, and meaning (approved, reviewed, witnessed) all preserved.
Files and attachments
Documents, images, raw data files—everything attached to your records.
User attributions
Who created, modified, or approved each record—including former employees.
Validation
We run automated tests comparing your source data against migrated data—record by record, field by field. What we verify:- Records — counts match exactly, every record exists, nothing extra
- Field values — exact match including nulls, decimals, special characters, dates
- Relationships — all links preserved (sample→study, result→sample), hierarchies intact
- Files — counts match, checksums verified, attached to correct records
- Audit trails — complete history, correct order, right users, previous values preserved
- Signatures — signer, timestamp, meaning, and record linking all verified
See detailed validation checks
See detailed validation checks
| What we check | What this means | How we verify it |
|---|---|---|
| Record counts | Total records per entity type match exactly | Count source, count Seal, compare |
| Record existence | Every source record exists in Seal | Hash all source IDs, verify all present |
| No extra records | Nothing added by mistake | Reverse-check from Seal back to source |
| Field values | Every value matches exactly | Field-by-field comparison, exact string matching for critical fields |
| Null handling | Empty stays empty, null stays null | Explicit null vs empty check |
| Numeric precision | Decimals preserved exactly (3.14159 stays 3.14159) | Compare numbers as strings |
| Text integrity | No truncation or encoding corruption | Length check, character-by-character comparison |
| Date accuracy | Timestamps match to the second | ISO 8601 comparison with timezone |
| Relationships | All links between records preserved | Look up every foreign key |
| Hierarchies | Folder structures and trees intact | Traverse and compare structure |
| File counts | Same files per record | Count attachments, flag differences |
| File integrity | No corruption | SHA-256 checksum comparison |
| File associations | Attached to correct records | Verify parent record IDs |
| Audit entries | Complete history preserved | Count entries per record |
| Audit chronology | Correct order | Timestamp ordering check |
| Audit attribution | Right user for each action | User ID comparison |
| Previous values | Historical values preserved | Verify “changed from X to Y” entries |
| Signature identity | Correct signer | User ID comparison |
| Signature timestamp | Exact time preserved | Timestamp comparison |
| Signature meaning | Approved/reviewed/witnessed preserved | Meaning code comparison |
| Signature linking | Attached to correct records | Record ID verification |
Your bespoke test criteria
In addition to our standard checks, we meet with you to define custom validation criteria specific to your data and business rules—things only you would know to check. Examples:- “All batch records from 2023 should have a linked deviation or explicit ‘no deviation’ flag”
- “Sample IDs starting with ‘QC-’ must have a corresponding calibration record”
- “Every approved SOP should have at least one training record associated”
Sample report
GxP compliance and safety nets
Our migration process meets the requirements of GMP, GLP, and GCP environments, including 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11. Locked records stay locked—approved or released records in your source system remain locked in Seal.Full backup
We store a complete data export from your provider securely—an extra layer of protection throughout the process.
You stay in control
You decide when to go live. Until you give the green light, your current system keeps running and nothing changes for your team.
60 days dedicated support
Priority access to our migration team for 60 days after go-live. Any questions about your data, we’re a message away.
Client review and sign-off
Before go-live, we walk you through validation results, data completeness, and any limitations. We provide a written report documenting the entire migration, which becomes part of your validation package. We do not proceed until you are satisfied.Common questions
What if our data is messy?
What if our data is messy?
We profile your data during assessment and identify quality issues upfront. You decide how to handle them. We document everything.
What about data entered during migration?
What about data entered during migration?
We capture it. Before go-live, we extract all new and modified records. Nothing is lost.
What about former employees?
What about former employees?
Historical records keep their original attribution. Audit trails always show who actually performed the action.
Can we exclude certain data?
Can we exclude certain data?
Yes. You define the scope—we document what’s included and excluded.
What if we have trouble getting data from our current provider?
What if we have trouble getting data from our current provider?
There are usually multiple ways to extract data—APIs, database exports, or standard file exports. We’ll work with you to find the smoothest path and can coordinate with your provider if helpful.
What does it cost?
What does it cost?
Pricing depends on data volume, system complexity, and timeline. After the assessment phase, you’ll receive a fixed quote. No surprises.
What you provide
We handle the technical work. Your team’s involvement is minimal:| What you provide | Time required |
|---|---|
| System access (read-only) | One-time setup |
| Review data mapping | 1–2 hours |
| Subject matter expert availability | 2–4 hours/week |
| Test and verify migrated data | 1–2 weeks |
| Sign-off | When you’re ready |
Ready to get started? We begin with an assessment to understand your current system. After one week, you’ll have a detailed migration plan with fixed timeline and pricing.