Migrating from QlikView to Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud is a significant step towards modernizing your analytics capabilities.
With QlikView no longer being developed, making the switch is essential in the long term. By moving to a more advanced platform, you will benefit from enhanced user experiences, powerful analytics, and greater flexibility. This article explores the migration process and highlights the benefits, strategies, and best practices for ensuring a smooth transition.
Understanding QlikView
Core Features and Capabilities
QlikView’s strengths lie in its in-memory data processing, allowing rapid data exploration and visualization. Key features include:
- Associative data model
- Rich interactive dashboards
- Powerful scripting and data manipulation
- Robust security and governance
Limitations of QlikView
Introducing Qlik Sense
Key Features and Benefits of Qlik Sense
- Self-service analytics: Empower users to create their own dashboards and reports.
- Smart visualizations: Automatic visualization suggestions based on data.
- Advanced analytics: Integrate with R and Python for sophisticated analyses.
- Collaboration: Share insights and work collaboratively within the platform.
How Qlik Sense differs from QlikView
Exploring Qlik Cloud
Advantages of Cloud-Based Analytics
- Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down based on demand.
- Accessibility: Access analytics from anywhere, on any device.
- Cost-efficiency: Reduce infrastructure and maintenance costs.
- Automatic updates: Always have access to the latest features and improvements.
Key Features of Qlik Cloud
- Multi-cloud architecture: Deploy across public, private, or hybrid clouds.
- Advanced data integration: Seamlessly connect to various data sources.
- Enhanced security: Robust security features to protect data.
- AI and machine learning: Leverage AI to gain deeper insights.
Why Migrate to Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud?
Enhanced User Experience
Migrating to Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud provides a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, enabling users to easily create, explore, and share analytics.
Advanced Analytics and Visualizations
With Qlik Sense and Qlik Cloud, users can leverage advanced analytics capabilities and cutting-edge visualizations, providing deeper insights and better decision-making.
Scalability and Flexibility
Qlik Cloud’s scalable architecture ensures that your analytics can grow with your business needs, offering unparalleled flexibility and performance.
Future-Proofing
Rely on the same excellent functionality you know from QlikView, but refreshed and forward-looking. Qlik Sense and Qlik Cloud build on the proven strengths of QlikView, enhancing them with modern features and continuous innovations. This ensures you stay at the cutting edge of technology and can benefit from the latest developments in data analytics in the long term.
Preparing for Migration
Assessing Current QlikView Environment
Before migrating, it’s essential to assess your current QlikView environment. Understand the scope of your existing data models, dashboards, and reports to plan effectively.
Identifying Key Stakeholders
Identify the key stakeholders, including business users, IT staff, and executives, to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed during the migration process.
Setting Migration Goals and Timelines
Set clear migration goals and realistic timelines. Define what success looks like and establish milestones to track progress.
Migration Strategies
Lift and Shift Approach
This approach involves moving existing QlikView applications to Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud with minimal changes. It’s quick but may not fully leverage the new platform’s capabilities.
Refactoring Dashboards and Reports
Refactoring offers the opportunity to design dashboards and reports that use the advanced functions of Qlik Sense and question and improve existing analyses. This requires more effort but delivers a better end result.
Hybrid Migration Strategy
A hybrid approach combines elements of both lift and shift and rebuilding. Migrate some applications as-is while redesigning others for optimal performance.
The Best Tool for Qlik Migration
iVIEW Library simplifies the migration from QlikView to Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud in several ways:
- Automatic Conversion and Centralized Management of KPI Definitions
iVIEW Library automatically converts expressions from QlikView into Master Items in Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud. This centralizes KPI management, streamlines the analytics process, and enables consistent reporting along with improved data management. All key metrics remain consistent and easily accessible, significantly simplifying the migration process. - Efficient Handling of Variables
Traditionally, migrating QlikView apps involves managing variable lists or exporting variables to Excel. iVIEW Library automatically reads exported content, converts variables into expressions, and structures them into centralized Master Items. These can then be seamlessly integrated into Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud applications, saving time and effort. - Centralization and Consistency
iVIEW Library ensures that KPI definitions are centralized, providing a single point of reference for Qlik content. This facilitates consistent reporting and enhances decision-making within the organization. - Reduced Effort and Increased Efficiency
By automating and centralizing the migration process, iVIEW Library reduces the effort required for migration and increases efficiency by minimizing the time and resources typically associated with migration. - Redesign of QlikView Applications for Qlik Sense and/or Qlik Cloud
iVIEW Library supports the redesign and optimization of existing QlikView applications for seamless integration into Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud. - Simplified Expression Conversion, KPI Management, and App Development
With centralized control of items for Qlik Sense and Qlik Cloud, the conversion of expressions, management of KPIs, and development of applications are simplified.
Data Management in Migration
Ensuring Data Quality and Consistency
Ensure that data quality and consistency are maintained during migration. This involves validating data before and after the move to detect and resolve discrepancies.
Migrating Data Models
Convert QlikView data models to Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud. This may require adjustments to accommodate differences in data handling and storage.
Handling Data Security and Compliance
Maintain data security and compliance throughout the migration process. Ensure that sensitive data is protected and regulatory requirements are met.
Tool and Script Migration
Converting QlikView Scripts to Qlik Sense
QlikView scripts can be adopted 1:1 in QlikSense with the exception of a few adaptations. The adaptations include the new construction of the connections to the databases or data files, as well as the new structure of the section access script (row-level security).
Dashboard and Report Migration
Redesigning Dashboards in Qlik Sense
Due to the new technology, dashboards must be rebuilt. The QlikView migration tool, which migrates objects from QlikView to QlikSense or Qlik Cloud, can be used here.
Leveraging Qlik Sense’s Advanced Visualization Capabilities
Take advantage of Qlik Sense’s smart visualizations, responsive design, and advanced charting options to enhance the user experience.
Testing and Validation of Migrated Reports
Thoroughly test and validate all migrated reports to ensure they function correctly and provide accurate insights.
Post-Migration Optimization
Monitoring Performance and Usage
Monitor the performance and usage of the new platform to identify areas for improvement and ensure optimal performance.
Continuous Improvement of Analytics
Continuously refine and enhance your analytics capabilities by incorporating user feedback and staying updated with new features.
Gathering User Feedback and Making Adjustments
Regularly gather user feedback to understand their needs and make necessary adjustments to improve the overall experience.
Conclusion
Migrating from QlikView to Qlik Sense or Qlik Cloud is a strategic move that can significantly enhance your organization’s analytics capabilities.
By following a structured approach and leveraging the strengths of the new platforms, you can achieve a seamless transition that provides long-term benefits. Embrace the change, invest in training and support, and continuously optimize your analytics environment to stay ahead in the data-driven world.
FAQ
Yes, you can choose to migrate only specific applications or datasets. This phased approach allows you to manage the migration more effectively and minimize disruption.
