If you still run a Magento 1 based online store, then it’s critical to migrate your store to Magento 2 as soon as possible.
Now, if you’ve never done the Magento 2 migration before, then it could be overwhelming to understand where to start and what to expect during the Magento 2 migration process.
Recommended: Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration: The Everything Guide [2021]
Fortunately, we’re here to help you with that.
In this post, we’re going to share 5 key considerations to keep in mind when migrating your Magento 1 store to Magento 2 platform.
5 Key Considerations to Remember for Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration
When it comes to Magento 2 migration, there are lots of things to think about.
But, from our experience of migrating over 50 Magento 1 stores to Magento 2, here are the top 5 key considerations you need to remember when migrating to Magento 2.
1 – Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration Difficulty
Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration is not the easiest process. This is mainly because the Magento 2 platform comes with a totally different database design & architecture.
Moreover, Magento estimates that Magento 2 is only 20% larger than the Magento 1 platform. But, the amount of time it takes to successfully migrate a Magento 1 store to the Magento 2 platform mostly depends on the complexity, customizations, and the number of extensions integrated into your Magento 1 store.
2 – Importing Product & Customer Data
Fortunately for all of us, Magento has built a very handy tool – Magento 2 Data Migration Tool – that helps us to efficiently import all products & customer data to Magento 2.
This tool basically uses map files to transfer your data to Magento 2 store. Not only that but it also verifies & makes sure the consistency between database structures of Magento 1 & Magento 2, monitors the data transfer process, creates logs, and executes data verification tests.
3 – Importing Media Files
In Magento 2 migration process, the media data needs to be migrated manually.
And if you’re not sure how to import media files to Magneto 2, here’s the best guide that teaches how to migrate media files stored in both, the file system as well as in the database.
4 – Migrating Theme & Extensions
Unfortunately, most of your Magento 1 extensions will not be compatible with Magento 2. However, the Code Migration Toolkit might help you with migrating some of the extensions and custom code.
Therefore, all your Magento 1 extensions and the theme will need to be recreated or rebuilt to run properly in your new Magento 2 store.
We’ve also written a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to use Code Migration Tool for Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration. You should definitely check it out!
5 – Store Performance Considerations
It is possible that despite proper planning, the Magento 1 to Magento 2 migration process may not work perfectly and that’s completely fine.
You might also see some error messages after the migration process and that’s completely normal.
Many times, the Magento 2 migration process is not always perfect and any error that occurs can always be fixed by reaching out to a certified Magento developer.
So, if you’re faced with an error message during the migration process, no need to freak out. Just reach out to an expert Magento developer for assistance.
Ending Note
Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migration is definitely not easy but necessary if you want to survive in the eCommerce market.
And though the migration process is tedious, but with proper planning, it can certainly be made easier.
However, if you’re not familiar with Magento 2 Migration process at all, it’s best to partner with a Magento agency for Magento 2 Migration Service and leave it to the pros.