Seven SQL Checks Every Data Migration Team Should Run Before Mapping

Data profiling is a distinct pre-migration step that examines source data to reveal what is actually present before any cleaning or transformation begins. A structured approach involves running seven checks on every table, including row counts, blank required fields, duplicate identifiers, orphaned records, format inconsistencies, and value ranges. Each finding must be classified as either a transformation rule, a scope decision requiring client input, or a documented risk on the project plan. Conflating profiling with cleaning is a common mistake that eliminates the window where findings could still reshape the project timeline or approach. Profiling also provides concrete, data-backed answers when stakeholders ask about timelines or complexity.