From Excel to cosmetic PLM: migration guide for formulas and raw-material data
The hardest part of R&D system implementation is rarely file upload. The real challenge is turning organically grown spreadsheets into a consistent model: which formula is valid, which materials are duplicates and which documents are current? This guide outlines a pragmatic path.
In short: how should an Excel-to-PLM migration start?
Do not begin with “import every file.” Start with data inventory, target model and cleanup rules. Migrate active and relevant records first, assign owners and preserve historical raw data as an archive instead of copying it into the new system without review.
Key takeaways
- Inventory data sources
- Define golden source by data type
- Clean duplicate materials
- Prioritize active formulas
- Validate migration through expert sampling
See it with your own data
In 30 minutes we walk you through the workflow using your formulas and raw materials. No obligation, reply within one business day.
Phase 1: inventory
Build an overview of formula files, raw-material lists, specifications, testing folders, stability trackers, supplier data and project trackers. Assess owner, recency and quality for each source.
Phase 2: target data model
Define the objects in the new system: material, INCI, supplier, formula, version, project, batch, test, document and approval. Only then can spreadsheet columns be mapped meaningfully.
Phase 3: cleanup and mapping
Duplicates, inconsistent units, supplier-name variants and free-text fields are common. Rules should be documented reproducibly, with domain experts confirming critical mappings.
Phase 4: pilot and staged migration
Migrate a representative set first and test real workflows. Then move active projects, approved products and historical data in sensible waves. Big-bang imports of every old file usually increase risk.
Migration priority
| Active development projects | Very high | Needed for current work |
| Current material master | Very high | Foundation for formulas |
| Approved products | High | Reference and change management |
| Historical tests | Medium | Value depends on data quality |
| Obsolete files | Low | Archive rather than blindly migrate |
Frequently asked questions
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