A Smarter Path to Salesforce Org Migration

What every leader should know before combining or consolidating Salesforce environments.

Why do Salesforce org migrations matter?

A Salesforce org migration is more than a technical milestone—it’s a defining moment for your
business. When an organization decides to combine, migrate, or rebuild its Salesforce
environments, it’s not just moving data and configurations—it’s resetting, realigning, and
building the foundation for scalable growth.

At Solvit, we’ve led numerous Salesforce org migrations for companies undergoing mergers,
acquisitions, or large-scale system cleanups. We’ve seen firsthand how the right approach
transforms the work from “moving data” to enabling a smarter, more connected business—one
built on clean, reliable information.

“Done right, a Salesforce migration should never disrupt your day-to-day business.”

When should I consider a Salesforce org migration?

For many organizations, a Salesforce org migration begins with a merger or acquisition. The
goal is to integrate two Salesforce environments into one—consolidating CRM data into a
single, trusted view of the customer and achieving true operational alignment.

But M&A isn’t the only driver. Some companies look to consolidate multiple Salesforce orgs
created over time for different business units or regions. Others use migration as a chance to
start fresh after years of accumulating technical debt and data sprawl.

“We’ve worked with organizations that decided to move into a brand-new Salesforce instance
because their old environment was too far gone. It’s a clean slate—a way to rebuild the system
around what the business looks like today, not what it looked like five years ago.”

Whether driven by acquisition, cleanup, or consolidation, these projects share a common goal:
to unify customer data and simplify how teams work.

What are some common misconceptions about Salesforce org migrations?

Business leaders often underestimate just how complex a Salesforce org migration can be. It’s
easy to assume it’s a matter of exporting and importing data—but few anticipate the amount of
time, effort, and coordination required. Once the work begins, the layers of validation, testing,
and cleanup reveal just how interconnected every process, automation, and data point truly is.

Another misconception is believing that the entire project can be outsourced. While a consulting
partner can handle the technical execution, internal teams play a crucial role. They’re the ones
who understand the business and know the data, so it’s down to them to decide what’s worth
keeping, what needs to be cleaned, and what can finally be retired. The most successful data

migrations are a result of both teams working closely together, keeping the camaraderie,
support, and problem-solving spirit alive when challenges emerge.

What are some best practices for merging Salesforce instances?

When handled strategically, a Salesforce org migration isn’t just an IT project—it’s a business
transformation. It’s a rare opportunity to pause, take stock, and intentionally design how your
organization will operate moving forward.

At Solvit, we see the biggest payoff in four key areas:

Come prepared: Start early by auditing data and streamlining processes. Identify duplicates,
decide what to keep, and plan for retiring or archiving outdated information to create a cleaner,
more efficient environment ready for growth.

Process reengineering: Reimagine how teams collaborate, track progress, and move
opportunities through the pipeline. A migration provides a natural breakpoint to simplify
workflows, align departments, and remove friction that may have gone unnoticed in daily
operations.

Metadata optimization: Over time, Salesforce orgs accumulate layers of custom fields,
validation rules, and automations that no longer serve the business. A migration offers the
perfect opportunity to streamline—keeping what drives value and clearing away what doesn’t.

Revisit old assumptions: A migration is the ideal moment to question long-standing decisions
and evaluate whether they still fit your future state. A frequent example we have come across at
Solvit is how file storage is managed. Taking a fresh look at these foundational choices often
reveals simpler, more scalable ways to handle information and reduce long-term maintenance.

“We’ve seen instances with hundreds of custom fields, many of which were no longer valuable.

A migration gives you the rare chance to strip away the clutter and rebuild a cleaner, more
effective foundation.”

What risks should we look out for?

In addition to underestimating the overall effort of an org migration, several key risks can impact
success if not carefully managed:

Data Integrity Loss:

Maintaining clean, reliable data requires more than just exporting records—it demands a
bulletproof backup and migration plan. At Solvit, we always start from the most complete copy
available, creating multiple checkpoints so data can be validated, rolled back, or corrected safely before production.

Integration Dependencies:

Connected systems—such as ERP, PSA, or marketing platforms—must be reviewed and
sequenced carefully to prevent broken links and workflow failures. Mapping dependencies early
ensures continuity across your broader tech stack.

Business Disruption:

Running validation and testing in a full sandbox keeps the day-to-day operations running while
the new org takes shape. Just as important is sticking to clear cutover plans—know yourblackout dates, communicate them early, and don’t move the goalposts once they’re set.

Over-Engineering Changes:

It’s tempting to rebuild everything during migration, but major design shifts can overwhelm users
and delay adoption. The smarter approach is to move essential functionality first, stabilize the
system, and then enhance over time.

How does Solvit manage org migrations?

At Solvit, we’ve managed Salesforce org migrations of every scale—from straightforward
consolidations to complex post-acquisition integrations. Our experience has taught us that the
difference between a smooth migration and a stressful one comes down to discipline, planning,
and partnership.

Every project begins with a structured roadmap designed to minimize disruption and maintain
full control from start to finish. We document every step in a detailed runbook—defining what
data is moving, in what order, and how dependencies are managed. This framework ensures
accuracy, consistency, and traceability at every stage.

“Org migrations are serial in nature. You can’t do everything at once. Everything hangs off the
account, so you get that right first—then move forward step by step.”

Our iterative validation process reflects that philosophy. We move methodically—migrating
accounts and contacts first, then opportunities, projects, and related records—verifying data
integrity at each milestone before progressing. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s what keeps
migrations predictable, transparent, and low-risk.

We also emphasize careful cutover planning. There’s never a single flip of the switch between
systems. A well-managed migration includes a short transition period, often a few days, where
users capture key information offline and re-enter it once the new org is live. That foresight
prevents data loss, reduces downtime, and helps teams stay productive throughout the change.

With experience comes foresight; we know what red flags to watch for and how to address them
before they become real problems. Missed deadlines, incomplete data, or last-minute “scope
creep” can derail a project if left unchecked. That’s why we call issues out immediately,
recalibrate timelines when needed, and keep communication open and direct.

Ultimately, Solvit’s expertise lies not just in technical execution, but in managing the human side
of migration—keeping teams aligned, expectations realistic, and progress steady. Our clients
trust us because we’ve done it before, we know where the pitfalls are, and we take ownership of getting them safely across the finish line.

“We’ve done enough of these to know what’s coming. You need the right tools, the right plan,
and the right people in the room.”

What should we plan for after the migration?

Completing a Salesforce migration is only the beginning; the real value comes from maintaining
the structure and clarity you’ve built.

Keeping that clean slate takes discipline. At Solvit, we recommend strong governance and
critical thinking, especially when new requests start coming in.

“Don’t say yes to every request that comes across your desk. Be an analyst first, then an
admin.”

Long-term success depends on consistency. With clear governance, regular audits, and
continued collaboration between business and technology teams, your Salesforce environment
stays scalable, efficient, and ready for whatever comes next.

Ready to learn more?

Successful migrations are never done in isolation. They require deep Salesforce expertise,
structured project management, and a clear understanding of how technology supports your
business goals. Here’s why building a long-term relationship with a Salesforce consulting
partner can make all the difference.