The Cost of a Bad Migration

When law firms plan a document management system (DMS) migration, the conversation usually centers on the software being adopted. However, the real risk lies in what may be lost or broken during the process. A poorly executed migration does more than cause technical headaches. It causes lost billables, frustrates attorneys, and damages user trust over the long term. That is why Hive’s migration tools prevent disruption and deliver a seamless transition.

The Direct Costs of a Bad Migration

A failed or incomplete migration can quickly become expensive for firms. One of the most common issues is the loss of valuable hours when broken folder structures force attorneys and staff to navigate incomplete hierarchies. Another direct cost comes from missing files. When documents fail to transfer correctly, teams must either recreate them or recover them manually, both of which waste time. Post-migration cleanup also drains resources, since IT teams often spend weeks or months fixing problems and supporting frustrated users.

The Indirect Costs

While direct costs hurt, the hidden costs of a bad migration can be even more damaging. Attorneys lose trust in the DMS when they cannot find what they need. In many cases, they stop using the system altogether or create risky workarounds. Productivity also drops sharply. Every extra minute spent searching for files is a minute that does not generate revenue. Even worse, migration delays often lead to missed deadlines, which strain client relationships and erode satisfaction.

Hive’s Prevention Stack

Hive’s migration suite is purpose-built for legal environments, helping firms avoid both direct and indirect costs. With Hive Transfer, firms can manage bulk migrations while preserving metadata, folder structures, and permissions, ensuring important details stay intact. Meanwhile, Hive Intercept maintains continuity by automatically redirecting legacy links such as NRLs, DRFs, and PC Docs to their new NetDocuments locations, so attorneys never hit a dead end. In addition, Hive Inisght provides IT and Legal Ops with real-time visibility into adoption, system performance, and potential issues, adding another layer of confidence. With these tools working together, firms can catch problems early and keep the migration process smooth and secure.