Which sequence is the recommended order for data migration planning?

• A. Prepare, Plan, Validate, Execute, Test
• B. Plan, Prepare, Validate, Execute, Test
• C. Prepare, Plan, Test, Execute, Validate
• D. Plan, Prepare, Test, Execute, Validate

Answer: (D)

In data migration planning, you want to establish direction first, then get everything ready, verify the approach, perform the move, and finally confirm results. Starting with planning sets the goals, scope, success criteria, and stakeholder alignment, which guides every later decision. Next comes preparation: cleaning and mapping data, configuring the target environment and migration tools, and outlining the cutover steps so the actual move runs smoothly. Testing comes before execution to catch issues with data mappings, quality checks, and the migration process in a safe, non-production setting. Only after these checks is the actual migration performed. Finally, validation verifies that the migrated data is complete and accurate in the new system, confirming success and guiding any post-move tweaks or rollback if needed.

This order—Plan, Prepare, Test, Execute, Validate—best supports minimizing risk and ensuring data integrity. Other sequences can leave you unprepared for issues, test too late, or validate results before the data has actually moved, which can mask problems and lead to surprises during go-live.