How to Migrate from Fivetran: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you are using Fivetran, you know how quickly it can get your data flowing without the trouble of building pipelines from scratch. But as your data needs have grown, you might have noticed costs creeping up, transformations feeling restricted, or control slipping out of your hands.

If any of this sounds familiar, it is time to explore other options.

This step-by-step guide shows you how to migrate from Fivetran to make a smooth switch to the tool that matches your requirements.

Why Migrate from Fivetran?

Migrating away from Fivetran is often because of the unpredictable cost. The monthly active rows per connection model means every new record counts toward your bill. For organizations ingesting millions of records daily, Fivetran pricing can bring a significant expense over time.

Flexibility is another factor. Fivetran is primarily an ELT platform, processing most transformations only after data reaches the warehouse. If you require complex pre-load transformations, advanced scripting, or integration with specific frameworks, the platform can feel limiting.

There are also concerns around vendor lock-in due to its proprietary data structure and limited customer support. Therefore, teams tend to seek solutions that provide more control over modern data architecture, including options for self-hosting or deeper customization.

But how do you know when to migrate from Fivetran? Several signs push you to consider Fivetran alternatives.

How to Plan a Smooth Migration

Data migration without a plan means downtime, lost data, and broken dashboards. Here’s how you can plan a smooth migration from Fivetran.

1. Audit your current setup

Before you evaluate a new setup, understand the existing one. Start by listing every data source connected through Fivetran, including databases, SaaS apps, and custom integrations. Note dependencies such as dashboards, reports, or workflows that rely on this data.

Document any custom scripts or downstream applications that use Fivetran’s API for tasks like monitoring or orchestrating syncs. They might need to be rewritten to fit the new platform.

2. Set success criteria

Decide what your goals are with this migration. Keep your success criteria as detailed as possible. If your target is cost reduction, include precise dollar amounts and defined timelines for savings. Define measurable data quality goals to maintain stakeholder trust.

3. Choose the right alternative

Decide which data migration tool will replace Fivetran. Analyze your team’s technical skills, budget, and operational needs. Compare the total cost of ownership over several years for data pipeline automation, factoring in licensing, infrastructure, and staffing.

How to Design Your Migration Strategy

1. Phased migration strategy

Migrating everything at once is risky. Instead, start small with low-risk, non-critical connectors and test how the platform handles your data. Once you are confident that things are running smoothly, gradually migrate higher-priority sources.

2. Parallel validation framework

Use both Fivetran and your new tool simultaneously for a period. This process provides a clear comparison of the functions and also gives your employees time to understand and implement the tool.

How to Execute the Migration

Phase 1: Environment setup and testing

Create development and staging environments that replicate your production setup in Fivetran. Test the tool’s capability with data that has real-world complexity, including anomalies and edge cases. Automate data quality checks to compare source and destination systems.

Phase 2: Pilot migration

Start with two or three low-risk source connections in the new platform. Perform complete historical data imports and allow incremental syncs for up-to-date data. Validate data accuracy with row counts, checksums, and business rules.

Phase 3: Full migration rollout

After the pilot proves successful, start moving the rest of your connectors in batches, beginning with the most critical ones. Keep both systems running simultaneously to address issues without disrupting operations. Plan the final switch during a low-traffic maintenance window.

Post-Migration Optimization

1. Immediate validation

Run smoke tests across all downstream systems. Check that dashboards load properly and refresh on schedule. Ensure automated reports are still generated and API connections are delivering accurate data without interruptions.

2. Ongoing operations

Track latency, error rates, and data quality to address issues before they cause outages. Keep an eye on resource usage and review performance regularly to understand where you can cut costs without sacrificing speed or reliability.

3. Decommissioning Fivetran

Do not pull the plug on Fivetran immediately. Wait until the new system has run smoothly for at least two to four weeks. Archive your Fivetran configurations and related documentation. Phase out your connectors gradually to provide a safety net.

Why Consider Hevo Data as Your Fivetran Alternative?

If you’re migrating from Fivetran in search of better prices, flexible transformations, or real-time syncs, Hevo makes a strong case. When it comes to the Hevo vs Fivetran debate, a key differentiator is cost. With pricing starting at $239/month, Hevo uses a clear, event-based model that scales smoothly with your business.

Hevo’s no-code interface makes launching pipelines simple, with 150+ pre-built connectors ready to go. It supports both ETL and ELT solutions, giving you the freedom to transform data pre- and post-load. With 4.3+ ratings on G2, Gartner, and Capterra, Hevo backs its reputation with efficient error handling and automatic schema drift management.

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