File attachments

A contract without its partner reference is just a file. An image without item mapping is just memory consumption. Only the secure reference turns attachments into usable process knowledge again.

The truth is in the mapping

File attachments consist of content and context: source ID, target object, file name, type, size, time, category and permission. Content and metadata must be checked together.

From raw stock to controlled import

1. Inventory attachments by source system, target object, type, size and protection class.
2. Clean up illegal names, paths and file types; run malware scan.
3. Calculate a checksum and map each attachment via robust old/new ID mapping.
4. Only import when target objects fully exist.
5. Open samples of different types and compare count, byte sum and hash.

Evidence instead of gut feeling

• Each attachment has exactly one permitted target.
• File can be opened and corresponds to the source.
• The number and total amount of data can be explained.
• Access follows the target object and the intended role.

The typical breaking points

• Only filenames are used as mapping.
• Zero-byte or corrupted files count as “successful.”
• File paths from the old system are taken over without checking.

This is what you take with you

Attachments arrive not as a data graveyard, but as a discoverable, protected part of the correct process.

Further information / source

Related topics

1. For migration specialists – transfer and optimize data from third-party systems › Cleaning, sequence and references
2. For migration specialists – transfer and optimize data from third-party systems › Test migration, checksums and acceptance

Frequently asked questions