Merger Plan

Pre-Migration Phase

1. Audit & Documentation (2-3 weeks)

• Complete inventory of existing assets across both instances:
  
  • Email templates and content
  • Automation sequences
  • Journey Builder journeys
  • Data extensions and their relationships
  • APIs and integrations
  • Custom activities and applications
  • IP addresses and sending domains
  • SSL certificates
  • User accounts and permission sets

2. Planning & Setup (2-3 weeks)

• Define new organizational structure
• Create migration timeline and maintenance windows
• Document regulatory compliance requirements (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
• Define new naming conventions
• Plan IP warming strategy
• Create backup strategy for all data
• Setup new business units in target instance
• Configure new domains and authentication

Migration Phase

3. Technical Configuration (4-6 weeks)

1. Configure Parent Account (TechGrow Solutions)
   
   • Set up enterprise-level configurations
   • Configure shared settings
   • Establish security protocols
   • Set up IP pools
2. Configure Business Units
   
   • Create Europe BU (InnovaMetrics)
   • Create APAC BU (GrowthPulse)
   • Set up role hierarchies
   • Configure user permissions

4. Data Migration (6-8 weeks)

1. Subscriber Data
   
   • Export all subscriber lists
   • Map data extensions
   • Validate data quality
   • Import to new instance
   • Verify subscriber preferences and opt-ins
2. Content Assets
   
   • Migrate email templates
   • Transfer content blocks
   • Move media assets
   • Validate dynamic content
3. Automation & Journeys
   
   • Document existing workflows
   • Recreate automations in new instance
   • Test automation triggers
   • Validate decision splits

Post-Migration Phase

5. Testing & Validation (3-4 weeks)

• Perform end-to-end testing
• Validate all integrations
• Test all automated journeys
• Verify reporting functionality
• Conduct user acceptance testing
• Perform load testing
• Validate regulatory compliance

6. Launch Preparation (2-3 weeks)

• Complete IP warming process
• Train users on new instance
• Update documentation
• Create rollback plan
• Schedule maintenance window
• Communicate with stakeholders

7. Go-Live (1 week)

• Execute cutover plan
• Redirect domains
• Update DNS records
• Enable user access
• Monitor system performance
• Provide go-live support

8. Post-Launch (2-3 weeks)

• Monitor deliverability
• Address any issues
• Collect user feedback
• Optimize configurations
• Archive old instances
• Document lessons learned

Risk Mitigation Strategies

1. Data Protection

• Maintain multiple backups
• Document all data mappings
• Verify data integrity at each step
• Maintain audit trails

2. Business Continuity

• Establish rollback procedures
• Create contingency plans
• Maintain parallel systems during transition
• Schedule maintenance during low-impact hours

3. Communication

• Regular stakeholder updates
• Clear escalation paths
• Documentation of all changes
• Training materials for end users

Timeline and Resources

Total Estimated Duration: 20-28 weeks

Required Resources:

• Project Manager
• SFMC Technical Architect
• Migration Specialists (2-3)
• Data Analysts (1-2)
• QA Engineers (2)
• Business Unit Representatives
• Training Coordinator

Success Metrics

• Zero data loss during migration
• Maintained deliverability rates
• All business processes functional
• User adoption rate
• System performance metrics
• Automated journey continuity
• Regulatory compliance maintained

Budget Considerations

• SFMC licensing adjustments
• Migration tools and resources
• Training and documentation
• Consultant fees
• Contingency budget (15-20%)