Integration, Data Migration, and ETL: What Are the Differences?

Key Takeaways

• Data integration connects multiple sources for unified analysis, data migration transfers information between systems, and ETL transforms data for warehousing
• Choose data migration for system upgrades, integration for unified dashboards, and ETL for analytics and business intelligence
• Implementation timelines range from 1-6 months for migration to 3-12 months for full ETL solutions
• Costs vary significantly: $25K-$300K for migration, $50K-$500K for integration, and $100K-$1M+ for enterprise ETL

When organizations want to optimize how they manage and move information, they often hear three terms: data integration, data migration, and ETL. While they might sound similar—each involves handling data in some form—they serve very different purposes and require different tools, timelines, and expertise.

Let’s walk through what each approach is really for, when to use it, and what to expect along the way.

What Is Data Integration?

Data integration connects multiple systems—CRM, ERP, marketing automation, APIs—so they work together without moving the data itself. This is the foundation of real-time dashboards and up-to-date reporting. It’s a process that synchronizes data between systems, giving teams the ability to view operations from a single source of truth.

For example, a retailer might connect their in-store POS, e-commerce platform, and customer service software to view a customer’s journey end to end. The data remains in its original systems, but it’s accessible in a unified view.

Organizations typically pursue integration when they want real-time insights, better decision-making, and a scalable way to eliminate manual reconciliation between departments.

At Remedi, we help companies achieve this using tools like IBM Sterling B2B Integrator, and in many cases, our own Remedi Framework, designed to simplify and accelerate enterprise-level integration.

What is Data Migration?

Data migration is about moving information from one system to another—without changing its structure. You’ll most often see this during system upgrades, mergers, or when shifting from on-premise to cloud.

Let’s say a healthcare provider needs to replace a 15-year-old patient management system. The migration would involve pulling data like patient records, billing, and appointments, and loading that into the new system as-is. The format stays intact; the location changes.

While data migration doesn’t unlock new insights like integration or ETL, it’s essential for ensuring continuity when systems evolve.

If your team is planning a legacy system replacement, Remedi can help you scope and execute a clean, low-risk migration project—from pre-migration audit to post-migration validation.

What is ETL?

ETL stands for Extract, Transform, Load, and it's the engine behind business intelligence and enterprise reporting. This process pulls raw data from multiple sources, cleans and standardizes it, and loads it into a data warehouse designed for analysis.

During transformation, ETL processes standardize formats, correct errors, remove duplicates, and even calculate metrics or enrich datasets. If your company is building out a data warehouse or needs to comply with complex regulatory reporting, ETL is often the right fit.

Read the full case study here.

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Business

To decide whether integration, migration, or ETL is right for your organization, consider what you’re trying to achieve.

Choose data migration when:

• You’re upgrading to new systems or platforms
• You’re consolidating tools after a merger
• The data format doesn’t need to change
• It’s a one-time move, not an ongoing sync

Choose data integration when:

• You need a unified view across active systems
• Teams are manually stitching together data
• You want real-time or near real-time insight
• You’re modernizing your architecture incrementally

Choose ETL when:

• You need historical, cleaned, and structured data for analysis
• There’s a need for advanced reporting, BI, or predictive modeling
• Raw data needs to be transformed, not just moved
• Compliance or auditing is a concern

If you’re not sure, start with a small-scale discovery effort or Remedi’s Integration Health Check to identify where your data challenges truly lie.

What to Expect: Timelines and Costs

Timelines and budgets vary widely depending on complexity. Here’s a quick look:

• Data Migration: 1–6 months and $25K–$300K depending on size, testing, and system compatibility.
• Data Integration: 2–6 months and $50K–$500K. Includes initial setup and API development.
• ETL: 3–12 months and $100K–$1M+. Most expensive, but delivers high ROI over time through business intelligence and insight-driven decision making.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Migration missteps: Inadequate testing, no rollback plan, and underestimating downtime.
• Integration overload: Poor error handling, performance bottlenecks, scope creep.
• ETL overkill: Over-engineering, poor documentation, and failing to cleanse source data.

We help clients navigate these issues every day through consulting, managed services, and project-based staffing. If you lack internal expertise, Remedi can supplement your team with experienced EDI and integration professionals.

So, What’s the Strategic Play Here?

The most successful organizations don’t just move or connect data—they build a strategy around how data supports their growth. Choosing the right approach can give you:

• Faster, smarter decisions
• Less manual work and fewer errors
• Scalable systems that grow with your business
• A clear edge in competitive markets

Choosing the wrong approach, on the other hand, can lead to technical debt, wasted resources, and user frustration.

We’ll Help You Decide

If you're unsure where to start, here’s what we recommend:

1. Document your current systems, data sources, and goals
2. Identify what success looks like—better insights, less downtime, or lower costs
3. Use a decision framework like the one above
4. Start with a pilot, not a full rollout
5. Bring in experienced help for execution and support

Still have questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions below for answers to the questions we hear most often.

If you're wondering whether data integration might be the next step for your team, you can get a free integration readiness assessment here. Our team has helped hundreds of companies choose the right data strategy—and we’re happy to help you figure out what makes the most sense for yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do data integration and migration simultaneously?  Yes, it’s possible to run data integration and migration in parallel, but it requires careful coordination. Best practice is to complete the migration first, then integrate the new system with others to avoid disruptions.

How long does each process typically take? Data migration usually takes 1–6 months, depending on data volume and system complexity. Integration takes 2–6 months, and ETL implementations can range from 6 weeks to 12 months based on scope.

What happens if you choose the wrong approach?  The wrong choice can lead to unnecessary costs, technical debt, or missed opportunities. A thorough needs assessment helps align the solution with your business goals.

Which method is most cost-effective for small businesses? Data integration often offers the best value for small businesses by improving efficiency without major system overhauls. Migration is best for end-of-life systems, while ETL is typically suited for enterprise analytics needs.

How do you measure success for each process?  Success metrics include data accuracy, system performance, and time savings. ETL adds business insight and analytics capabilities, while integration and migration focus more on operational efficiency and continuity.

What skills do you need in-house vs. outsourced? Keep tasks like requirements gathering, data governance, and ongoing support in-house. Outsource technical implementation and platform-specific work, or use a hybrid model where internal teams lead and experts support execution.