This approach can be time-consuming to implement, though the time needed to process the files generally decreases with successive transfers of the files. Identifying the documentation needed and insuring that adequate documentation is preserved is difficult to implement and test. The migration of software-dependent files from one format to another has been widely accepted by archivists, but there is no explicitly defined and fully implemented methodology for migration. A File Format Investigation provides extensive information on the migration approach, undertaking a risk assessment when applying the approach, and some specific examples of migrating some file formats. Identifying the factors that determine when to files should be migrated is an important stage in using the migration approach.
Technology changes quickly.
Migration should prevent files from becoming unreadable, but should not necessarily migrate with every version of the software. The migration approach may work well for many student records systems. A plan for should be developed for implementing and documenting the application of the approach. The cost can be much lower than converting files to a neutral file format and supplementing the file with sufficient documentation. There has been little testing of the real implications of migration for records.