Thoroughly map the relationships
between source and target fields before you begin creating the DTS files.
Study the source and target configurations and make notes or diagrams
that you can refer to while you are defining the DTS files.
Determine how net changes will be
captured, using update stamps, log files, etc. The method used determines
how DTS files should be configured.
Outline the rules for updates when
changes are made in both systems. Options include having one system "own"
certain fields, or comparing date/time stamps to determine if data will
be overwritten.
For example, foreign key constraints may require advance planning. Also,
certain data loading processes may need to occur sequentially in order
to maintain referential integrity.