Migration from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is a major technical challenge that many e-retailers must overcome. Magento 2, launched in November 2015, brings significant improvements in performance and functionality. According to a study carried out in 2023, 67% of Magento 1 sites have already migrated to version 2, illustrating the importance of this upgrade. In this text, I will share my expertise to guide you through the essential steps, alert you to common pitfalls and provide you with valuable tips for a successful migration.
Migration preparation and planning
The first crucial step in the Magento 1 to Magento 2 migration process is careful preparation. I cannot stress enough the importance of this phase. Start by performing a complete audit of your current Magento 1 site. This implies:
- The inventory of third-party extensions used
- Evaluating theme customizations
- Analysis of custom features
- Checking data quality and structure
Once this audit has been completed, it is time to plan the migration. Establish a realistic schedule taking into account peaks in your e-commerce activity. I have often found that successful migrations are those that are planned outside of peak periods, such as the end-of-year holidays.
It is also crucial to build a dedicated migration team. Being an experienced Magento developer, I recommend including:
- A technical project manager
- Experienced Magento 2 developers
- A database expert
- A front-end integrator
- A QA tester
Don’t forget to plan an adequate budget. Migrating to Magento 2 is a significant investment, but one that can be very profitable in the long term. In my experience, the average cost of a migration for a medium-sized e-commerce site is between 30,000 and 100,000 euros, depending on the complexity of the project.
Technical stages of migration
Once the preparation phase is complete, it’s time to dive into the technical aspects of the migration. I will detail the main steps that I would recomend.
1. Installing Magento 2: Start by installing a clean version of Magento 2 on your development server. Make sure the server environment meets the technical requirements of Magento 2, particularly in terms of PHP version and MySQL configuration.
2.Data Migration: Use the official Magento Data Migration tool to transfer your information from Magento 1 to Magento 2. This tool is powerful, but requires a good understanding of how it works. I highly recommend doing migration testing on a sample of data before proceeding with the full migration.
3.Theme adaptation: Magento 2 uses a different theme structure than Magento 1. It is generally more efficient to recreate the theme rather than attempt a direct conversion. Take advantage of this to optimize the user experience and responsiveness of the design.
4.Migration of extensions: Check the compatibility of your extensions with Magento 2. Some will have direct equivalents, others will need to be replaced or recreated. I have often found that this is one of the most time-consuming steps in the migration process.
5.Customizations and tailor-made developments: Adapt your custom features to the Magento 2 architecture. This is an opportunity to review and optimize your code, taking advantage of the new features offered by Magento 2.
| Step | Time estimation | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Magento 2 Installation | 1-2 days | Weak |
| Data migration | 3-7 days | Average |
| Adaptation du thème | 7-14 days | High |
| Migration of extensions | 5-10 days | Average to High |
| Customizations | 10-20 days | Very high |
Pitfalls to avoid and tips for a successful migration
I have identified several recurring pitfalls that should be avoided. Here are my tips for getting around them, as well as a few tips to make the process easier:
Pitfall #1: Underestimating the complexity of migration
Don’t let the apparent similarity between Magento 1 and 2 fool you. Migration is a complex process that requires in-depth expertise. I always recommend hiring experienced Magento 2 professionals to handle the migration.
Tip: Use a staging environment:
Effectuez toujours la migration sur un environnement de staging avant de la déployer en production. Cela vous permettra de tester exhaustivement toutes les fonctionnalités sans impacter votre site en ligne.
Pitfall #2: Neglecting performance
Magento 2 offers better performance than Magento 1, but only if configured correctly. Make sure to optimize your new installation, including enabling full page cache and properly configuring Varnish.
Tip : Automate testing
Set up automated tests to check the functionality and performance of your site after migration. This will save you valuable time during the validation phase.
Pitfall #3: Forgetting user training
The Magento 2 administration interface is different from that of Magento 1. Don’t forget to train your team in using the new platform to avoid any loss of post-migration productivity.
Tip: Document the process
Create detailed documentation of your migration process. This will be useful for future updates and can serve as a reference for other similar projects.
As a PHP developer specialized in Magento, I can only emphasize the importance of a methodical and rigorous approach to succeed in your migration. Every project is unique and presents its own challenges, but by following these steps, avoiding these pitfalls and applying these tips, you will maximize your chances of success. Remember that migrating to Magento 2 is an opportunity to significantly improve the performance and functionality of your online store. With careful planning and expert execution, you will be able to take full advantage of this powerful e-commerce platform.