Quick Answer
The answer is running parallel processing and comparing outputs, as this is the best approach to mitigate data integrity issues during cloud ERP migration. This method directly validates transactional accuracy by operating the legacy and new SaaS systems simultaneously, allowing real-time comparison of outputs to detect discrepancies before cutover, which is essential for ERP replacements where data consistency is critical. On the Certified Information Systems Auditor CISA exam, this concept tests your understanding of data migration integrity controls, often appearing in scenario-based questions that contrast parallel processing with less effective options like post-migration reconciliation or manual spot checks. A common trap is choosing data cleansing or validation scripts alone, which catch errors only after migration, not during the process. Memory tip: think “parallel proves parity”—running both systems together ensures the new ERP mirrors the old data without loss or corruption.
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information systems acquisition, development and implementation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is replacing its legacy on-premises ERP system with a cloud-based SaaS solution. The project manager is concerned about data migration risks. Which of the following is the BEST approach to mitigate data integrity issues during migration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Perform data validation after migration
Why wrong: This is reactive, not proactive.
Use data transformation tools to convert formats
Why wrong: This addresses format, not integrity.
Implement data reconciliation reports post-migration
Why wrong: Detects issues after the fact.
Run parallel processing and compare outputs
Enables side-by-side verification.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Run parallel processing and compare outputs
Option D is correct because running parallel processing allows the legacy and new SaaS systems to operate simultaneously, enabling real-time comparison of outputs. This approach directly validates data integrity by detecting discrepancies during migration, not after, which is critical for ERP systems where transactional accuracy is paramount.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Perform data validation after migration
Why it's wrong here
This is reactive, not proactive.
Use data transformation tools to convert formats
Why it's wrong here
This addresses format, not integrity.
Implement data reconciliation reports post-migration
Why it's wrong here
Detects issues after the fact.
Run parallel processing and compare outputs
Why this is correct
Enables side-by-side verification.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often choose post-migration validation or reconciliation (options A or C) because they seem practical, but the CISA exam emphasizes proactive controls during migration (parallel processing) over detective controls after the fact.
Detailed technical explanation
Parallel processing in data migration involves running both the legacy and new systems concurrently, often using a staging environment to mirror transactions. For ERP systems, this means comparing outputs at the record level (e.g., GL balances, inventory counts) using hash totals or checksums (e.g., MD5 or SHA-256) to ensure no data loss or corruption. In practice, this approach is resource-intensive but essential for high-volume, high-integrity migrations like those in SAP or Oracle ERP.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CISA exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CISA questions
509 questions across all exam domains
Certified Information Systems Auditor CISA study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CISA practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CISA questions linked to Governance and Management of IT.
Practise CISA questions linked to Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation.
Practise CISA questions linked to Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience.
Practise CISA questions linked to Protection of Information Assets.
Practise CISA questions linked to Information System Auditing Process.
Practise CISA questions linked to CISA fundamentals.
Practise CISA questions linked to CISA scenario.
Practise CISA questions linked to CISA troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — This question tests Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Run parallel processing and compare outputs — Option D is correct because running parallel processing allows the legacy and new SaaS systems to operate simultaneously, enabling real-time comparison of outputs. This approach directly validates data integrity by detecting discrepancies during migration, not after, which is critical for ERP systems where transactional accuracy is paramount.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISA exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.