Moving to RelativityOne is not just an IT task. It is a business transformation that affects how your team works, how data is managed, and how your organization delivers value. When the transition is well planned and executed, you gain performance, scalability, and security benefits. When it is rushed or poorly planned, problems with data, workflows, and timelines can quickly appear.
The good news is that these pitfalls are avoidable. By focusing on the right technical details and planning, you can make your move to RelativityOne a reliable foundation for future growth.
Why This Move Matters
- Every new matter beginning in 2028 must be hosted in RelativityOne, meaning early preparation gives you the advantage of stability, scalability, and smoother transitions
- Relativity customers using RelativityOne report reductions in review timeframes from weeks to days and cost savings in the range of 30-70 percent when leveraging automation and AI features
These numbers underscore why the move is more than a transition. It is an opportunity to modernize how legal work gets done.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
From our experience guiding teams through RelativityOne migrations, these are the six challenges that appear most often and how to steer clear of them.
1. Archiving Without Verification
It is easy to assume that archive jobs have captured everything. Too often, missing files are discovered only after restoration in RelativityOne. By then, time is lost and data may be unrecoverable if the source was deleted.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Always verify archives before removing them from Relativity Server. Run test restores and confirm file counts are accurate before you delete any workspaces.
2. Search Index Variance
RelativityOne stores extracted text in Data Grid, unlike Relativity Server where it is stored in SQL. This means dtSearch and Analytics indexes must be rebuilt. Without careful tuning, search results may vary.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Review settings, rebuild indexes in RelativityOne, and test queries for accuracy before cutover.
3. Custom Workflows and Applications
Many environments contain custom scripts, applications, and workflows that may not function the same way in RelativityOne. Skipping compatibility testing leaves gaps in critical processes.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Audit all custom elements and test them in a RelativityOne sandbox. Work with application providers to confirm supported versions and determine what should be transitioned.
4. Migrating Unnecessary Workspaces
Inactive and outdated cases create unnecessary cost and complexity during the transition. Migrating all data increases transfer time without adding value.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Eliminate or archive inactive cases before beginning. Use the move as a chance to streamline what truly needs to live in RelativityOne and consider automation tools to make the process faster and easier.
5. Underestimating Timelines
Data transfers to the cloud often take longer than expected. Relativity notes that archive transfers typically run at 20 to 40 GB per hour, while restores can range from 60 to 90 GB per hour depending on workspace size and configuration. Teams that assume faster rates often face missed deadlines.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Run pilot migrations with a variety of workspace sizes to understand workflows and nuances. Use those results to set realistic timelines for the full project.
6. Understanding RelativityOne Data Management
RelativityOne operates with a different approach to storage, retention, and cost. Teams that do not take the time to learn these details often run into unexpected charges or workflow confusion.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Review RelativityOne’s data management framework before migrating. Plan how storage tiers, retention policies, and archiving will fit into your operations and use automation tools to manage the lifecycle effectively.
Making the Migration a Transformation
The move to RelativityOne is not just about relocating data. It is about creating a platform that is more efficient, more secure, and ready for modern legal work. The pitfalls listed above are the most common reasons migrations stall, but they are also the most manageable with the right preparation.
Think of your journey as a staged transformation:
- Build a verified inventory so you know exactly what you are moving
- Test saved searches, permissions, and applications to confirm compatibility
- Measure actual transfer speeds and base your plan on evidence, not assumptions
- Include your users in planning and training so they are ready for the change
By transitioning to RelativityOne, you can unlock operational improvements: faster reviews, lower costs, scalable infrastructure, and secure, modern workflows powered by AI. But those benefits are only realized when the core foundation is strong: clean data, accurate fields, tested migrations, and informed users.
If you build your roadmap with clarity, take early action, test as you go, and keep all stakeholders informed, you do not just migrate. You transform.
And if this feels overwhelming, remember you do not need to take the journey alone. With years of experience guiding migrations to RelativityOne, we know where the pitfalls are and how to avoid them. Our role is to make the process smooth and far less stressful than many expect.
About GeorgeJon
GeorgeJon is a specialized technology advisory and services firm focused solely on the eDiscovery, Investigations, and Governance industries. Since 2008, GeorgeJon has optimized technology platforms and operations for a global client base, supporting internal staff and supercharging platform performance/security while shrinking total ownership costs. We deliver tangible, bottom-line results that are driven by innovative solutions, strategic architecture/workflow assessments, and ongoing management/support infused with 15+ years of industry-defining best practices. Please contact GeorgeJon at info@georgejon.com or visit georgejon.com for more information.
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For more information about this release, please contact:
Kaya Kowalczyk | 312.698.7133 | kaya@georgejon.com
