Skip to main content
MaxInvent

Answer

How do I migrate from Linnworks to a new inventory system without downtime?

Last updated By MaxInvent Editorial Team
Short answer

Use five discovery-led phases: export available Linnworks data, configure the new system separately, import and reconcile agreed history, rehearse connector cut-over, then switch in controlled stages with an agreed rollback/read-only window. No timeline, history depth or zero-downtime outcome is guaranteed before discovery.

  • Run both systems in parallel for 2 weeks — do not big-bang cut over
  • Migrate channel-by-channel, lowest-volume first
  • Keep Linnworks read-only for 30 days as rollback safety
  • Freeze new automations for the first 7 days on the new system

Discovery determines the migration

Inventory quality, listing mappings, connected channels, open orders, history requirements, custom rules and acceptance controls determine scope. No fixed timeline, history depth or zero-downtime outcome should be promised before those facts are known.

A controlled sequence

  1. Export and preserve the source data available from Linnworks.
  2. Clean and map products, variants, stock and open transactions.
  3. Configure supported connectors without changing live ownership.
  4. Reconcile representative records in a read-only parallel window.
  5. Rehearse channel cut-over, acceptance checks and rollback.
  6. Switch in controlled stages and retain an agreed read-only archive.

MaxInvent commercial scope

Standard Starter and Growth onboarding is included. Complex Scale or Enterprise migration is quoted after discovery. Keep both systems and cancellation terms in the cost model for the agreed overlap period.

FAQ

More questions, answered

How long does a typical Linnworks migration take?+

It depends on data quality, SKU and listing mappings, channels, history requirements, testing and cut-over controls. Standard Starter and Growth onboarding is included; complex Scale or Enterprise migration is quoted after discovery.

Will my Linnworks historic data come across?+

Yes, if you export it properly first. The must-exports are: product catalogue with SKUs and barcodes, suppliers, customers, open orders, last 12 months of closed orders, stock movement history, and purchase orders. Linnworks provides CSV export for all of these. Most modern platforms (including MaxInvent) have a smart importer that handles column mapping.

What about in-flight orders during the cutover?+

Agree how in-flight orders will be completed and rehearse each connector cut-over. Switch channels in controlled stages, verify representative orders end-to-end and retain an agreed rollback path. Timing depends on the operation.

Do I need to notify my marketplaces?+

Connection behaviour depends on the marketplace and current authentication model. Inventory, webhook, callback and permission settings may need to be reconfigured and tested for the new system.

What if something goes wrong mid-migration?+

Keep Linnworks in read-only mode for 30 days post-cutover. If the new system hits a serious issue, you can re-enable Linnworks order pull quickly. Don't cancel the Linnworks subscription until you've run a full month on the new system — the short overlap is usually worth budgeting for.

Related reading

Keep exploring

Evaluating MaxInvent?

We'll walk through the relevant workflows using suitable representative data for the channels you run.

Request a demoSee pricing
Chat
MaxInvent
Talk to a real human.
UK-based team · typically reply within one business day.
WhatsAppFastestMessage us directly.+44 7821 996147EmailSend a message — we reply within one business day.hello@maxinvent.uk
Prefer a form?Book a demo·Contact form