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Hourglass

A Visual Framework for Data Migration​

The Hopp Hourglass is a conceptual model that illustrates how Hopp manages data migration with precision and governance. It symbolizes the controlled flow of data from source systems to target systems through a narrow, well-defined interface, ensuring clarity, reuse, and compliance.

Why the Hourglass?​

Traditional ETL migrations often resemble sprawling pipelines, where complexity and risk multiply.

The Hourglass represents:

  • Controlled Flow – Data moves through a single, auditable interface.
  • Business-Centric Migration – Logical units (Business Objects) replace fragmented tables.
  • Governance & Transparency – Every mapping and transformation is documented and traceable.

The Three Sections​

Top – Source System​

Data originates from legacy systems.

Organized into Business Objects (e.g., Customer, Account, Policy) rather than isolated tables.

Source maps define extraction and structure.

Neck – Mapping Interface​

The critical junction where source maps and target maps meet.

Provides:

  • Clarity – Separation of source and target logic.
  • Reuse – Lean interface for multiple migrations.
  • Governance – Full audit trail of transformations.

Bottom – Target System​

Data flows into the new environment in a validated, controlled manner.

Target maps specify structure, rules, and dependencies.

Automated execution via Hopp Core and monitoring through Hopp Portal.