Migrating from Open Journal Systems (OJS) to a Managed Publishing Platform

When Does an Organization Outgrow Self-Hosted OJS?

Publishers typically explore alternatives to OJS when administrative overhead begins impacting editorial speed. Common challenges include:

• Server maintenance and security updates: Keeping PHP, MySQL, and OJS versions up-to-date across multiple journals requires dedicated IT engineering.

• Fragmented plugin ecosystems: Plagiarism screening, Crossref DOI deposits, and XML exports often rely on separate plugins that can break during major upgrades.

• Reviewer follow-up fatigue: Managing editor time is consumed by manually tracking review deadlines and drafting reminder emails.

The 5-Step Manna Migration Methodology

Transitioning a journal does not mean losing historical data. Manna's structured migration methodology preserves your publishing lineage:

1. Database Export: We extract user records, reviewer profiles, historical volumes, and active manuscripts via standard OJS XML export tools.

2. Data Cleansing & Mapping: Reviewer expertise tags, section editor assignments, and past decision logs are mapped into Manna's schema.

3. Staging Verification: Your editorial board reviews the staging portal to ensure past DOIs, volume pagination, and author accounts match historical records.

4. Parallel Editorial Run: Active manuscripts close their review rounds in OJS while new submissions begin through Manna.

5. DNS Cutover: Domain routing switches cleanly with zero downtime and full SSL encryption.