How long does a Looker to Omni migration take?

It depends on the size and complexity of your LookML model and dashboard library. A well-structured Looker instance of moderate size typically takes 6–10 weeks. Larger instances with significant technical debt, many explores, or complex row-level security typically run 14–20 weeks. We give you a precise estimate after the migration audit.

How does LookML translate to Omni's modeling layer?

LookML views become Omni topics. LookML dimensions and measures translate to Omni fields with SQL-based definitions. The concepts map — governed, reusable definitions on top of a warehouse — but the syntax and configuration differ. We handle this translation during the architecture phase and validate every key metric during UAT before cutover.

What happens to our dbt models during the migration?

They stay exactly as they are. Omni's bidirectional dbt sync reads your existing dbt models and surfaces them as the foundation for your Omni model. Rather than rewriting transformation logic, we map what dbt already defines into Omni's governance layer and build on top of it.

How long does a migration from Tableau or Power BI to Looker take?

Tableau migrations with a moderate dashboard library typically run 8–14 weeks. Tableau migrations with 50+ dashboards and complex calculated logic can run 12–20 weeks. Power BI migrations are similar in scope — the data model rebuild is the majority of the effort regardless of source platform.

Do we have to rebuild all our dashboards?

We audit usage first and recommend case-by-case — whether you're moving to Omni or to Looker. Business-critical content gets rebuilt with parity validation. Low-traffic content gets a clear recommendation.

What does a migration engagement cost?

Rates run $150–$250 per hour depending on scope. Looker to Omni migrations typically run $35,000–$90,000 all-in for mid-market organizations. The initial migration assessment is free — we'll scope the project and give you an honest estimate before any commitment.

Looker Migration

Whether you're evaluating a move off Looker or onto it — we've run 250+ Looker migrations. And as an official Omni implementation partner, we know exactly where the best Looker exits lead.

Technology partners

Migrating from Looker to Omni

Omni was built by Looker's own alumni — engineers and product leaders who understood exactly what LookML got right and what it got in the way of. It preserves what data teams value about Looker: governed metrics, a single source of truth, version-controlled logic. It removes the bottleneck: the requirement for a dedicated LookML developer every time the business needs a new answer.

We're an official Omni implementation partner, listed on omni.co/partners with Spencer quoted directly. Combined with 250+ Looker implementations, we know what's inside a production LookML model and exactly what it takes to translate it. That combination — Looker institutional expertise and Omni partnership credentials — is what this migration requires.

Why teams move from Looker to Omni

The LookML developer bottleneck

Every new metric, dimension, or explore in Looker requires a data engineer who knows LookML. Business users can't self-serve on novel questions — they queue behind engineering, and every iteration is a code deploy. Omni breaks this model. Analysts can write SQL or use a spreadsheet-like interface; the governed semantic layer holds underneath without the developer dependency.

Hiring and retention

LookML is proprietary. The pool of experienced LookML developers is small and commands a premium — and when your only LookML engineer leaves, the model stagnates immediately. Omni runs on standard SQL and integrates natively with dbt, skills that are far more widely available and transferable when your team changes.

dbt-native workflows

If your team has already built a strong dbt transformation layer, Omni's bidirectional dbt sync keeps your semantic layer and dbt models in sync automatically. Looker integrates with dbt but requires parallel LookML maintenance alongside it. Omni removes the duplication and makes dbt the single source of truth for transformation logic.

What a migration involves

LookML to Omni's modeling layer

LookML views, explores, dimensions, and measures translate into Omni's SQL-based modeling layer — topics, fields, SQL definitions with a governance layer on top. The concepts are equivalent but the syntax and structure differ. We map each LookML object to its Omni equivalent during the architecture phase, validate that business logic produces identical outputs during UAT, and document the translation so your team understands the new model from day one.

Dashboard rebuild

Looker dashboards don't port to Omni. Each one has to be rebuilt — which is also the moment to retire content that isn't being used and improve what is. We audit dashboard usage before touching anything. Business-critical content gets rebuilt with parity validation. Low-traffic content gets a clear recommendation: rebuild or retire.

Access controls and user attributes

Row-level security, column-level permissions, and user attribute-driven filtering are LookML-native features that need equivalent configuration in Omni. We design access controls during the architecture phase — part of the model, not bolted on after the fact. For organizations in regulated industries, this is where we spend the most care.

Our migration process

1
Migration audit
We audit your full LookML model: explores, views, measures, derived tables, access controls, and dashboard usage. The audit produces a complete scope, a prioritized migration plan, and an honest read on technical debt that should be resolved during the move rather than reproduced in Omni.
2
Architecture mapping
We translate your LookML structure into an Omni architecture blueprint before any build begins. Which topics to create, how to handle complex joins, how to align with your dbt layer, where to simplify. This is the step most migrations skip — and where most go sideways.
3
Parallel build
We build the Omni environment while Looker stays live. Your team keeps working throughout. No gap in analytics during the migration.
4
Validation and UAT
Side-by-side metric reconciliation. Every key number in Omni compared against Looker before cutover. Discrepancies resolved before go-live, not after.
5
Training and cutover
We train your analysts and business users on Omni before the switch, manage the cutover, and stay close through the first two weeks of live use.

Let's talk

Our Omni partnership

Astrodata is listed on Omni's official partner page in the "implementation partners that accelerate migration and adoption" tier.

"Omni is on the cutting edge of delivering the ability for end users to access data no matter their background."

Spencer Taylor

Co-founder, Looker Pros / Astrodata

"Astrodata was a great partner. They helped us think through the right way to structure our data in Omni. They accelerated our launch and set us up for long-term success."

Arsh Mand

CTO & Co-founder, WorkRamp

"Spencer and David have been exceptional partners, hitting the ground running from day one. Their deep experience and ability to execute efficiently have made a real difference in our projects. What stands out is their responsiveness and experienced talent. They’re quick to act and deliver solutions that work. We know we can rely on them to get things done."

Daniel McCaffrey

Partner and CDO, Dolabra Digital

Why work with Looker Pros

250+ Looker implementations

We know what's inside a production LookML model — the patterns, the debt, the edge cases. That knowledge is what makes a Looker to Omni migration fast and accurate. We're not learning your platform; we're translating it.

Former Looker leadership

Our team includes a former head of internal analytics at Looker, who contributed to the platform's exit to Google. Institutional knowledge of how Looker was built informs every architectural decision we make on the way out.

Official Omni implementation partner

Listed on omni.co/partners. The combination of Looker depth and Omni partnership credentials isn't something you can assemble quickly — it's what this migration specifically requires.

Common questions

How long does a Looker to Omni migration take?: It depends on the size and complexity of your LookML model and dashboard library. A well-structured Looker instance of moderate size typically takes 6–10 weeks. Larger instances with significant technical debt, many explores, or complex row-level security typically run 14–20 weeks. We give you a precise estimate after the migration audit.
How does LookML translate to Omni's modeling layer?: LookML views become Omni topics. LookML dimensions and measures translate to Omni fields with SQL-based definitions. The concepts map — governed, reusable definitions on top of a warehouse — but the syntax and configuration differ. We handle this translation during the architecture phase and validate every key metric during UAT before cutover.
What happens to our dbt models during the migration?: They stay exactly as they are. Omni's bidirectional dbt sync reads your existing dbt models and surfaces them as the foundation for your Omni model. Rather than rewriting transformation logic, we map what dbt already defines into Omni's governance layer and build on top of it.
How long does a migration from Tableau or Power BI to Looker take?: Tableau migrations with a moderate dashboard library typically run 8–14 weeks. Tableau migrations with 50+ dashboards and complex calculated logic can run 12–20 weeks. Power BI migrations are similar in scope — the data model rebuild is the majority of the effort regardless of source platform.
Do we have to rebuild all our dashboards?: We audit usage first and recommend case-by-case — whether you're moving to Omni or to Looker. Business-critical content gets rebuilt with parity validation. Low-traffic content gets a clear recommendation.
What does a migration engagement cost?: Rates run $150–$250 per hour depending on scope. Looker to Omni migrations typically run $35,000–$90,000 all-in for mid-market organizations. The initial migration assessment is free — we'll scope the project and give you an honest estimate before any commitment.

Ready to make the move?

Tell us where you are and where you're headed. We'll give you an honest read on what the migration involves — no commitment required.