Extract, Transform and Load data using Microsoft SSIS

Data warehousing is used as a solution by organizations to centralize business data for purposes of reporting and analysis. SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), a component of the Microsoft SQL Server database, is one of the most popular software used for data warehousing and migration. It also provides an Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) platform for enterprise-level data integration and data transformation solutions. ETL tools are used primarily for data management purposes to assist the movement and transformation of data from a legacy system to a target (typically a data warehouse).

There are various reasons why an organization would want to use ETL tools. Most want to move out of their old legacy system and migrate their important data to updated new database architecture. Some want to create an isolated area that aids reporting. Moving data to an isolated location, in a specific format, can help speed up queries and improve ROI for enterprises that are in a hurry to make decisions on their high level questions.

The primary purpose of SSIS is to extract data from one or more sources files, transform the data by aggregating, filtering or manipulating it in some way and then loading the data into one or destinations in as a specific file format. SSIS helps solve one of the most common problems that businesses face today, which is the integration and manipulation of data that is stored in different locations.

One of the important advantages of SSIS is that using it, most solutions can be built with a Graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI enables you to build a fairly comprehensive ETL solution even if you do not have any programming skills. Microsoft SQL SSIS is best suited for medium sized organizations that are looking for an affordable data management solution.

SSIS Features

The most important feature of SSIS is the Import/Export wizard that lets a user create packages that move data from a single data source to a destination without transformations. The Wizard helps move data from various sources to various destination types quickly.

Configuring ETL Tools

Configuration of ETL tools can be split into three different phases: the Control Flow, the Data Flow and Error Handling. All of these come as a part of the SSIS package, which is included in a project that belongs to a solution.

Control Flow Elements:These elements carry out various functions, control the order in which elements run and provide structure. The main control flow elements include tasks, containers, and precedence constraints. It is mandatory to include at least one control flow element in a package.

Data Flow Elements: These elements are optional and carry out functions like extracting data, modifying data, and loading data into data sources. The main data flow elements include sources, transformations, and destinations. Data flow elements can be omitted in a package.

Error Handling: Implementing error handling, testing and troubleshooting is a must while developing SSIS packages. SQL Server 2005 SSIS provides many ways to handle errors at different levels of the SSIS architecture. The most common error that occurs is a truncation error which is fairly easy to fix.