Mastering the Basics of SQL Server Integration Services

Introduction

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is a sophisticated ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool that provides excellent support for data integration, migration, and transformation tasks. In this tutorial, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating an SSIS project in Visual Studio 2017. The process can be a little intimidating, especially if you are new to SSIS, but with a little guidance, you’ll be able to master the basics.

Step 1: Launch Visual Studio 2017

The first step is to launch Visual Studio 2017. You can do this by clicking on the Visual Studio 2017 icon on your desktop or by searching for it in the Start menu.

Step 2: Create a New SSIS Project

Once Visual Studio 2017 is open, click on “File” and then on “New Project”. In the New Project window, select “Integration Services Project” from the “Business Intelligence” folder.

Step 3: Enter a Name and Location for Your Project

Next, in the “Name” box, enter a name for your SSIS project. Be sure to choose a descriptive name that will make it easy to identify your project. Additionally, select a location where you want to save your project files.

Step 4: Choose the Version of SQL Server

In the “Solution Configuration” drop-down box, select the version of SQL Server you’re using. This will determine the available SSIS templates.

Step 5: Choose a Template

Under the “Templates” section in the center pane, select the template that best fits your needs. Several templates are available, including “Empty Package”, “Package”, and “Project Deployment Model”.

Step 6: Add Connection Managers

After selecting a template, configure your data sources by adding Connection Managers. From the “SSIS Toolbox” on the left side of the screen, select “Connection Managers”. You can then create new connections by right-clicking on the “Connection Managers” window and selecting “New Connection”.

Step 7: Add Tasks and Data Flow Components

Set up your data sources by adding tasks and Data Flow components to your SSIS package. These are the building blocks of your ETL process. The tasks and components can be added by dragging them from the “SSIS Toolbox” to the designer surface.

Step 8: Configure Connections and Components

After you’ve added tasks and Data Flow components to your package, you will need to configure them. By double-clicking on each item, you can open its configuration window. Here, you can set properties, add expressions, and configure other options.

Step 9: Test and Deploy Your Package

Once configured, test your package to make sure it’s working as intended. Start by clicking on the “Start” button in the toolbar, or press the F5 key. If the package runs successfully, then you can deploy it to your production environment.

Conclusion

Creating an SSIS project in Visual Studio 2017 can seem daunting, but it’s actually easy to master the basics. With SSIS, you can perform a variety of data integration and transformation tasks, making it essential for any data professional. Follow these nine steps to create your SSIS project successfully.