Data Conversion - SSIS Data Flow

Syntax

The Data Conversion Transformation in SSIS allows the user to change the data type of a column from one data type to another data type. The syntax for performing this transformation is as follows:

[Source Component] -> Data Conversion Transformation -> [Destination Component]

Example

For instance, let's say we have a source component that contains a column named 'Score' with a data type of 'string.' However, we need to perform a mathematical operation on this column, which is only capable of working with numeric data types. To perform this operation, we need to convert the data type of the 'Score' column from 'string' to 'float' or 'decimal.' In this scenario, we will use the Data Conversion Transformation in SSIS.

Output

After performing the transformation, the output will be a new column with the desired data type.

Explanation

The Data Conversion Transformation allows the user to change the data type of a column from one data type to another data type within an SSIS package. This is useful for scenarios where we need to perform calculations on data with a specific data type or for general data cleansing. The user can determine the new data type of the column by selecting it from a list of pre-defined data type options or by manually specifying the data type.

Use

The Data Conversion Transformation is commonly used in scenarios where:

• Data from a source component has a different data type than what is required in a destination component.
• Data from a source component needs to be cleansed or transformed into a different format.
• A column created by a script component has a data type that doesn’t match the requirement of the destination component.

Important Points

Some important points to remember when using the Data Conversion Transformation are:

• The Data Conversion Transformation does not change the original data type of a column in a source component.
• The original data type of a column can be restored by simply removing the Data Conversion Transformation from a pipeline.
• The Data Conversion Transformation can be applied to any column in a source component.
• The transformation requires additional processing time, which can impact the performance of the package.

Summary

The Data Conversion Transformation in SSIS is a powerful tool for changing the data type of a source component's columns to match the data type required by the destination component. The transformation is valuable in scenarios where data needs to be cleansed, transformed, or reconciled before moving it to its final destination. When used correctly, the Data Conversion Transformation can prevent errors and ensure that data is delivered accurately and efficiently.