In Microsoft SQL Server Code-Named “Denali” CTP1, Integration Services (SSIS) introduces several usability enhancements to help new and experienced users develop packages more easily. With enhancements to the Data Flow designer, it is now possible to edit a component even when its input path is disconnected, and the process of reconnecting a component to a different incoming path and remapping the columns has been simplified. This topic describes the new features in Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS) that enable flexible authoring with the Data Flow designer.

Data Path Errors

When an input path is disconnected or if there are any unmapped columns in the path, an error icon is displayed beside the corresponding data path. In the following image, both data paths display errors:

To simplify the resolution of column reference errors, the new Resolve References editor allows you to link unmapped output columns with unmapped input columns for all paths in the execution tree. The Resolve References editor will also highlight the paths to indicate which paths are being resolved. For example, in the previous image the Resolve References editor could help you map unmapped output columns from ADO NET Source to unmapped input columns from Copy Column. At the same time, it would also help you map unmapped output columns from Copy Column to unmapped input columns from ADO NET Destination.

Resolve References Editor

The Resolve References editor has four lists of columns, from left to right:

1. Unmapped Output Columns (Source): Columns from the upstream path that are not currently mapped
2. Mapped Columns (Source): Columns from the upstream path that are mapped to columns from the downstream path
3. Mapped Columns (Destination):Columns from the upstream path that are mapped to columns from the downstream path
4. Unmapped Input Columns (Destination): Columns from the downstream path that are not currently mapped

 For example, in the following image the Resolve References editor shows that there are two unmapped columns from the source of the data path:

Note: Check Delete Unmapped Input Columns to ignore unmapped columns at the destination of the data path. The Preview Changes button displays a list of the changes that will occur when you press the OK button.

 After all column references have been resolved, if there are no other data path errors, no error icons will be displayed beside the data paths. The following image shows data paths with no errors:

See Also

Integration Services (SSIS) Usability Enhancements

    Integration Services (SSIS) Source and Destination Assistants​

    Flexible Authoring with the Integration Services (SSIS) Data Flow Designer

​    Integration Services SSIS Toolbox