Choosing a career path is a mammoth task. Before landing on the final decision, knowing all the ins and outs of it is a pivotal task. It’s one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life, especially when it's a niche field. Hours of research is required before you round in on one. So, if you are determined to learn about this field and are looking forward to working as one, or if you are just curious to know what it is that they do, stick with us, and you’ll have your answers.
SSIS basically is an abbreviation for the ‘SQL Server Integration Service’. It is an integral tool in the Microsoft SQL Server. Basically, SSIS acts as a platform for ETL (extract, transform and load) operations, and acts as a successor to the age-old DTS(Data Transformation Services). It is installed as a feature of the SQL server, as you receive the option of downloading SSIS while installing SQL server on your computer. SSIS is a warehousing tool and can be used for a whole array of purposes like data analysis, data organization, and cleaning, developing integration programs, running ETL processes on data, extract and transform data from various types of files like Excel, Oracle, SQL Server databases and relational databases, aggregation and merging of data, updation of warehouses, amongst others.
With an essential skill set, including SQL, SSIS, PL/SQL, etc., becoming an SSIS Developer is your best bet. The scope and rewards of being in this field are extraordinary. The job opportunities are increasing and SSIS developers are in demand. The demand is also expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. Along with this, the salary is also increasing. As the demand of the job role and the importance is creasing, the pay and rewards are also increasing. Take a look at the statistics:
Now, let’s talk about what exactly an SSIS Developer has to do. The basic job of any software developer is to create applications that assist people in certain tasks on a computer or any other device. And an SSIS Developer is like an ETL developer. ETL - (Extract, Transform and Load) Developer. In brief, their task is to make use of data flow tasks and control flow tasks for extraction, transformation, and loading of data from multiple sources to data warehouse, by implementing SSIS. SSIS acts as the tool which assists them in implementing this. And this job role is of paramount importance, as the difficulty of moving data back and forth between different containers, is solved.
Framing: Talking about detailed requirements, there are a lot of tasks allotted to SSIS Developers. To begin, framing table structure is one of the main tasks. Table structures are the database objects which act as containers for the data. Data is logically organized into the rows and columns of a table structure. Thus, this is one of the basic steps. Hence, properly framing them is the most basic and yet, necessary step.
ETL processes: Along with this, constructing an ETL process are also an important task of an SSIS Developer. Collecting data from various sources, transforming data based on the needs and requirements of the business and trends, and loading the data into the desired destination is part and parcel of this process. It is used in data warehousing and describes the entire process flow. Data warehousing is the technique which is used for collecting and managing data from varied sources to provide meaningful business insights. Along with this, providing production support of existing ETL processes is also important. Because in a company, needs and requirements keep on changing according to the trends and impacts of different processes. Thus, providing support to existing processes is important.
Documentation: Documentation is of paramount importance because recognizing and assisting issues and errors become easy. Steps needed to migrate objects of a database between different environments need to be documented properly. Steps like Development, UAG, Staging, productions, etc. It’s usually not given much importance but its very important when working as an SSIS Developer. It helps you to recollect information and be on track.
Data mapping: Data mapping is the procedure which includes creating data element mappings between two distinct data models. When there are a lot of tables associated with a database, a relational database comes into the picture. And that is when the data mapping concept is used, mostly. Thus, properly executing this and constructing cross-validation rules to ensure the accuracy of data mapping is an important part of the job role of an SSIS Developer. Especially in large companies, this makes a huge impact.
You also need to give regular updates to other teams you are working with. Especially in large companies, all the teams are interdependent and work cordially. Thus, providing regular updates is an important task. Along with this, while working in any company at any position, you need to do certain tasks. Having a proper attitude and working with dignity is one of them. You need to be self-sufficient and strongly communicate with your colleagues, subordinates and reporting managers. Communicating and having proper communication skills are a must. All the issues, risks and concerns should be properly communicated with the management. Properly maintaining a log of all your work is also a part of your job.
To conclude, SSIS has so many widespread applications and is such a refined tool in the widely used Microsoft SQL Server, that gaining expertise and knowledge in this field is a necessity as well as a boon. SSIS development is a skill that's highly sought after, with all the companies using Microsoft SQL Server to store and manipulate their data and databases, thus begging for the use of SSIS. SSIS will make your resume stand out, and its scope and importance will make sure that you are able to secure your dream job and an upgraded payroll. As an SSIS Developer, developing and supporting ETL processes, Data mapping, and cross-validation, documentation, framing table structure and many other tasks are a part of your job role. Thus, if you are looking forward to becoming an SSIS Developer, read up about all these concepts and tasks given above and don't forget your share your thoughts with us!
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