Is there a way to reorder the fields in the source SSIS file?

Question

I have an SSIS package using a tab-delimited flat file source with TON fields. Recently, the tab delimited flat file provider decided to change the flat file format by sending a couple dozen new fields randomly to the file. Needless to say, this closed the package.

Instead of rebuilding another source of files with a flat file and redefining all fields, types and lengths again, is there a way to reorder fields in a flat file file? Of course, it would be nice if Microsoft allowed you to move fields in the Additional Columns area, but noooooo.

Any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

If you need to add columns to your file, you can do this in the flat file connection editor. In the extended window, you can select the field next to the new one and click the chevron next to the "Create" button. This will give you the choice to insert before or insert after.

If you really need to move things around, you will need to edit the XML source. If you use an existing file definition as a guide, you can easily create a new one in Excel or T-SQL. It’s easier to enter at least at least.

Answer 2

I had a similar problem: I needed to reorder the columns in my flat directory. I decided to save time:

• Remove the FF manager and the FF connection manager (write down the file name / location!),
• ,
• FF- FF- FF.
• / FF-,

, , , , , -.

Answer 3

. SSIS . , . .

Answer 4

IDE , .

Answer 5

you could probably try something, but I have not tested. Use expressions to set everything up for your flat file? disable development time checking