How to Connect to Salesforce using SSIS

Salesforce is one of the most popular cloud-based CRM platforms, trusted by businesses for its powerful features and user-friendly tools. With its help, users can collect data, analyze it thoroughly, and gain insights for their business success. Additionally, Salesforce integrates with various third-party services.

In many scenarios, businesses need to extract data from Salesforce and load it into other analytics systems. This process, known as ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), is a cornerstone of modern data management, particularly when managing data from multiple sources within a single system. Modern ETL solutions help unify and optimize data, preparing it for further analysis. This is where Microsoft's SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) comes into play as a powerful tool of choice.

If you use SSIS for your ETL processes and Salesforce as your data source, you can simplify connection setup and data flow tasks by using Devart SSIS Data Flow Components. Let's explore how to get started.

Create data flow tasks for Salesforce

Devart SSIS Components for Salesforce are integrated with Visual Studio. So, first of all, you need to check the following prerequisites:

SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) for Visual Studio and SSIS for Visual Studio must be installed
Devart SSIS Data Flow Components for Salesforce must be installed

Besides, make sure that your system matches the compatibility requirements for using the SSIS Data Flow Components.

After checking the required parameters, you can proceed to create an SSIS data flow task for our Salesforce data source:

1. Launch Visual Studio, open an SSIS project and go to SSIS Toolbox.
2. Select Devart Salesforce Source and drag and drop it into the Data Flow field.

Add the Salesforce data source connection

The next step is to establish a connection with the particular data source - Salesforce.

Configure a SSIS Salesforce connection

Double-click the Devart Salesforce Source and select Create New Connection Manager.

You need to provide the valid connection details for the Salesforce SSIS connector:

Host - the Salesforce.com or Database.com login URL
User ID - the Salesforce login account
Password - the password to sign in
Security token - the automatically generated key to sign in to Salesforce from an untrusted network

To obtain the Security Token, log in to your Salesforce account online and navigate to Reset My Security Token.

The security token will be sent to your inbox. Copy it and paste it into the Connection Manager.

Optionally, you may specify additional parameters in the Advanced section of the Connection Manager Editor.

Specify additional parameters for Salesforce connection

After entering these required connection details, click Test Connection to check and verify them.

If the connection is successful, click OK. Now you can configure the task of importing Salesforce data with SSIS.

Select Salesforce data for retrieving using SSIS

Double-click Devart Salesforce Source in the Data Flow area of Visual Studio. It opens the Source Editor.

You can see the list of available tables with data on the left. As soon as you drag and drop the desired table into the Query area, the SELECT query for that table will be generated automatically.

Note:

You can construct advanced queries to use for SSIS data import. Select specific columns, execute complex statements, apply variables, and perform other operations to retrieve the data matching your needs precisely. SSIS Data Components allow you to work with the Salesforce data using SQL statements in the same way as with any regular database.

Preview the data to be imported with this SSIS Salesforce task, and click OK.

Essential SSIS ETL tasks for Salesforce integration

Using SSIS for ETL tasks is a popular option as it offers a wide range of advantages for data management.

Import/Export with CSV, XML, and Excel support

When you use SSIS for your ETL jobs, you can benefit from importing and exporting data in several popular formats, such as CSV, XML, and Excel. Data extraction and loading operations can be automated with the help of SSIS, so you can accurately migrate data into relational databases or other data platforms.

Aggregate, split, and merge data

Fundamental data handling tasks such as aggregating and summarizing data are covered by the SSIS functionality. Work scenarios often require splitting datasets into smaller portions or merging data from diverse sources. Using SSIS enables you to achieve these goals easily and efficiently.

Integration with cloud storage

As most businesses deal with both on-premise and cloud platforms, they require professional tools for transferring data between such platforms. SSIS grants this functionality, making it a reliable solution for cloud-based ETL tasks.

Replication, backup, data migration

SSIS offers the necessary functionality when you need to duplicate databases, set disaster recovery processes, or migrate data. SSIS ensures data continuity when performing data transitions between systems. At the same time, this solution is much more cost-efficient than many of its cloud-based rivals.

Conclusion

SSIS is exceptionally helpful for ETL operations. Configuring tasks and maintaining processes is much more straightforward with the SSIS GUI for all users of all skill levels. It provides the highest level of data protection, and it integrates other Microsoft products, backed by full support from this tech giant.

Choosing SSIS for ETL processes is a logical decision. Furthermore, integrating it with Devart SSIS Data Flow Components eliminates many challenges associated with connection setup and data retrieval.

To experience Devart SSIS Data Flow Components firsthand, download and install the SSIS Data Flow Components for Salesforce to see how it works with this specific data source. If you work with multiple data sources, a common scenario, consider the SSIS Integration Universal Bundle, which includes solutions for all popular databases and cloud platforms. A fully functional, 30-day free trial is available for all products.