Configuring a SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) SFTP Control Flow component allows you to automate secure file transfers within your ETL pipelines. Because SSIS does not include a native, built-in SFTP task, you must rely on third-party components (such as CozyRoc, KingswaySoft, or Task Factory) or use an open-source tool like WinSCP via an Execute Process Task.
This guide covers how to set up and configure a dedicated SSIS SFTP Control Flow component to upload, download, and manage files securely. Step 1: Establish the Connection Manager
Before configuring the Control Flow task itself, you must create a connection manager to authenticate with your SFTP server.
Right-click inside the Connection Managers pane at the bottom of your SSIS package and select the option to add a new connection.
Choose the specific SFTP connection type provided by your third-party vendor (e.g., SFTP Connection Manager).
In the configuration window, enter the Host Name (IP address or URL) and the Port Number (typically 22). Select your Authentication Method:
Password Authentication: Enter the designated username and password.
Key-Based Authentication: Provide the username and browse to the local path of your private key file (often .ppk or .pem). Enter the passphrase if the key is encrypted.
Click Test Connection to ensure SSIS can successfully reach and log into the SFTP server. Step 2: Add and Open the SFTP Component
With the connection established, you can now integrate the task into your control flow. Open the SSIS Toolbox on the left side of Visual Studio.
Locate your third-party SFTP task (often named SFTP Task or FTP client Task).
Drag and drop the component onto your Control Flow design canvas.
Double-click the component to open its advanced editor window. Step 3: Configure the Core Task Settings
Inside the component editor, you will define what action the task should perform.
Connection: Select the SFTP Connection Manager you created in Step 1 from the dropdown menu.
Action/Operation: Choose the specific file operation you want to execute. Common operations include: Receive File (Download) Send File (Upload) Create Directory Delete File Remove Directory Step 4: Define Local and Remote Paths
The component needs to know where files are coming from and where they are going.
Remote Path: Specify the directory on the SFTP server. You can type a hardcoded path (e.g., /incoming/data/) or use an SSIS variable for dynamic paths.
Local Path: Specify the directory on your local network or SSIS server. This can point directly to a file connection manager or a local folder path variable.
File Filter / Wildcard: If you are transferring multiple files, use wildcards to filter them (e.g., .csv to transfer all CSV files or Inventory_.txt). Step 5: Configure Advanced and Security Settings
To ensure smooth automation, review the operational settings within the task editor:
Overwriting Rules: Decide what the task should do if a file with the same name already exists in the destination folder. Options usually include Overwrite, Append, or Skip.
Stop on Error: Toggle whether the entire SSIS package should fail immediately if a single file transfer fails or if a connection drop occurs.
Transfer Mode: Ensure the transfer mode is set correctly. Use Binary for images, zip files, and compiled documents, or ASCII for plain text files if format conversion is required. Step 6: Test and Validate the Task
Click OK to save your configurations. Connect the SFTP component to the rest of your control flow using precedence constraints (the green, red, or blue arrows). Right-click the SFTP task and select Execute Task to run it individually and verify that your files transfer successfully without errors.
To help tailor this guide or troubleshoot your setup, please tell me:
Which third-party vendor component are you using (e.g., CozyRoc, KingswaySoft, WinSCP script)?
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