Exporting DateTime Columns with SSIS: A Complete Guide to CSV Format

Learn how to effectively export `DateTime` type columns from SQL Server to CSV format using SSIS, ensuring your data is represented as time and date in the correct format.
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Exporting DateTime Columns with SSIS: A Complete Guide to CSV Format

When working with data in SQL Server, it’s common to encounter DateTime fields. However, when tasked with exporting this data to a CSV format using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), you might face some challenges, especially if you want the data to appear in a certain way, such as separating time and date into distinct columns. This guide will help you understand how to effectively export these DateTime type columns and ensure they are formatted correctly in your CSV output.

The Problem

Typically, DateTime values are exported in their original format, which may not meet your specific requirements. For instance, you might need:

Time to appear in a hh:mm tt format (e.g., 08:30 AM)

Date to be formatted as dd-MM-yyyy (e.g., 10-05-2022)

Additionally, after setting your Data type in the Flat File Connection Manager to DT_DBTIME and DT_DBDATE, those settings don’t seem to persist when you reopen the connection. This can lead to frustration, as the data doesn't export as intended.

Understanding the Solution

The good news is that you can overcome these challenges by ensuring that your export process correctly identifies your data types and formats. Follow these guidelines:

1. Use FORMAT in SQL Server

First, you must format the columns correctly in your query when creating a view that SSIS will use as a data source. Here’s how to do so:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

By using FORMAT, the output becomes string types, which is crucial for the data pipeline.

2. Check Data Type Settings in SSIS

When you set up your SSIS package, it’s vital to verify the data types that the pipeline is recognizing. You can do this by:

Double-clicking the pipeline components between the source and destination.

Confirming that the columns for time and date are classified as Unicode String (DT_WSTR).

3. Configure Flat File Connection Manager

When you configure your Flat File Connection Manager:

Make sure to keep the column types as string. This is important because the actual data type is DateTime, but you want a specific string representation.

Adjust the format settings to match your needs before exporting.

Here’s how your exported CSV might look:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

4. Use Derived Columns if Necessarily

If you are still facing issues with the above methods, consider using Derived Columns in SSIS. This allows you to customize the output format directly within the data flow.

Conclusion

Exporting DateTime fields to CSV using SSIS while maintaining a specific format requires careful handling of data types and metadata. By following the steps outlined above—formatting your query correctly, checking data types in the pipeline, and accurately configuring your Flat File Connection Manager—you can ensure that your data is exported in the desired time and date formats.

This will help avoid common pitfalls and achieve a successful export process that meets your project requirements.

If you have any further questions or require additional information on SSIS or SQL Server, feel free to reach out!

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