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SSMS Data Import Tool

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT | Recorded: 2024-08-29 | Verify against current system state

Abstract

Demonstrates using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Import Flat File wizard to import CSV data into SQL Server. Covers the complete workflow including database selection, temporary table naming conventions, data type configuration, and post-import verification. Also mentions merging imported data with existing queries using Python scripts.

Key Procedures

  • Open SSMS and connect to SQL Server database
  • Right-click database > Tasks > Import Flat File
  • Select CSV file for import
  • Rename table using temp naming convention: temp_YYYYMMDD_description
  • Preview data columns and verify expected content
  • Configure column data types (varchar, int, date)
  • Set allow nulls as appropriate
  • Exclude unnecessary columns (optional)
  • Set primary key column
  • Execute import and verify success
  • Refresh object explorer to view new table
  • Query imported data to verify

Notable Statements

  • 0:00:07 "SSMS is a Microsoft application you can pull down and install"
  • 0:00:13 "It's pretty bulky compared to Azure Data Studio or anything else"
  • 0:00:25 "When you need to do a ton of stuff with SQL Server, it's the thing to go to"
  • 0:00:29 "I can manage a schedule tasks and logging and backups and all kinds of things here"
  • 0:01:25 "This is important on this step... it's saying I'm going to create a new table titled the same thing as your file name"
  • 0:01:42 "What I want is to use our standard naming convention"
  • 0:01:47 "We call our temporary tables temp underscore today's date and then a description"
  • 0:02:61 "This is the in reach unique ID. So I could just decide to exclude that"
  • 0:03:04 "One thing I do need to do is change it from 50 to like 255 or something" (varchar length)
  • 0:04:08 "If it fails and I have it fail all the time, you can just go back to whatever step you need"
  • 0:04:17 "If it failed because something had a null value and you didn't click allow nulls"
  • 0:04:53 "It's not going to show up immediately unless I log out and log back in"

Systems & Configurations

Systems Mentioned

  • SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
  • Azure Data Studio (mentioned as alternative)
  • SQL Server (production database)
  • Python (for data merging scripts)
  • InReach (source system for merge data)

Specific Configurations

Item Value/Setting Timestamp Notes
Temp table naming temp_YYYYMMDD_description 0:01:47 Standard convention
Schema Default (dbo) 0:02:12 Leave as is
Example varchar length 255 or max 0:03:04 Increase from default 50
Customer ID field Optional to exclude 0:02:61 InReach unique ID
Total courses field Integer 0:03:23 Data type change
Completed date field Date, allow nulls 0:03:25 Data type change
Person ID Primary key 0:03:41 Required for merge

Credentials/Access Mentioned

  • Direct production database access via SSMS

Vendor Contacts Mentioned

None mentioned in this recording.

Errors & Troubleshooting

  • Issue: Import fails due to null values
  • Cause: Allow nulls not selected for column
  • Resolution: Go back in wizard and enable allow nulls

  • Timestamp: 0:04:17

  • Issue: Table not visible after import

  • Cause: IntelliSense cache not refreshed
  • Resolution: Log out and log back in, or manually refresh
  • Timestamp: 0:04:53

Transcript Gaps & Quality Notes

  • Short demonstration recording (6 minutes)
  • Screen sharing of SSMS wizard not captured in audio
  • Reference to merge with existing query using Python
  • Recording cuts off before Python merge completion
  • InReach merge data as specific use case shown