SSIS Error Code DTS_E_CANNOTINSERTNULL: Attempted to insert a null value into a column

 The error code DTS_E_CANNOTINSERTNULL indicates that there is an attempt to insert a NULL value into a column that does not allow NULL values. This typically happens when the SSIS package processes data and encounters a NULL value that it tries to insert into a non-nullable column in the destination.

Steps to Diagnose and Resolve the Issue

1. Identify the Affected Column:

   • Review the detailed error message to identify the column that is causing the issue. The error message should specify which column cannot accept NULL values.

2. Check Source Data:

   • Inspect the source data to determine if there are NULL values in the column that maps to the non-nullable destination column.

3. Add Data Cleansing Logic:

   • Add transformations in your SSIS package to handle NULL values before they are inserted into the destination.

4. Update Destination Column:

   • If appropriate, modify the destination table schema to allow NULL values for the affected column. This should be done with caution and based on the business requirements.

5. Use Default Values:

   • Assign default values to columns when NULL values are encountered, using transformations like Derived Column.

Example Scenario and Solutions

Scenario: A column in the source data contains NULL values, but the corresponding column in the destination table is defined as NOT NULL.

Solutions:

1. Using Derived Column Transformation:

   • Use a Derived Column transformation to replace NULL values with a default value before inserting into the destination table.

   ISNULL([SourceColumn]) ? "DefaultValue" : [SourceColumn]

2. Using Data Conversion Transformation:

   • Convert NULL values to a suitable default value using a Data Conversion transformation.

3. Handling Nulls in SQL Query:

   • If the source is a database, modify the SQL query to handle NULL values before they are fetched by the SSIS package.

   SELECT ISNULL(SourceColumn, 'DefaultValue') AS SourceColumn
   FROM SourceTable
   

Example SSIS Package Configuration

1. Add a Derived Column Transformation:

   • Drag a Derived Column transformation onto the Data Flow task.
   • Configure the Derived Column transformation to replace NULL values with a default value.

   [DerivedColumn] = ISNULL([SourceColumn]) ? "DefaultValue" : [SourceColumn]

2. Update the Data Flow:

   • Ensure that the data flow path includes the Derived Column transformation before reaching the destination component.

Sample Package Configuration

1. Data Flow Task:
   • Source Component: OLE DB Source
   • Transformation: Derived Column
     • Derived Column Name: ReplacedColumn
     • Expression: ISNULL([SourceColumn]) ? "DefaultValue" : [SourceColumn]
   • Destination Component: OLE DB Destination
     • Map ReplacedColumn to the non-nullable column in the destination table

Example SQL Query

If your source is an SQL table, you can handle NULLs directly in your query:

SELECT 
    ISNULL(SourceColumn, 'DefaultValue') AS SourceColumn
FROM 
    SourceTable

By handling NULL values appropriately in your SSIS package, you can prevent the DTS_E_CANNOTINSERTNULL error and ensure smooth data flow into your destination. 

SSIS Error DTS_E_PRODUCTLEVELTOLOW: The SSIS product level is too low to perform the requested operation

 The error DTS_E_PRODUCTLEVELTOLOW: The SSIS product level is too low to perform the requested operation occurs when you attempt to execute an SSIS package that requires features available only in higher editions of SQL Server, but the current environment is running a lower edition that does not support those features.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Identify the Edition of SQL Server:

   • Determine the current edition of SQL Server that you are using. This can be done by querying the server properties or checking through SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

   SELECT SERVERPROPERTY('Edition');

2. Check the Features Used in the SSIS Package:

   • Review the SSIS package to identify which features are being used. Features like advanced transformations, data mining tasks, and some connectors might only be available in the Enterprise or Developer editions of SQL Server.

3. Compare Editions and Features:

   • Compare the features required by your SSIS package with the features supported by your current edition of SQL Server. Microsoft provides a detailed comparison of features across different SQL Server editions.

4. Upgrade SQL Server Edition:

   • If the required features are not supported by your current edition, consider upgrading to a higher edition of SQL Server that supports those features. This might involve upgrading to the Standard, Enterprise, or Developer edition.

5. Modify the SSIS Package:

   • If upgrading is not an option, you might need to modify the SSIS package to avoid using the unsupported features. This can involve finding alternative approaches or simpler transformations that are supported in your current edition.

SQL Server Edition Features

Here’s a brief overview of some features and their availability in different SQL Server editions:

• Express Edition: Basic data management and BI, with limited features.
• Standard Edition: Core database management and BI capabilities.
• Enterprise Edition: Comprehensive high-end data center capabilities, high scalability, and performance.
• Developer Edition: Same features as Enterprise Edition but licensed for development and testing only.

Example: Checking the SQL Server Edition

To check your SQL Server edition, you can run the following query:

SELECT SERVERPROPERTY('Edition'), SERVERPROPERTY('ProductVersion');

Example: Identifying Unsupported Features

If your SSIS package uses advanced features like Change Data Capture (CDC), Data Mining, or certain advanced transformations, and you are running SQL Server Express or Standard Edition, you will encounter the DTS_E_PRODUCTLEVELTOLOW error.

Upgrading SQL Server Edition

To upgrade SQL Server, follow these general steps:

1. Backup Databases: Always start by backing up all databases and important configurations.
2. Obtain the Higher Edition: Purchase and obtain the installation media for the higher edition of SQL Server.
3. Run the Upgrade Installation: Launch the SQL Server installation and select the upgrade option. Follow the prompts to upgrade the existing instance to the new edition.

Modifying the SSIS Package

If upgrading is not an option, you may need to:

1. Remove Unsupported Tasks: Identify and remove tasks that are not supported by your current edition.
2. Replace Unsupported Transformations: Find alternative ways to perform the same transformations using supported features.
3. Simplify the Package: Simplify the package to use only the features available in your current edition.

Example of Modifying the SSIS Package

Suppose you are using the CDC Control Task, which is not available in the Standard Edition. You could modify the package to use a different method for tracking changes, such as using a custom mechanism with timestamps or triggers.

By identifying the features your SSIS package requires and ensuring they are supported by your SQL Server edition, you can resolve the DTS_E_PRODUCTLEVELTOLOW error.