You wont need to create a config file for the master package, only the child packages. The master package should have variables, these will hold the values that you want to pass to the child packages. In the child packages, create variables there as well to catch the values that the parent package variables will pass to the child packages. Right click in the control flow area and select 'package configuration..' , then Add, then follow the wizard. The configuration type will be 'parent package variable.' This is where you map the values between the variables of the child and parent packages (make certain data types match). With this complete in your child package you are free to use your local variables in expressions (for ole db connection 'servername' property for example) as you normally do.