You could just use row_number() - no need to compare the previous values.

row_number() over(partition by CustNo order by validFrom asc, validTo desc)

If you have ties on validFrom - the one...

I've always liked the idea of assigning a unique standard alias for every table and always using it.  You can add a 1, 2, etc., if you need to...

I am a bit confused by this request - as agent jobs are normally setup with a schedule and run on that schedule.  How are you going to determine that...

You could use TRY_CAST or TRY_CONVERT to attempt to convert the value to an appropriate date data type (date, datetime).  You would have to build the code to attempt to...

I would be very careful about adding check constraints or triggers to a vendor supplied and supported table.  If the vendor has signed off on you making this change, then...

What is the purpose of this view - and where will this view live?  Another option is to create a view in each database that provides the information you are...

My preference is option 1 - as it separates SSRS from all data source systems.  It can be upgraded independently from any other data source and isn't tied to one...

This is confusing - because the first error appears to be trying to use a linked server.  There is no reason to use a linked server from SSIS - you...

I think you have made this more difficult than it needs to be...

If you create a stored procedure to run the SSIS package from the catalog - then grant execute...

You might want to review this article: https://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/auto-assign-column-data-types-for-flat-file-source-import

It outlines a method of using the destination table to define a destination and then 'swapping' that for a...

You cannot "trick" it; CSV is unformatted data.  Excel is trying to be helpful because it THOUGHT it was a numeric value.

I don't think there is any way...

This is really an Excel issue - but there is a simple trick to get Excel to treat it as a text value.  Prepend a single-quote to field - for...

You might want to review this article: https://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/auto-assign-column-data-types-for-flat-file-source-import

It outlines a method of using the destination table to define a destination and then 'swapping' that for a source and retains the...

For those saying that, I recognize that issue.  The answer is always  "NO" unless you ask.  Like I said, rewrite the code (a copy of the code, for sure!)...

I would recommend the following:

1. Don't drop the indexes - disable the NC indexes prior to load
2. Make sure you set an appropriate batch/commit size and use tablock on the...