Import XML to SQL Server Automatically
Looking to import data from XML to SQL Server?
Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise provides everything you need to automate the data import without writing custom scripts. Visually map and transform your fields, then run the Import immediately or schedule it to repeat automatically.
Video Tutorial
Watch a general data-import walkthrough showing how to connect databases, map fields, and run an import in Advanced ETL Processor.
How to Import XML into SQL Server - Step-by-Step
1. Launch Advanced ETL Processor
Open the Enterprise Edition. Under Tools > Connections, create connections for:
- XML File (input)
- SQL Server Database (output)
2. Create a New Transformation
Right-click on a transformation group and select New to open a new transformation canvas.
3. Configure XML Reader
- Drag the XML Reader onto the canvas if necessary
- Double-click to open Properties
- Select the XML file you want to import
- Select Table and Record XML Tags
4. Configure SQL Server Writer
- Drag the SQL Server Writer onto the canvas if necessary
- Double-click to open Properties
- Select the SQL Server connection and target table
5. Map and Transform Fields
Use AutoMap or manually map XML elements to table columns. You can also:
- Reformat data (dates, numbers)
- Clean strings (trim, replace)
- Apply conditional logic and formulas
6. Run the Import
Click Execute to load data into SQL Server. Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to review the imported results.
7. Automate and Monitor
- Use the built-in scheduler for recurring imports
- Trigger on file availability or time-based intervals
- Enable error logging, rollback, and alert notifications
Useful links for this import
Start with the Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise overview, then download the fully functional 30-day trial. The import-data hub lists the other XML import workflows.
FAQ
Can Advanced ETL Processor import XML to SQL Server?
Yes. Advanced ETL Processor can read XML, map fields, validate data, write to SQL Server, and log the import.
Do I need to write scripts for the import?
No scripting is required for the normal import workflow. You can configure the reader, writer, mapping, validation, and schedule visually.
Can the XML import run on a schedule?
Yes. The package can run on a schedule, process matching XML files, archive originals, and write rows to SQL Server with the same validation rules each time.
Can imported data be transformed before loading?
Yes. You can clean values, convert data types, calculate fields, split columns, and apply lookup rules before writing to the target.
Can bad rows be logged or rejected?
Yes. Add validation rules so rejected rows, failed files, row counts, and error details are visible after each run.
What should I check before the first production import?
Check source layout, target table, key fields, data types, date formats, write mode, archive folder, and failure handling.
When should I not automate the import yet?
Do not automate it until the source layout, target table, key fields, and bad-row handling are clear. Automation repeats rules; it does not invent them.
Can I test the import before buying?
Yes. Download the fully functional 30-day trial, build one small import, and test it with a deliberately awkward sample file.
Automate Your XML-to-SQL Server Imports
Download the fully functional 30-day trial and build your first import using your own XML and SQL Server databases.
Direct download. No registration required.