This tutorial shows how to use the Is In List validation rule before updating SQL records from Excel, so only approved values change the target table.
What You Will Learn
- Read update values from an Excel source file.
- Check each value against an allowed list before writing to SQL.
- Use Is In List validation when the acceptable values are known in advance.
- Keep rejected rows visible for review instead of silently changing the database.
Before You Start
Open the sample workflow or prepare a small test file before applying the pattern to production data. It is easier to fix a test file than a Monday morning reporting run.
Is In List Docs For Conditional Updates
The Is In List validation rule is useful when the update must be limited to known values. If the source spreadsheet says a status should become Approved, Rejected, or Pending, the rule can check that before the SQL update runs. Databases prefer fewer surprises. So do the people who have to explain them on Monday morning.
The validation documentation covers the Is In List rule, how the video tutorial fits the rule, and the related Is Value in the Database validation for database-backed checks.
Use Is In List when the allowed values are fixed or can be loaded into the rule. For broader validation work, also review working with the Validator and the wider miscellaneous validation rules.
Need Advanced ETL Processor First?
Download the Advanced ETL Processor trial before following the tutorial, or review Enterprise if you need scheduled unattended execution.