How do you automate SSAS testing with Visual Studio and SSIS?

1 Visual Studio Test Projects

Visual Studio is the integrated development environment (IDE) for SSAS, and it also supports creating and managing test projects. A test project is a collection of test classes and methods that can test various aspects of an SSAS solution, such as cube structure, dimensions, measures, calculations, queries, and security. You can use the built-in SSAS test templates or create your own custom tests using C# or Visual Basic. You can also use the Test Explorer window to run, debug, and analyze your tests.

2 SSIS Data Flow Tasks

SSIS is the data integration and transformation tool for SQL Server, and it also enables you to automate SSAS testing by using data flow tasks. A data flow task is a component that can move and manipulate data from various sources and destinations. You can use data flow tasks to execute SSAS queries, extract expected and actual results, and compare them using conditional logic or fuzzy logic. You can also use data flow tasks to load test data, backup and restore SSAS databases, and perform other operations related to SSAS testing.

3 SSIS Script Tasks

SSIS also allows you to use script tasks to automate SSAS testing by using custom code. A script task is a component that can execute code written in C# or Visual Basic. You can use script tasks to perform tasks that are not supported by the built-in SSIS components, such as invoking SSAS commands, accessing SSAS metadata, generating dynamic queries, or sending notifications. You can also use script tasks to integrate with external tools or libraries, such as NUnit, XMLA, or AMO.

4 SSIS Package Configurations

SSIS package configurations are a way to store and manage the settings and parameters of your SSIS packages. You can use package configurations to make your SSIS packages more flexible and adaptable to different environments, such as development, testing, and production. You can use package configurations to specify the connection strings, file paths, variable values, or expressions that your SSIS packages use. You can also use package configurations to enable or disable certain tasks or components based on the environment or the test scenario.

6 SSIS Package Reporting

SSIS package reporting is the process of generating and presenting the results and outcomes of your SSIS packages and SSAS tests. You can use various tools and formats to create and deliver your SSIS package reports, such as the SSRS report server, the SSRS report builder, the Excel workbook, the XML file, or the email message. You can also customize your SSIS package reports to include the information and metrics that are relevant and useful for your SSAS testing objectives, such as the test name, the test status, the test duration, the test error, or the test comparison.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?