Hi...yes, correct, you'd use the Execute SQL Task on the Control flow to truncate a table first.

SSIS is such an awesome tool....however, the learning curve is in figuring how all the spots where you can "hook" in your code. To date, there's little I haven't been able to do in SSIS....though sometimes it's required a bit of elbow grease. The scripting model in 2008 is better than 2005.

The book you mentioned is good...the most complicated example in the book was maybe still a bit simpler than I expected, given some of Brian Knight's other works...but still, it's a good place to start.

MS re-wrote the pipeline model in 2008, which means things that were discouraged in 2005 are now possible.

Now...most people use the wizard at the very very beginning, which is fine for getting started. Ultimately, you'll find yourself going right into the package.

I'm no longer involved in any Apress books.