Task Factory Speeds Development
Overall Satisfaction with Task Factory
We have been using Task Factory to better standardize our ETL and to reduce the number of script tasks leveraged. It is primarily used for data flow and control flow tasks, although some connections are used as well. This is used as a standard, centralized tool within IT, along with other 3rd party SSIS tools.
Pros
- Email notifications.
- File management.
Cons
- User defined settings for external package calls.
- Better software update methodology.
- Faster development has reduced the amount of time it takes for some tasks.
- Fewer script tasks make maintenance and administration easier.
COZYROC has a few more connectors, but Task Factory's focus on tasks is a better overall fit for us. ZappySys had some compelling features around web services which seemed a bit more robust, but that was not our primary interest at the time of purchase. Basically, all of these sets have similar features, but some are complementary. Depending on your ETL needs, more than one such product may be required.
SolarWinds Task Factory Feature Ratings
Task Factory Business Processes
- File transfers to facilitate EDI processes (SFTP)
- Salesforce integration with our data warehouse using Task Factory connectors
- Enhanced e-mail functionality, used for error handling and end-user delivery
- Performance using advanced lookup and caching
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Prior Experience with the Product
Product features was the biggest. The ability to execute packages across projects effectively was a large selling point. Lookup caching also has made a significant difference in our load times. These were the two major features that allowed us to greatly improve efficiency of our ETL processes, both from an overall time standpoint as well as modularization and re-runnability.
Evaluating Task Factory and Competitors
Yes - We are in the process of replacing Cozyroc with Task Factory. Essentially Task Factory has given us all of the components we required from Cozyroc, in addition to several more components that they do not currently provide. Cozyroc has a large number of connectors, but in my opinion, Task Factory has better control and data flow components. We do not need most of the Cozyroc connectors, but found immediate use for a number of the Task Factory components that did not have a parallel in Cozyroc.
We also reviewed Kingsway and Zappysys. Both also have complementary functionality. We may bring Zappysys into our ecosystem as well due primarily to their extensive web services and xml parsing capabilities.
We also reviewed Kingsway and Zappysys. Both also have complementary functionality. We may bring Zappysys into our ecosystem as well due primarily to their extensive web services and xml parsing capabilities.
I don't think we would change the evaluation process. The vendor provided support during our proof of concept, and provided full functionality of the tool. For a specialized software package like this, nothing beats kicking the tires in your own environment, and solving known issues as the proof of concept. We did not have a formal demo of Task Factory, which is something I would normally do for a product with a broader scope.
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