When you configure multiple partitions in a session using a flat file target, the Integration Service creates a separate flat file for each partition. Some external loaders cannot load data from multiple files. When you use an external loader in a session with multiple partitions, you must configure the target partition type according to the external loader you use.

When you use an external loader that can load data from multiple files, you can choose any partition type available for a flat file target. You also choose an external loader connection for each partition. The Integration Service creates an output file for each partition, and the external loader loads the output from each target file to the database. Use any partition type for the target when you use the following loaders:

If you use a loader that cannot load from multiple files, use round-robin partitioning to route the data to a single target file. You choose an external loader connection for each partition. However, the Integration Service uses the loader connection for the first partition. The Integration Service creates a single output file, and the external loader loads the output from the target file to the database. If you choose any other partition type for the target, the Integration Service fails the session. Use round-robin partition type for the target when you use the following loaders: