A method for inserting rows into a target table can include receiving a database command, the database command associated with a base table with at least one row to copy to a target table; receiving an indication that use of a BULK insert mode is feasible for the database command; based on the indication, and determining that an insert mode for the database command has been converted from a non-bulk insert mode to the BULK insert mode: reading a row from the base table; building the row read from the base table into an allocated row buffer; inserting the row into the target table in the BULK insert mode; and if it is determined that the allocated row buffer is full, updating at least one index in parallel with the inserting.