Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Using the LISTSCHEMA transaction to display the technical schema of the InfoCube, including dimension and master data table relationships.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
In SAP BW, InfoCubes are central multi dimensional structures that hold aggregated data for reporting. Understanding the technical design of an InfoCube, including which dimensions and master data tables are linked to it, is important for troubleshooting, performance tuning, and exam questions. SAP provides specific transactions for viewing data, checking consistency, and inspecting schema definitions. You need to know which transaction is used to display the technical schema of an InfoCube.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Different transactions in BW have specialised purposes. LISTCUBE shows data records, RSRV is used for data and index consistency checks, and LISTSCHEMA provides a technical view of an InfoCube schema. LISTSCHEMA shows which tables belong to the cube, how dimensions are implemented, and how master data tables are linked. This is particularly useful when analysing performance issues or verifying that the technical model matches the logical design defined in the Administrator Workbench.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that LISTCUBE is used primarily for displaying transactional data records along selected dimensions and key figures.
Step 2: Recall that RSRV is focused on running checks for consistency and correctness of data and indexes, not on structural display.
Step 3: Recognise that LISTSCHEMA is the transaction designed to present the schema of an InfoCube, including its technical tables and dimension structure.
Step 4: Compare the options and choose the one that explicitly mentions LISTSCHEMA as showing the technical schema, dimension tables, and master data table relationships.
Step 5: Select option a as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
In a real system, if you execute LISTSCHEMA for an InfoCube, the output will list the fact table, dimension tables, and associated master data tables. This allows you to see how the InfoCube is physically structured in the database. By contrast, if you run LISTCUBE you will see sample data rows, and if you run RSRV you will see check results rather than a schema view. This practical behaviour confirms that LISTSCHEMA is the appropriate tool when the goal is to inspect the cube schema and its relationship with master data tables.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is incorrect because RSRV is used for performing checks and does not serve as a schema viewer. Option c is wrong because LISTCUBE focuses on data content, not the underlying table structure. Option d is misleading because RSA1 is the main administration transaction, but it does not replace LISTSCHEMA as a detailed schema display tool. Option e describes using SE11 to inspect individual tables, which is possible but does not provide an integrated InfoCube schema view and is not the standard recommended method.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to rely solely on LISTCUBE for understanding cubes, which can hide structural problems that do not directly appear in data displays. Another pitfall is to think that RSRV, because it relates to InfoCubes, must be the right choice for any cube related question, even when the question is specifically about schema viewing. For exam purposes, remember that LISTSCHEMA is the transaction that reveals the technical schema of an InfoCube, including dimensions and master data links.
Final Answer:
To check the technical definition of an InfoCube, you use the LISTSCHEMA transaction, which displays the schema of the InfoCube including its dimensions and related master data tables.
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