In an SAP BW source system, which transaction is primarily used to display and maintain DataSources before they are replicated to BW?

Introduction / Context:
In SAP BW projects, DataSources in the SAP ERP source system define which data fields and structures are available for extraction to BW. Several transactions exist with similar names, each serving a different purpose in the lifecycle of a DataSource. Knowing which one is used to display and maintain DataSources is essential for correctly configuring and troubleshooting the BW data flow, and is a frequent topic in certification questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• There is an SAP ERP or other SAP source system connected to BW.
• DataSources are used to extract data from this source system into BW staging and InfoProviders.
• Different transactions exist, such as RSA3, RSA4, RSA5, and RSA6, each with a specific role.
• The question asks which transaction is primarily used to display and maintain DataSources.

Concept / Approach:
Transaction RSA6 is the main tool in the source system for displaying and maintaining DataSources that are available to BW. In RSA6, you can see the list of DataSources organised by Application Component, review their structures, and in some cases modify properties or fields. RSA5 is used to activate DataSources from business content, RSA3 is used to test extractions, and RSA4 has different functions depending on system release. Understanding this separation of responsibilities helps you choose the correct transaction for each task.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that RSA6 is traditionally known as the central maintenance transaction for DataSources in the SAP ERP source system. Step 2: Recall that RSA5 is associated mainly with activating business content DataSources, not with general maintenance. Step 3: Recall that RSA3 is the extractor checker transaction for testing DataSource extractions, not for maintaining them. Step 4: From the answer choices, identify the option that explicitly links RSA6 to displaying and maintaining DataSources. Step 5: Select option c as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
In a live SAP ERP system, if you execute RSA6 you will see a hierarchical view of Application Components and, beneath them, the associated DataSources. You can select a DataSource to view its fields, check its extraction structure, and perform certain maintenance actions. None of the other listed transactions provide this primary maintenance overview. RSA3 focuses on extraction tests, RSA5 on activation of content, and RSA4 is used for other tasks. This empirical behaviour confirms that RSA6 is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a misrepresents RSA4, which is not the standard extraction test transaction. Option b describes RSA5, which is indeed related to business content activation but not to general DataSource maintenance. Option d incorrectly assigns the role of application component hierarchy definition to RSA3, which is actually used for extractor testing. Option e is wrong because DataSources are not maintained simply as database tables in SE11; they have specific metadata and extractor logic that are managed through DataSource transactions.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse RSA3 and RSA6 because both involve DataSources. The key difference is that RSA3 tests extraction, whereas RSA6 displays and maintains DataSources. Another pitfall is assuming that all tasks can be done in one transaction, leading to frustration when the expected options are not available. For exam preparation, associate RSA6 with DataSource maintenance, RSA3 with extraction tests, and RSA5 with business content activation.

Final Answer:
The transaction primarily used to display and maintain DataSources in the source system is RSA6, which shows and maintains DataSources that will be made available to SAP BW.